# The Zeigarnik - related Productivity in Creative Work: Finishing Projects!

Hey there, fellow creative minds! Have you ever felt like you're constantly juggling a million ideas, projects, and half - baked dreams? You start something with gusto, pour your heart and soul into it, but then... it sits there, unfinished. Sound familiar? Well, today, we're diving deep into the fascinating world of the Zeigarnik effect and how it can supercharge your productivity in creative work.

Let's start with a little history lesson. The Zeigarnik effect was first discovered by a remarkable psychologist named Bluma Zeigarnik. Back in the day, she noticed something quite curious while observing people in a Viennese café. The waiters seemed to have an uncanny ability to remember the orders of customers who hadn't yet paid, while quickly forgetting those who had settled their bills. This simple observation led to a groundbreaking theory. Uncompleted tasks create a kind of mental tension, a cognitive itch that demands to be scratched. Our brains are wired to remember these unfinished bits of business, constantly nudging us to get back to them.

Now, you might be thinking, "So what? I've got a million things on my to - do list already. How does this Zeigarnik thing help me?" Well, here's the deal. In the realm of creative work, this effect can be a double - edged sword. On one hand, that nagging feeling of an unfinished project can be a powerful motivator. It's like a little voice in your head saying, "Come on, you can't leave this hanging!" But on the other hand, if you let it overwhelm you, it can also lead to a state of creative paralysis. You're so focused on all the things you haven't finished that you can't bring yourself to start anything new.

Take, for example, the world of writing. You might have a brilliant novel idea brewing in your mind, but you keep getting stuck on that chapter you started last week. Or perhaps you're a graphic designer with a dozen half - completed concepts sitting in your portfolio. The Zeigarnik effect is whispering in your ear, "Finish me! Finish me!" And it's hard to ignore.

Let's talk numbers. Studies have shown that on average, creative professionals leave around 30% of their projects unfinished. That's a staggering amount! Think about all the potential masterpieces that could be out there if we could just harness the power of the Zeigarnik effect to get these projects across the finish line.

So, how do we do it? First, we need to embrace the discomfort of unfinished business. Instead of shying away from it, we should use it as fuel. When that little voice starts piping up about all the things you haven't done, take a deep breath and say, "Yes, I know. But I'm going to finish this one first."

Create a system that allows you to prioritize your unfinished projects. Maybe it's a simple spreadsheet where you list each project, its status, and a rough estimate of how much time it will take to complete. This way, you can see at a glance what needs your attention most.

Another key is to break down those big, daunting projects into smaller, more manageable tasks. It's like eating an elephant one bite at a time. By focusing on these bite - sized chunks, you can make steady progress and gradually chip away at the overall project.

And here's a little secret weapon: accountability. Share your creative goals with a friend, a colleague, or a writing group. When you have someone holding you accountable, it's amazing how much more likely you are to follow through.

Now, let's not forget about the role of rewards. Just like Pavlov's dogs, our brains respond well to positive reinforcement. When you finish a project, give yourself a well - deserved treat. It could be a fancy dinner, a day at the spa, or simply taking an hour to binge - watch your favorite show guilt - free.

But what about those times when you're really struggling to finish? That's when you need to dig deep and find your why. Why did you start this project in the first place? What inspired you? Reconnecting with that initial spark can reignite your motivation and help you push through the tough spots.

In conclusion, the Zeigarnik effect is a powerful force in creative work. It's a double - edged sword that can either propel us to greatness or hold us back. But by understanding how it works and learning to harness its power, we can turn those half - finished projects into completed masterpieces. So, what are you waiting for? Grab that half - written poem, that uncompleted painting, or that stalled business plan and finish it today! Let's show the world what we're made of.

Remember, in the world of creativity, it's not just about having great ideas. It's about having the discipline and determination to see those ideas through to the end. So, are you ready to take on the challenge and become a productivity powerhouse in your creative endeavors? The clock is ticking!