# Open loops ## Overview The term "open loops" refers to incomplete tasks, unresolved problems, unexplored ideas, or any form of unprocessed information that requires attention or action, in our minds or in our environment. They were first discussed by David Allen's ["Getting Things Done" (GTD) methodology](https://amzn.to/3ILngxr), who described those as essentially anything that pulls at our attention, signaling that something needs to be _acted_ upon, _finished,_ or _decided_. These can range from small tasks like going to the groceries store, replying to an email, making a phonecall, etc, to larger commitments such as planning a project at work or organizing a family event. ## Physical clutter vs open loops It's important to consider that physical clutter is not just an eyesore. It's also a collection of remaining work, and decisions to be made. Those weigh on our minds when we are around. ## Problems Open loops are really problematic. See [[Why open loops are problematic]]. The more there are, the worse the cognitive load gets, and the less able we are to focus and be productive. Each open loop requires a portion of our cognitive resources, creating a __background noise__ that constantly demands our attention. This leads to cognitive overload, a state where our brain's capacity to process information is surpassed, making it harder and harder to make decisions, solve problems, and think creatively. > [[The more open loops we have, the more our attention will be taken away, and the more context switches our brain will have to perform. Each one of those is a tax we keep paying for as long as those open loops remain]] Without a system to manage these loops, we run the risk of perpetually acting reactively, caught in a cycle of addressing the most immediate demands at the expense of our important goals and well-being. Closing open loops, is not just about improving our efficiency. Above all else, it's about reclaiming mental space and peace. By effectively managing these loops, we can enhance our focus, boost our productivity, and foster a healthier, more balanced approach to our work and lives. ## Benefits of closing open loops Closing open loops liberates cognitive resources, reducing stress and enhancing mental clarity. When our minds are not bogged down by uncompleted tasks and unprocessed "stuff", we can direct our attention, and [[Mental energy]] more efficiently, leading to increases in productivity, better decision-making, enhanced well-being, more creativity, less anxiety and less stress. ## Strategies for closing open loops See [[Strategies for closing open loops]] and [[The importance of setting boundaries to limit open loops]]. ## Related - [[Mental Leakage]] ## References - [[Open loops are no less than a disease. Closing those is not just a question of productivity, but a key practice for recovering peace of mind and mental clarity]] - [[Physical clutter is not just an eyesore. It's also a collection of remaining work, and decisions to be made. Those weigh on our minds when we are around]] - [[Why open loops are problematic]] - [[Closing open loops, is not just about improving our efficiency. Above all else, it's about reclaiming mental space and peace of mind]] - [[Mental energy]] - [[The importance of setting boundaries to limit open loops]]