The Zeigarnik Effect - Deepstash
How To Become a Better Decision-Maker

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Understanding the importance of decision-making

Identifying biases that affect decision-making

Analyzing the potential outcomes of a decision

How To Become a Better Decision-Maker

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The Zeigarnik Effect

This effect describes our tendency to remember incomplete or interrupted tasks better than completed tasks. Each unfinished task takes up some of your attention, splitting your focus. It also interferes with your sleep.

What you can do about it:

  • Write your tasks down as soon as they come to you.
  • Have a system in place for organizing and regularly reviewing your tasks.
  • Have an end of work shutdown ritual, so your unfinished tasks don't stay in your mind after-hours.
  • Take a small step to help you get started. The act of starting can help you keep going to the end.
  • Don't forget to review your completed tasks and celebrate what you've already accomplished.

1.31K

3.68K reads

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We All Tend To Make The Same Mental Mistakes

We All Tend To Make The Same Mental Mistakes

Economists used to believe that people will always choose the option that maximizes their well-being. But people act against their rational self-interest all the time.

We procrastinate and eat junk food and say yes to the things we don't have time for. Two Israeli psycholo...

1.2K

6.85K reads

The Mere Urgency Effect

This bias addresses why we do unimportant tasks we think are time-sensitive over tasks that are not time-sensitive, even if the non-time-sensitive tasks provide greater rewards.

How to overcome this bias:

  • Use the Eisenhow...

1.32K

4.9K reads

The Sunk Cost Fallacy

We want to finish what we've started because of previously invested resources, even if it is better to quit and use our limited resources elsewhere for better returns.

What you can do about it:

  • Every decision has two costs...

1.17K

2.57K reads

Hedonic Adaptation

We quickly return to a relatively stable level of happiness despite positive or negative external events. We pursue a promotion and believe it will make us happy. When we get it, we are temporarily happier, only to get back to our baseline levels the next week.

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2.45K reads

Present Bias

We tend to choose a smaller, immediate reward over a larger reward in the future. For example, playing video games is more enjoyable than writing or coding or designing.

What you can do about it:

  • Help your future self...

1.21K

2.35K reads

Complexity Bias

We are inclined to believe that complex solutions and explanations are better than simple ones. The perception of complexity often leads to avoidance.

What you can do about it:

  • Instead of seeking to understand a concept fully,

1.14K

2.29K reads

The Planning Fallacy

We tend to underestimate the time it will take to complete a future task despite knowing that previous tasks have taken longer.

What you can do about it:

  • Break projects down into smaller parts and estimat...

1.22K

2.91K reads

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ethho

I wish I knew about the 80/20 rule much earlier.

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How to snooze mental reminders

Research shows that you can find relief from the Zeigarnik effect by simply planning to finish your tasks.

What you can do:

  • Make a habit of writing your tasks down.
  • Have a system for organizing and regularly reviewing your tasks.
  • Have an end ...

The Zeigarnik Effect

The Zeigarnik Effect

The Zeigarnik effect is our tendency to remember incomplete or interrupted tasks easier than completed tasks.

At first, the Zeigarnik Effect seems handy: We remember the things we still need to do.

  • But each incomplete task divides your focus, making it harder ...

The Zeigarnik Effect

The Zeigarnik effect is our tendency to remember incomplete or interrupted tasks easier than completed tasks.ļ»æ

At first, the Zeigarnik Effect seems handy: We remember the things we still need to do.ļ»æ

ā€¢ But each incomplete task divides your focus, making it hard...

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