It reveals a great deal about how memory works. Zeigarnik suggested that failing to complete a task creates underlying cognitive tension. This results in greater mental effort and rehearsal in order to keep the task at the forefront of awareness. Once completed, the mind is then able to let go of these efforts.
You can even use this psychological phenomenon to your advantage.
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Similar ideas to The Zeigarnik effect and memory
It suggests that not finishing a task creates mental tension, which keeps it at the forefront of our memory.
The only thing that will relieve this tension is the closure brought on by completion of the task.
Our brains are hard-wired to keep us thinking about our unfinished tasks until we’ve completed them.
This psychological phenomenon is called the Zeigarnik Effect.
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