Attention residue ¿Residuos de la atención?

Dr. Sophie Leroy a professor of Organizational Behavior at the University of Washington has conducted research on a phenomenon called "attention residue," which refers to the lingering effects of incomplete tasks on our ability to focus on new tasks. 

Dr. Leroy's research has found that when individuals switch from one task to another without completing the first task, their attention remains divided and they are less able to fully focus on the new task. This can result in decreased performance, as well as feelings of stress and frustration.

In her research, Dr. Leroy has identified strategies to help mitigate the effects of attention residue, such as setting aside dedicated time to complete tasks before moving on to something new, practicing mindfulness and staying present in the moment, and restructuring one's work environment to minimize distractions.

Overall, Dr. Leroy's work has shed light on the importance of managing attention and task completion in order to optimize performance and well-being in the workplace.

I have often suffered from attention residue in my life without knowing or noticing. As a painterstudent, as a sudent and even as a college professor. I find it useful however to start several paintings at the same time to move from one to another when I get bored with one. I have also found great difficulty in knowing when my paintings are completed or finished. I am very detail-oriented and meticulous and often think that my work could still be improved...

Recommendations:

1. Prioritize tasks: Identify the most important and urgent tasks that need to be done and prioritize them accordingly. This will help you focus on what truly matters and avoid getting overwhelmed by less important tasks.

2. Delegate tasks: Learn to delegate tasks that can be done by others, whether it is assigning household chores to family members or hiring professionals for certain tasks. Delegating can help free up your time and energy for more meaningful activities.

3.Streamline processes: Look for ways to simplify and streamline repetitive tasks by using tools, apps, or automation. For example, set up automatic bill payments or create a digital filing system to easily access important documents.

4.Set boundaries: Learn to say no to commitments or tasks that do not align with your priorities or values. Setting boundaries will help you focus on what truly matters and avoid spreading yourself too thin.

5.Practice self-care: Taking care of yourself is essential for managing life admin effectively. Make time for activities that rejuvenate you, such as exercise, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones.

By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can reduce the burden of life admin tasks, improve your efficiency, and create more time and space to live a more fulfilled and meaningful life.