What category does Open Loops belong to?

Open Loops belongs to the "Concepts" category in personal knowledge management and productivity.

What are the key topics related to Open Loops?

Key topics related to Open Loops include: cognitive-load, gtd, productivity, psychology.

What are alternative names for Open Loops?

Open Loops is also known as: Incomplete tasks, Unfinished business.

Open Loops

Incomplete tasks and unresolved commitments that occupy mental space.

Also known as: Incomplete tasks, Unfinished business

Category: Concepts

Tags: cognitive-load, gtd, productivity, psychology

Explanation

Open loops refer to incomplete tasks, unresolved problems, unexplored ideas, or any form of unprocessed information that requires attention or action. First discussed in David Allen's Getting Things Done (GTD) methodology, these are essentially anything that pulls at our attention, signaling that something needs to be acted upon, finished, or decided. Each open loop requires cognitive resources, creating background noise that constantly demands attention. This leads to cognitive overload where the brain's capacity to process information is surpassed. Closing open loops liberates cognitive resources, reducing stress and enhancing mental clarity.

Related Concepts

Brain Dumps
Capture Habit
Cognitive Load
Getting Things Done (GTD)
Inbox Zero
Zeigarnik Effect
Closing Open Loops

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