Create momentum for your next task to keep motivation and productivity high

It’s the middle of the day. You’ve been productive, and you’re finishing off a task.

You’re just about to start a new task, but you want to take a break first. You want some water, or a snack.

Don’t take your break… yet.

Do 5 minutes of your next task. Then take your break.

Breaks are very important, and you don’t want to overwork yourself. But there are benefits to putting in that extra 5 minutes to start the next task.

You set up momentum. When returning from your break, you jump right back into productive work.

This leverages the Zeigarnik effect, which is that niggling feeling you get in your head when something is interrupted or left incomplete.

You might think about the task during your break, or even do some unconscious processing while not thinking about the task. Some people say they process things better when away from their desk. I know I really appreciate the clarity of thought that comes when returning to my desk after getting some headspace.

The niggling feeling to return to what you started before your break means you could be in for some productive time when returning to work. And you’ll be returning to your work more motivated than you would be if you were returning to an un-started task, because starting is often the hardest part of a task.

What you can do today:

• When finishing off a task, don’t take a break when it’s done.
• Do 5 minutes of your next task.
• Then take a break.
• Let your mind wander.
• Return to work with momentum and motivation! 🙂

Tricking your brain in your favour can help you get things done. If you start a new task before taking a break, you keep productivity high while still having refreshing breaks and returning to your work with accelerated momentum.