When you switch from an unfinished task to a new one, your attention does not immediately follow. A part of it remains "stuck" on the previous task, creating an *attention residue* that degrades your ability to concentrate on the new task. This residue is a consequence of the Zeigarnik Effect, meaning that [[Zeigarnik Effect Causes Unfinished Tasks To Linger In Memory]]. This fixation occurs because it is also true that [[Zeigarnik Effect Makes You Remember Unfinished Tasks Better]], forcing an effort to suppress the incomplete goal while engaging with a new one. The consequences of attention residue are significant, impacting effectiveness and well-being. For example, it is established that [[Attention Residue Leads to Worse Performance]]. Furthermore, it is known that [[Attention Residue Leads to a Higher Chance of Errors]]. Over time, this contributes to burnout, as [[Attention Residue Leads to Mental Fatigue and Stress]]. The loss in focus is quantifiable, given that [[Attention Residue Can Reduce Productivity By Up To 40 Percent]], and [[Fully Clearing Attention Residue for Deep Work Takes 15 to 23 Minutes]]. [[Attention Residue Transforms Context Switching Into Overcommitment]].