Seriously, Get Rid of Your To Do List Now Before it Destroys You

Ari M February 9, 2012 Posts 3 Comments

A few days ago I wrote this post about getting rid of your “to do” list and replacing it with a streamlined inbox and a few useful web apps. I just found out about the Zeigarnik Effect which basically says “The Zeigarnik Effect is the tendency to experience intrusive thoughts about an objective that was once pursued and left incomplete (Baumeister & Bushman, 2008, pg. 122). The automatic system signals the conscious mind, which may be focused on new goals, that a previous activity was left incomplete. It seems to be human nature to finish what we start and, if it is not finished, we experience dissonance.“

So it’s bad enough that your subconscious is working to distract you and remind you that you aren’t getting stuff done, don’t smack yourself in the face with a constant visual reminder of all the tasks that you have to do. Get rid of your static to do list and only deal with things that are timely and in the now. Practice “out of sight, out of mind.” You’ll get more done, and be happier.

About The Author

Ari M

In 2006, I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease. Crohn's is an incurable disease of the digestive tract. My case was severe, and required over a dozen daily medications and several hospital visits. After reaching a personal low point in hospital, I decided he would do everything in my power to strengthen my by then weak body. Through a combination of yoga, nutrition, natural supplements and rigorous exercise (Ironman and Crossfit) i was able to fight back the symptoms of Crohn's until I was finally able to suspend my medication. Eventually I was declared free of all traces of the 'incurable' disease, and competed in Ironman France in June of 2011. I has since spoken at seminars and at a regional TED Talk about my struggle against a seemingly insurmountable opponent. Through the process of data collection, self tracking, and analysis, I helped develop Less Doing. This was a way of dealing with the daily stresses of life by optimizing, automating, and outsourcing all of my tasks in life and business. Now I focus on Achievement Architecture, helping individuals be more effective at everything.

Trackbacks

Don’t Try To Prioritize, Work On Your Timing | The Art of Less Doing - Ari Meisel says:
March 25, 2012 at 3:03 pm
[...] at length how you should get rid of your to do list immediately and the harmful effects of the Zeigarnik Effect which is that voice in our subconscious that nags at us to finish the unfinished. People often [...]
Use Zeigarnik Like Tabata Through Pomodoros says:
August 27, 2012 at 1:49 pm
[...] spoken before about how the dreaded Zeigarnik Effect can make to do lists extremely inefficient and stop you from getting things done. The Zeigarnik [...]
Where to Begin - Clean Inbox and the Forgotten To Do List says:
October 13, 2012 at 2:15 am
[...] by choosing their own workweek but a lot of people just want to know how to deal with email and get rid of their to do list. So here it is in as few steps and as simply put as I possibly [...]