Zeigarnik effect: what it is and what it means

The Zeigarnik effect is the cognitive phenomenon whereby the mind tends to return insistently to open tasks that have not been completed, generating persistent cognitive interference on working memory. The mechanism fades when a written plan is formulated for the open task: writing it down transfers the task from the mind to the external system, reducing the interference. The phenomenon is documented by Masicampo & Baumeister (2011): you don't need to complete the task, only to formulate a plan for it.

Distinctive: tends to return insistently to open tasks
Distinctive: persistent cognitive interference
Essential: a written plan is formulated
Essential: transfers the task from the mind to the external system
Constant: working memory

Glossary

Zeigarnik effect

A cognitive phenomenon whereby the mind tends to return insistently to open tasks, creating persistent cognitive interference on working memory that fades once a written plan is formulated.