The Value of Making Lists By Hand - Patti Digh

'Sometimes our stop-doing list needs to be bigger than our to-do list'

Patti Digh

In today's fast-paced world, juggling numerous tasks, deadlines, and responsibilities can leave us feeling overwhelmed and stressed. It's not uncommon to experience that mental clutter that comes from having a constant stream of thoughts and to-dos bouncing around in our heads. Enter the humble yet potent tool: the list. By harnessing the science behind writing lists, you can unlock a remarkable technique to enhance focus, productivity, and mental clarity at work.

The Brain's Struggle with Overload

Our brains are remarkable organs capable of complex thinking and problem-solving. However, they also have limitations, particularly when it comes to managing a flood of information. When we keep our tasks and ideas swirling in our heads, we put unnecessary strain on our cognitive resources. This cognitive load can lead to a phenomenon known as "brain fog," making it challenging to prioritize tasks and accomplish them efficiently.

Decanting the Mind Onto Paper

Imagine your mind is a bottle filled with a rich, unfiltered blend of thoughts, tasks, and worries. Like a fine wine, these thoughts need to be decanted to reveal their true value. Writing down your tasks on a list is akin to pouring that mixture onto paper, allowing your mind to breathe and providing clarity to your thoughts.

When you transfer your to-dos from your mind to a physical list, you free up mental bandwidth that can be better used for critical thinking and creative endeavors. This process, often referred to as "external cognition," is supported by research indicating that offloading information from the brain onto paper (or a digital platform) can improve cognitive performance and reduce stress.

The Science Behind Lists

Several psychological principles explain why writing lists is a powerful technique for enhancing focus and productivity:

• The Zeigarnik Effect: This effect, discovered by psychologist Bluma Zeigarnik, states that people remember uncompleted or interrupted tasks better than completed ones. Writing down your tasks creates a visual reminder of what needs to be done, reducing the cognitive load of trying to remember everything.

• Cognitive Closure: Our brains seek closure. When we create a list and start crossing off completed tasks, we experience a sense of accomplishment. This triggers the brain's reward system, releasing dopamine and encouraging us to keep progressing through the list.

• External Memory Aids: Our working memory has limitations. It can hold only a limited amount of information at a time. By using external memory aids like lists, we free up space in our working memory, allowing us to focus more deeply on the task at hand.

• Visual Representation: The visual aspect of lists provides a clear structure for your tasks. The act of visually organizing your thoughts can lead to better task management and improved decision-making.

Reducing Stress Through Externalization

Stress is a silent productivity killer. When you feel overwhelmed by a constant barrage of tasks, your stress levels rise, affecting your overall well-being and work performance. Writing lists can be your secret weapon against stress.

By externalizing your thoughts onto paper, you create a tangible representation of your workload. This act not only helps you gain a better grasp of your tasks but also provides a sense of control. When you can see your to-dos in black and white, they become less daunting, and your mind perceives them as more manageable.

Furthermore, the process of writing itself can be therapeutic. As you jot down your tasks, you're not only organizing your thoughts but also expressing them in a concrete form. This act of expression can have a cathartic effect, reducing the emotional weight of your responsibilities and promoting mental clarity.

Achieving Flow State Through Lists

The concept of "flow" describes a state of deep concentration and optimal performance. It's that feeling when you're so engrossed in a task that time seems to fly by. Lists can be instrumental in helping you achieve this coveted state.

When your tasks are laid out in front of you, you can immerse yourself in your work without constantly wondering if you've missed something. The structure provided by a list keeps you on track, minimizing distractions and allowing you to enter a flow state more easily.

Conclusion

In a world that bombards us with information and demands our attention from all sides, harnessing tools that enhance focus and productivity is essential. The simple act of writing lists might seem unassuming, but the science behind it reveals a powerful method for decluttering your mind, improving task management, and reducing stress. By externalizing your thoughts onto paper, you create a roadmap to guide you through your day, enabling you to achieve that coveted state of flow where productivity soars. So, the next time you feel the weight of your responsibilities, remember the science-backed benefits of writing lists – your brain will thank you.