It's the end of another week and despite everything you have accomplished, all you can think about is what you have not done yet. The "to do list" does not seem to end and neither does the stress or anxiety that comes with a busy job and life. This is a common experience, and psychologists have a term for the tendency of our minds to focus intensely on unfinished tasks while readily forgetting completed ones—the Zeigarnik Effect. While the Zeigarnik Effect is powerful, it is possible to not only overcome the phenomenon, but also leverage it to your advantage. Participants in this program will have the opportunity to learn about the science behind the Zeigarnik Effect and why our brains are preoccupied with the incomplete. They will also identify ways to better manage their workload and tasks to increase productivity, focus, and sense of accomplishment. Finally and most importantly, participants will learn how to use highly effective strategies—such as mindfulness techniques—to manage stress and anxiety caused by the Zeigarnik Effect and improve their emotional well-being, even in the face of the "to do list" that is never done.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

The primary audience is librarians who (1) struggle with stress and anxiety associated with feeling like there is always more work to do, and (2) want to take action to not only achieve their goals, but also improve their mental health and emotional well-being.

TAKEAWAYS:

1. Participants will be able to describe the Zeigarnik Effect and identify how it manifests in their work and life.
2. Participants will be able to evaluate and apply relevant tools and strategies to efficiently manage tasks and increase productivity.
3. Participants will be able to implement evidence-based techniques to manage stress and anxiety caused by the Zeigarnik Effect and improve emotional well-being.

SPEAKERS:

• Julie Tedjeske Crane, Pennsylvania State Dickinson Law
• Heather J. E Simmons, University of Georgia School of Law
• Jennifer Gonzalez, Law Library of Congress

COORDINATOR:

• Morgan Stoddard, George Mason University Law Library

AALL BODY OF KNOWLEDGE DOMAINS: Professionalism + Leadership At Every Level, Management + Business Acumen

 

CANCELLATION AND OTHER POLICIES:

No refunds will be given for any purchased AALL conference recording. This applies to non-AALL members only as the recordings are free for AALL members.

The opinions shared during this program represent the views of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect those of the American Association of Law Libraries (AALL). Recording, capturing, or using AI tools to duplicate, transcribe, or otherwise reproduce an AALL program in any form is strictly prohibited without prior written consent from AALL. This includes, but is not limited to audio, video, or any other content shared. By accessing an AALL recording, you agree to adhere to this policy.