Avoid the ricochet effect, stay on task

The ricochet effect is the human tendency to lose focus after an interruption. Interruptions break our continuity of thought. They can result in our failure to refocus on what we were doing prior to the distraction. This can minimize our effectiveness.

Making a prioritized list at the beginning of the day is a good way to correct this tendency, but only if we keep the list visible at all times. When the list is constantly in our view, it serves as a tool to re-anchor our attention after an interruption. Sailing through the day without something to remind us to keep on task is like trying to navigate without a rudder.