Ever started a Netflix series just to “see what the hype’s about”… then accidentally watched 4 episodes?

That’s the Zeigarnik Effect.

A 1920s psychologist noticed waiters in a café remembered unpaid orders better than paid ones. Why? Because the task wasn’t complete. Our brains don’t like loose ends.

We need resolution.

This is good news if you're a course creator, coach, or consultant because your audience’s unfinished progress might be your most powerful engagement tool.

Most people make this mistake:

They create polished modules and release everything upfront.

Sounds like a gift, right? But when the entire experience is available from the start, there's no build-up. No momentum. No “I’ve got to see what’s next.”

But what if you did the opposite?

What if your course left a few intentional gaps? What if your onboarding message ended with “next step coming your way”? What if your module wrapped mid-thought… with a teaser for what follows?

Suddenly, your client isn't done yet. And that “undone” feeling? It keeps them checking in.

💡 Want more completions? Create more tension.

Zeigarnik, Activated:

How to Use “Unfinished” to Drive Results

Want to know the 3 clever ways to use “unfinished” psychology in your content, including one twist that leaves people wanting more, even mid-thought?

Step-by-step copy psychology >>