Having a to-do list accomplished makes the individual feel productive, but it does have its cons. The gratifying feelings of having some of the items completed can possibly prohibit the completion of more important tasks. This happens as the brain would opt for a smaller task as it diverts its focus on the reward system instead of the completion of goals.
According to the Science of Us, a group of researchers focused on how individuals juggle different workloads on a daily basis. Their research came into conclusion that a work "completion bias" can possibly occur, cutting out productivity and work efficiency.
The research lead by Professor Francesca Gino from Harvard Business School and Bradley Staats from UNC's Kenan-Flagler Business School studies the reward system that the brain receives once a task is completed. Though it may seem like a good idea that the brain gets to have a reward system, it can, however, do more harm than good.
The researchers noted in the Harvard Business Review that the term "completion bias" is when the individual would opt to work on a smaller task to get the pleasurable feeling of having something accomplished. Though the brain may give the body a rewarding feeling in having something accomplished, at the end of the day, it gives a dent on the individual's workload as bigger tasks were left undone.
"Human brains are wired to seek completion and the pleasure it brings," Professor Gino wrote. "Our ongoing has found that checking off items is psychologically rewarding. After you complete a task, being able to literally check a box makes you happier than when you are not given a box to check."
As a result of the research, Gino and his team suggest that one must jumble the to-do list. It was also suggested to start on the easy task and use reward feeling as a start in bigger workloads.
