Plan out pending tasks Unfinished tasks and looming deadlines create what is called "psychic anxiety" or the Zeigarnik effect. Researchers noticed that waiters could recall orders from memory with incredible skill, but once a customer had paid and left, they were unable to remember any details of the order; based on this observation, researchers concluded that the subconscious expresses a kind of "psychic anxiety" over unfinished tasks.71 More recent research demonstrated that psychic anxiety represents a significant cognitive burden, but that specific and earnest planning goes a long way towards alleviating these distracting and negative effects.72 David Allen harnesses the power of these observations and provides advice for increased productivity in his book Getting Things Done.73 In terms of your own procrastination, keep in mind that you will be distracted and in a state of constant anxiety until your task is finished or sufficiently planned out; by organizing and then completing your tasks, you will be not only more productive, but also happier.
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