The "Zeigarnik Effect" – Why Unfinished Tasks Stick in Your Brain

Ever had a song stuck in your head?
You didn’t ask for it. You didn’t want it. But there it is—looping endlessly.

That’s exactly what happens with unfinished tasks.

This is called the Zeigarnik Effect—a fancy way of saying your brain hates loose ends. It keeps fighting for your attention, whispering, “Hey… remember me?” until you finally finish the pesky thing.

Nehemiah Felt This 2,000+ Years Ago

Nehemiah wasn’t just stacking bricks. He was rebuilding security, dignity, and faith for an entire nation. No wonder when people tried to distract him, he shut them down:

🛑 “I am doing a great work, and I cannot come down.” (Nehemiah 6:3)

Nehemiah’s unfinished work wasn’t just a to-do list item—it was meaningful.

How You Can Use It to Your Advantage:

✅ Start Small – Just begin. Your brain will want to keep going.

✅ Break It Down – Nehemiah’s team tackled sections of the wall. You don’t build a city in a day.

✅ Use the "Cliffhanger" Trick – Stop mid-task when needed so your brain stays engaged.

Maybe That Unfinished Task Is Bigger Than You Think

The next time an unfinished task weighs on you, ask: Is this just a to-do list item, or is this part of the greater work God is calling me to?

If it’s the latter, stay on the wall. Great work is worth finishing.

Time to Take Action

What’s your unfinished task? Let me know—I want to hear what you’re working on!

Until next time,

Amenda Wong