How Open Loops Damage Your Productivity?
Anurag Rai MBPsS FIoL
Founder of Superhuman In You and AMHWAL Academy | Creator of Human Intelligence Model ?? for Leadership | NED | 3x Best Selling Author | Organisational Psychologist MSc | Key Note Speaker | Team Workshops & 1:1 Coaching
How Open Loops Damage Your Productivity
Do you ever feel overwhelmed by a never-ending list of tasks, only to end your day wondering where the time went? You’re not alone. Most of us spend our days jumping from one task to another, often leaving things unfinished, and unknowingly creating what I call “open loops.” These open loops clutter our minds, sap our energy, and damage our productivity.
What Are Open Loops?
An open loop is any task, thought, or responsibility that has been started but not completed. It's the nagging reminder in your brain that something still needs to be done. Whether it’s that report you haven’t finished, the email you’ve been meaning to respond to, or the conversation you left hanging with a friend—it’s all an open loop in your mind.
Open loops can show up in different ways. For instance, I’ve chosen not to watch web series, and here’s why: most TV shows are designed to end episodes with a cliffhanger. It’s intentional. The story leaves you with an open loop, creating a psychological need to close it by watching the next episode. This is how powerful open loops are. They pull your attention, steal your focus, and leave you feeling unsettled until they’re closed.
Now, consider your daily life. You’re driving on the motorway, and someone overtakes you aggressively—an open loop. You start thinking about why they did it, how you should have reacted, or whether you’ll encounter them again. Another open loop is created when you check your emails and realise you need to respond later. The list of errands you have for the day is yet another open loop. Without even realising it, we’re constantly opening mental loops, and that drains our productivity.
The Science of Open Loops: Why They Hijack Your Focus
Think of your brain as a computer. When you have multiple programmes running in the background, even if you're not actively using them, they consume resources and slow everything down. Open loops function similarly—they use mental energy, reduce focus, and scatter your thoughts.
This phenomenon is linked to the Zeigarnik Effect, a concept in psychology that suggests our brains remember incomplete tasks more than completed ones. Your mind doesn’t like unresolved situations. When a task is left open, your brain will keep reminding you of it until it’s finished, whether you want it to or not. This consumes valuable cognitive resources and leaves you feeling drained and distracted.
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Imagine trying to complete a challenging task like writing a report. But at the same time, your brain is trying to remember to send an email, follow up on a project, check in with a colleague, and pick up groceries after work. Each of these is an open loop competing for attention, and your ability to focus on the report weakens. The more open loops you have, the harder it becomes to maintain focus and achieve deep, meaningful work.
How to Close Open Loops and Reclaim Your Productivity
The good news is you can close these loops and bring clarity back into your day. Here are some ways to do it:
Open loops are sneaky. They creep into our minds and quietly sabotage our productivity. Whether it’s an unfinished task at work or a cliffhanger on a TV show, these unresolved issues drain our focus and mental energy. But by taking small, intentional steps to close those loops, you can reclaim control over your time and mind, and ultimately boost your productivity.
At AMHWAL Academy, we specialise in helping your team develop essential human skills such as leadership, emotional intelligence, effective communication in difficult conversations, mental health awareness, building mental resilience, and fostering a positive mindset. For a tailored approach to your organisation's people development, reach out to us at [email protected]. Let's start a conversation about how we can support your team’s growth and well-being.
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Co-host of PPN Brentwood-Property Investor - Published Author
6 个月Closing loops So important
Co-host of PPN Brentwood-Property Investor - Published Author
6 个月Very helpful Always aim to close the circle or loop Never heard of the Zeigarnik Effect, but have now Breathing Simple box breathing is one way to help use recalibrate & close our loop. Can zi shard this please ?
I help Dads reclaim 10 hours a week using my Prime Time Protocol to become a Deliberate Dad. A man who is smashing it at work without sacrificing his family, health or relationships. NEWSLETTER BELOW
6 个月That is such a great analogy Anurag, really brilliant as always!
Simplifying Complexity: Operational Excellence for Fast Growing Businesses - Operations Leader | Director of Operations/COO
6 个月Love the idea that we're innately problem solvers - I really believe that's true
Helps Ai Startups & Real Estate To Get online Growth as a Digital Marketer. 4+ Years Experience in the Field. Co-Founder @AdTrend. Over 120+ successful clients served at Fiverr and LinkedIn.
6 个月Your analogy of mental open loops as a productivity drain is insightful and highlights the importance of mental clarity in leadership.