What do Eastern fairy tales and supermarket sales have in common? They are united by one thing — the Zeigarnik effect. This phenomenon, discovered in the early 20th century by psychologist Bluma Zeigarnik, shows that our brain remembers the unfinished better. When a task remains incomplete, the psyche does not let go of the situation and pushes us to bring it to completion.
Bluma and her mentor suggested that a person remembers unfinished tasks better, as the brain does not calm down until it puts an internal "checkmark".
This principle underlies many familiar things — from series with cliffhangers to marketing promotions with stickers. We continue to watch, buy, and return because the brain demands to complete what has been started.
Later, scientists confirmed: the Zeigarnik effect is actively used by marketers, coaches, and app developers. Quests, levels, reminders — all of this works on one principle: to hold attention until the task is completed.
Zeigarnik Effect in Life and Relationships
This phenomenon can also be used in personal relationships. The brain "ties" us to people with whom we have common plans and goals. Therefore, if you want to maintain interest, build joint intentions: "Let's go to a concert," "Let's go to the mountains," "Let's start going to painting classes."
The main thing is not to leave these plans unrealized. Then your brain will constantly look for ways to complete them — together with the person they are associated with.
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