An interesting article about the Zeigarnik effect and its effects on productivity. One good article can be found:

https://lnkd.in/gSvDdPPg

Zeigarnik effect means that people are more prone to remember unfinished tasks because they produce psychic tension in them. While the person’s mental demand for completion is unfulfilled, the state of tension and the memorial advantage of the incomplete activities persist. The psychic strain is relieved once the task is completed, and the task can be purged from memory.

We may use the 𝐙𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐤 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 in a variety of ways once we grasp how it works:

❶ Start somewhere… anywhere. Simply begin someplace. Set aside 20 to 30 minutes of your time and dive right in. You don’t have to start with the most difficult part; start with something simpler.

❷ Schedule tactical breaks to improve information recall. We can improve our ability to recall information by taking breaks while working on something.

❸ Set realistic goals. If you have a habit of juggling too many balls in the air and feel overwhelmed, knowing that unfinished jobs are often accompanied by intrusive thoughts should help you recognize that each new work is essentially an interruption of whatever you were doing before.

❹ End the day with a to-do list. The Zeigarnik effect may be more of a subconscious prompt to form a plan than an alarm that keeps chirping until a task is finished. Once this strategy is established, the subconscious mind can cease bothering the conscious mind and allow it to relax until the work is completed as planned.

A couple of other 𝕡𝕣𝕠𝕕𝕦𝕔𝕥𝕚𝕧𝕚𝕥𝕪 𝕥𝕚𝕡𝕤 which can be applied to learning and remote work setting are:

Learn new techniques like Pareto Analysis (a.k.a., the 80/20 rule), Pomodoro, Eisenhower Matrix, Parkinson’s Law, Time Blocking Method, Getting Things Done (GTD) Method, Rapid Planning Method (RPM), Pickle Jar Theory, Eat That Frog Technique. See more: https://lnkd.in/gfuG7_tC
Create a comfortable workspace. Landscape and views from the window.
Start your day with a reflection.
Stick to your schedule.
Stay organized.
Keep your priorities in check.
Commit to smaller, but intense work intervals. Track your time.
Manage notifications and distractions.
Capitalize on your most productive hours.
Gamify the process.
Take those breaks outside.
Take care of your health.

Productivity hacks: Focus, Hyperfocus and Scatterfocus

The ability to focus on #remotework is crucial. Read one article about the importance of focus: Why Focus Is Your Greatest Competitive Advantage at Work (Plus 19 Ways To Actually Do It) – https://blog.doist.com/focus-work/

Focus relates also to deep work. Here’s one good article about deep work: What is Deep Work and how can it push capabilities to the limit? – https://www.crossover.com/perspective/what-is-deep-work-and-how-can-it-push-capabilities-to-the-limit

“Hyperfocus” can be described as an intense fixation on an activity for a long period of time.

“Scatterfocus” is intentional mind-wandering—letting your mind roam free without any point of focus. Here are a couple of nice resources about those:
Hyperfocus Versus Scatterfocus: How To Boost Your Productivity – https://www.forbes.com/sites/theyec/2020/12/08/hyperfocus-versus-scatterfocus-how-to-boost-your-productivity/?sh=7c200de7243e
Scatterfocus: The Benefits of Letting Your Mind Wander – https://www.shortform.com/blog/scatterfocus/
Hyperfocus: How To Be More Productive In A World Of Distraction – https://www.motivationdrive.com/2021/07/hyperfocus-how-to-be-more-productive-in-a-world-of-distraction.html?m=1

Productivity articles can be found at

9 Effective Time Management Tips for Work From Anywhere – https://opensourcedworkplace.com/news/productivity/9-effective-time-management-tips-for-work-from-anywhere

How To Increase Remote Work Productivity: The Complete Guide in 8 Steps – https://growrk.com/blogs/news/how-to-increase-remote-work-productivity/

Going back to the office is ‘a productivity killer’ – https://www.zdnet.com/article/back-to-the-office-dont-expect-to-be-more-productive-when-you-get-there/

The non-linear workdays changing the shape of productivity – https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20220928-the-non-linear-workdays-changing-the-shape-of-productivity

Encouraging productivity in a hybrid work environment – https://dealersupport.co.uk/encouraging-productivity-in-a-hybrid-work-environment/

8 Tips on how to be productive in a remote work environment – https://pumble.com/blog/productive-remote-work/

Working From Home Increases Productivity – https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/15259-working-from-home-more-productive.html

7 Ways to Enhance Remote Work Productivity in Your Company – https://www.filecenter.com/blog/7-ways-to-enhance-remote-work-productivity-in-your-company/

Managing Remote Workers – 12 Easy Ways to Maximize Their Productivity – https://axerosolutions.com/blog/managing-remote-workers-12-easy-ways-to-maximize-their-productivity

6 Tips How to Improve Productivity When Working Remotely – https://www.hi5.team/blog/improve-productivity-working-remotely

How to Stay Productive While Working Remotely – Tips and Tricks – https://brainhub.eu/library/stay-productive-working-remotely

How to Measure Employee Productivity While Working Remotely – https://www.wishup.co/blog/how-to-measure-employee-productivity-while-working-remotely/

How to Measure Productivity in a Work From Anywhere Set-Up – https://opensourcedworkplace.com/news/productivity/how-to-measure-productivity-in-a-work-from-anywhere-set-up