How to Achieve Pristine Mental Clarity
by Closing Open Loops

David Allen is well-known for his GTD (Getting Things Done) system. Much of that system involves the process of closing open loops in order to achieve improved mental clarity and focus, as well as a dramatic increase in productivity.

I interviewed David Allen on my podcast.
If you haven’t heard that episode yet, listen to it here.

Photo Credit: Vox Efx

Open loops consist of unfinished projects, nagging tasks to complete, and work that is held in a frustrating state of stagnation.

If you want to actually get more done AND be able to invest more of your brain power and physical energy to your work, then closing your open loops is a must.

The Simple Process of Closing Open Loops

Before I begin my work each morning (after finishing my morning run and drinking my green smoothie) I spend about 15-20 minutes preparing my work environment. This is a simple process of closing the open loops that could prevent me from focusing completely on my upcoming tasks.

The specific loops that I close each morning vary depending on what distractions are present, but the process is the same no matter what needs to be done.

Here are a few steps you can take to close your open loops:

1. Adhere to the processes of Equilibrium Zero, which is a comprehensive zero-based perspective on the work you do. This includes inbox zero, desktop // home-base zero, and project management zero. Essentially, these processes create a super clean and simplified method of operating where the only thing you see is what you need for your next most important task. Everything else is put away, organized, and ready for action when it needs to be.
2. Take stock of which loops are currently open. Once you have implemented the concepts in Equilibrium Zero, discovering your open loops is as simple as glancing around your room and taking a peek at your email inbox. Within seconds you will be able to see the work that needs to be done. You can also make a comprehensive list of open loops if it appears that you have too many to manage in a short time span.
3. Close them or schedule them. If you can’t close your open loops in under 20 minutes, schedule a time to close them as soon as possible. I refuse to begin my work each morning until I can really dig in and focus. I put great emphasis on zeroing out everything because anything that is out can (and will) become a distraction. Close every loop that’s in your way, or at least ensure you can do so soon.

Prevent Overwhelm with Too Many Open Loops

1. Finish every project 100% BEFORE starting anything new. Somehow I naturally picked up the skill set of finishing projects without starting new ones. Oh, wait, that’s backwards. I’m naturally TERRIBLE at this. That’s why I focus on each project until it’s completely done. That’s 100% completed, not 90%, 95%, or even 99%. There is great beauty in walking away from a project knowing it’s fully complete. Also, you will experience immense mental clarity and focus right away. I always find myself with a dramatic increase in creativity and mental space when I finish a task or project that was a nagging open loop. I’m sure you’re no different.
2. Say NO! by default. That’s a strong no for a reason. Getting in the habit of being clear about saying no is one of the most critical components of preventing overwhelm and the inevitable open loops that soon follow. When you never say yes, you never open the loop to begin with, and that’s a marvelous way to stay on track.
3. Work on ONE thing at a time. I have written before (as have many others) about how multitasking is fake. It’s true. Your brain can literally only consciously focus on one thing at a time, which is why you shouldn’t try to make your brain do what it’s not designed to do. Instead, use the power of your brain’s focus muscles and get to work on something with the intent of going deep. Focus, focus, focus. Should I say it again? Nah, you get my point.

Okay, I’ll say it one more time, focus is the most important skill you can acquire.

Which Open Loops are Slowing You Down Right Now?

We all have open loops, but some of them are more obnoxious than others. Share on facebook, which open loops are holding you back from doing your best work today.

My worst open loops tend to be tiny tasks that I just haven’t made time for. The bigger projects almost always end up accomplished, but the little stuff is the most detrimental on a daily basis.

Next Week

On the blog next week I will be sharing a phenomenal video, discussing the role of time vs. energy, and arguing that our life rhythm tells more about our future than just about anything else.