Getting Things Done

Ep: 56 - Mental RAM, Rapid Refocusing, and Checklists

6 snips
Jan 3, 2020
Explore the intriguing concept of mental RAM and how open loops can drain your productivity and increase stress. Learn why rapid refocusing trumps multitasking for performance enhancement. Discover practical uses for checklists that can help you achieve continuous improvement in your daily life. Each segment is packed with insights that can transform how you manage tasks and optimize your mental capacity.
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INSIGHT

Mental RAM

  • Your psyche has limited mental RAM, like a computer.
  • Unclosed loops consume this RAM, reducing your capacity to focus.
ANECDOTE

The Ziegarnik Effect

  • David Allen recounts Blume Ziegarnik's study on waiters' memory.
  • Waiters easily recalled orders until the bill was paid, demonstrating limited mental RAM.
INSIGHT

RAM Overflow

  • Unresolved tasks and open loops drain mental energy, leading to stress and reduced focus.
  • This accumulation of stressors can lead to burnout and feeling overwhelmed.
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