In navigating the demands of both work and personal life, we all encounter a common challenge:

How to effectively manage our time and priorities to accomplish everything on our plate.

However, within this challenge, there's an often-overlooked aspect: the persistent list of unfinished tasks.

These incomplete tasks, often relegated to a mental to-do list, create what is referred to as 'open loops.' They occupy a small part of our mental energy, never quite making it to the top-priority list. Imagine it like having multiple tabs open in your computer's browser. Individually, they might not slow down the system, but collectively, they drain enough energy to cause a significant resource depletion.

When these 'open tabs' in our brain linger unresolved, they become energy drains without the satisfying dopamine hit (reward) we get from completing tasks. The belief that we should eventually finish them adds pressure, leading to feelings of overwhelm, stress, and difficulty concentrating on the task at hand. This constant pressure limits our ability to recharge outside of work, leaving less mental energy for tasks requiring deep focus, problem-solving, or critical thinking.

To enhance mental focus, learning, memory, and problem-solving skills, it's essential to assess and start closing down the open loops you're currently juggling. Contrary to the instinct to do more, effective mental energy recharge often involves doing less, subtracting rather than adding tasks. This counterproductive cycle of piling on tasks only exacerbates mental drain in other areas.

Think of it as a mental spring cleaning — aiming to reduce mental clutter and create mental space. While the urge to hit "DELETE ALL" on your mental to-do list may be tempting, a more effective approach involves taking stock of tasks draining your mental energy and finding quick, easy wins to free up mental space.

Utilise the strategies provided in today's activities to address any open loops, whether they are work-related or pertain to your personal life. By systematically addressing and closing these loops, you can alleviate mental clutter, allowing for improved focus, enhanced mental energy, and a more productive mindset.

Closing Open Loops

The following approach guides you through a systematic process of evaluating, prioritising, and purging open loops from your task list.

Step 1. Capture Open Loops

Begin by identifying and listing all your open loops. Whether it's personal or professional, write them down manually (best option) or use a digital list to document each task or commitment.

Step 2. Get Ruthless

Once you have your master list, focus on ruthless prioritisation. Consider the following questions for each task:

  • Is this task aligned with my values and long-term goals?

  • Does it contribute significantly to my overall well-being?

  • What is the immediate mental benefit of closing this loop?

Step 3. Hit Delete

Identify tasks that can be immediately deleted from your list. These could be tasks that are not essential, don't align with your goals, or can be postponed without significant consequences.

Step 4. Evaluate the Mental Cost/Benefit Ratio

For each remaining open loop not deleted above, assess the mental cost of keeping it open versus the benefit of closing it. Ask yourself:

  • How does keeping this task open impact my mental focus and wellbeing?

  • What stress or mental burden does it add to my daily life?

  • Will closing this loop create mental space for more meaningful activities?

Step 5. The Purge

Based on your assessment of the cost/benefit, start purging tasks from your list. Remove those that have minimal impact on your goals, values, and mental wellbeing. Aim for at least 1 or 2 immediate wins. If you are undecided about a certain task, you can create a ‘future log’ and migrate it to the following month, closing the loop temporarily, until you can review it again down the line. You shouldn’t, for example, be holding open February or March loops in January.

Step 6. Monthly Review Commitment

Reinforce the importance of regular loop reviews and purges. Make a commitment to revisit and update your open loops monthly. This ongoing practice helps you maintain a streamlined and focused to-do list.

By considering the alignment with your goals and the impact on your mental wellbeing, you can create a more intentional and manageable to-do list. Regular monthly reviews ensure continued mental clarity and sustained focus.

If you want to take this practice to the next level, the practice of Bullet Journalling is highly recommended.

Previous
Previous

🥊 BoxHiit30 Winter Warriors 2025 Challenge – Starts June 9th!

Next
Next

Living Mindfully: A Guide to Present-Moment Awareness