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INSIDE THIS ISSUE Oscar-Winning Legal Dramas That Stand the Test of Time PAGE 1
How Burnout Can Signal Depression
PAGE 2 PAGE 2 PAGE 3 PAGE 3 PAGE 3 PAGE 4
A Streamlined Focus on Family Flow
New Family Aquatic Sports for Summer Fun
Take a Break
Testimonial
Meet Procrastination’s Worst Enemy
Procrastination Got You Down? The Zeigarnik Effect Could Be the Key to Your Success
Take a moment to reflect on your high school years. Were you the student who completed all your assignments well before the deadline? Or were you the student waiting until the last second to get started? Maybe you thought you could still do it in time with a passing grade, or perhaps you didn’t know where to begin. Regardless of the reason, you procrastinated. Many people associate procrastination with schoolwork, but you can procrastinate about work, household chores, and even fun experiences like vacation planning. Those who struggle with procrastination have likely tried countless strategies to improve their efforts, from adjusting their environment to utilizing time management applications.
However, we often overlook one strategy that’s been around for over a century. The next time you procrastinate, try using the Zeigarnik Effect to your advantage. The Zeigarnik Effect is a phenomenon wherein people remember unfinished tasks better than completed ones. Here’s how it works: When you have tasks you need to do, don’t commit to finishing them in a day or assigning yourself a deadline. Instead, commit to doing them for five minutes. Once those five minutes have passed, you can step away from the task. However, oftentimes, you continue working because you’ve found your flow and don’t want to leave it unfinished.
breaking them down into smaller steps. Each time you accomplish one of the smaller tasks, you gain motivation to continue your project. If you need to step away from your desk for more than a few minutes, write down the unfinished task. Doing so will keep it at the top of your mind, ensuring you return later to finish. This strategy shifts your mindset and increases productivity while avoiding the stress of starting something new. Unfortunately, procrastination can be a roadblock to a happier, more fulfilling life. So, if other strategies have failed you previously, try the Zeigarnik Effect!
If you continue to leave your tasks unfinished after starting them, try
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