Do you ever feel like your mind keeps spinning around an unfinished task, preventing you from focusing on other things? This phenomenon is known as the "Zeigarnik" effect and it reveals one of the most important secrets of how our brain works.
What is the "Zeigarnik" effect??
The name of this effect comes from Russian psychologist Bluma Zeigarnik, who noticed that waiters in restaurants remember unpaid orders well, but once the orders are paid, the details are forgotten. This is because our brains are programmed to store unfinished information, making it easier to come back to it until we finally shut it down.
Examples from everyday life?
The "Zeigarnik" effect appears in many aspects of our daily life. You may have noticed that:
- When you leave a book in the middle, the story continues to "haunt" you.
- A new episode of your favorite series ends with a tense moment, leaving you waiting for more.
- Even after a busy day at work, thoughts about the tasks you have not completed continue to bother you.
How does this phenomenon work??
When a task remains unfinished, the brain creates cognitive tension. This tension prompts us to think about that task over and over again, helping us to store it in our short-term memory. This mechanism is useful, as it motivates us to finish the work started.
Benefits of the "Zeigarnik" effect?
The "Zeigarnik" effect is not just a psychological phenomenon; it has significant impacts on everyday life. Its use can help in:
Effective study: Use this effect by splitting your study sessions. By studying for a short time and then doing something else, you can improve your memory for the information.
Managing task procrastination: Start with small steps on a task that you have been putting off for a long time. After a start, you'll feel motivated to keep working and finish it.
Creating interest: Marketing and movies often use this effect. Coaches and producers know how to grab the audience's attention by leaving stories unfinished, thus creating a need to keep following.
Stress care?
However, the impact of this effect is not always positive. If you have too many unfinished tasks, they can cause stress and anxiety. Therefore, it is important to manage these thoughts and focus on completing tasks to achieve a sense of calm.
The "Zeigarnik" effect shows us how our mind works in a complicated way, helping us understand the importance of completing tasks. Use this effect to improve your memory and achieve your goals. If you manage it properly, this effect can become a powerful ally in your daily life, helping you finish what you started and achieve more success.
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