Have you played the game Tetris?

This week, we’re talking about how we can apply the “Tetris Effect” to accomplishing our goals!

The "Tetris Effect" occurs when someone dedicates time, effort, and concentration on an activity — which can then alter their thoughts, dreams, and experiences.

The term comes from the popular video game Tetris — if you play it a lot, you start seeing how shapes fit together everywhere you look!

Structuring Our Tasks

The game Tetris — where pieces fall rapidly and you have to find the best way to fit them together in order to clear them — mimics how we can structure our tasks.

When we place our tasks in a way that makes sense, things flow smoothly — and when we don’t, clutter builds up. 

Using methods inspired by Tetris can serve as a powerful tool for training your brain, sharpening your focus, and organizing tasks efficiently.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Tetris is how it trains the brain to filter information.

The more we play Tetris, the more we start seeing Tetris patterns everywhere — it’s called the Tetris Effect. Our brains are wired for selective perception: we notice what we repeatedly engage with. This applies not just to a game but to our thoughts, habits, and focus.

Just like playing Tetris makes us see physical patterns, practicing gratitude makes us see more joy. If we repeatedly focus on what’s going well, our brain filters out negativity as “irrelevant.” 

This is why gratitude journals work — not because they erase challenges, but because they train the mind to notice and prioritize the positive.

3 Ways to Train Your Brain

🎮 Find your Tetris: Identify a small task that, when repeated, helps clear your mind (e.g., deep work, organizing, journaling).

🧩 Break tasks into blocks: Identify a big task, and break it into three clear steps.

🌈 Play gratitude Tetris: Before logging off today, write down three small wins or positive moments. This helps train your mind to filter for the good.

Slot Tasks for Efficiency

We just talked about breaking tasks down into blocks — similar to the moving pieces you see falling in the game of Tetris. 

Now, it’s time to think about how to fit those blocks together efficiently. 

In Tetris, each piece falls in a particular direction — similarly, your tasks have specific windows of time when they’re best suited to your energy and focus levels.

For example, if you feel the most productive in the morning, save deep work for that time, and use slower periods for admin tasks or lighter work.

Time blocking is key here — this method allows you to create focus sprints and avoid distractions. Schedule your tasks based on when you have the most energy, and set yourself up for success by prioritizing accordingly.

Two Time Blocking Strategies

💡 Identify your peak focus hours – when does your brain feel the sharpest? Use that time for deep work and save admin tasks for when your energy dips.

⏳ Use time blocking – assign specific windows for tasks instead of working reactively. A focused 30-minute sprint beats a distracted two-hour slog!

Optimize Gaps and Dead Space

Studies show that playing Tetris strengthens neural pathways, improving focus and clearing mental clutter.

Some of the most effective strategies for productivity can be inspired by this simple yet powerful game. The Tetris method also applies to making space for the joyful, playful — and arguably the most important — aspects of our lives. 

In Tetris, when pieces fall and leave gaps, progress slows.

Similarly, unintentional gaps in your day — those transition periods between tasks — can lead to distraction and inefficiency.

It might feel tempting to fill every minute with productivity, but what if we reframed those gaps as intentional space rather than dead time?

Instead of filling every open moment with smaller, less important tasks, consider what actually moves the needle for you. 

Ask yourself: Are these quick wins truly meaningful, or am I just stacking up busywork without real impact?

Sometimes, allowing space for a mental reset can be more beneficial than forcing productivity.

3 Strategies for Schedule Gaps

🎈 Mindful transitions: instead of scrolling or rushing to the next thing, take 2 minutes to reset — breathe, stretch, or engage in something playful that sparks joy.

💡 Priority check-in: before jumping into a filler task, ask, “Will this move me toward what matters today?” — and that includes what brings you joy, not just productivity.

🎉 Batch similar tasks: group quick tasks (emails, Slack messages, notes review) so transition time doesn’t feel wasted — then use the time you save for something enjoyable or refreshing.

Rotating and Adapting

Tetris rewards efficiency — clearing lines, stacking blocks, aiming for the perfect move. 

But in life, the constant push for optimization can be misleading.

Not every moment needs to be maximized. We’re told that refining our methods will unlock more time and happiness, but banking minutes doesn’t guarantee better outcomes. Sometimes, good enough is enough.

If you’re enjoying a book, why rush? If deep thinking is needed, forcing efficiency may backfire. The goal isn’t just optimization — it’s creating a rhythm that sustains energy and focus.

Tetris teaches adaptation. Pieces won’t always land perfectly, but you adjust and move forward. The same applies to your day. Instead of clinging to a rigid plan, ask: “What’s the next best thing I can do?”

A simple way to stay flexible is the "If-Then" strategy — anticipating disruptions and adjusting.

For example: "If my meeting runs late, then I’ll shift my writing session to 3 PM." This mindset reduces frustration and keeps momentum going.

4 Ways to Rotate + Adapt

🎯 Define “good enough”: identify a task today where you can let go of perfection and still call it complete.

📖 Slow consumption: if you’re reading or learning, take notes for insight rather than speed. Savor what matters.

📆 Plan with breathing room: instead of packing your schedule, leave intentional open space for deep work and rest.

🔄 Adaptability in action: If your plan gets derailed, don’t freeze – choose the most urgent or meaningful task you can tackle instead.

Clear the Board and Finish Strong

Here's the final part of the Tetris method — clearing lines to make space for what’s next.

Unfinished tasks create mental clutter, making it harder to focus and transition smoothly into next week.

Start by scanning for loose pieces — quick tasks you can wrap up in one go.

Use the two-minute rule for anything small, like replying to an email or organizing a file. This simply means that if a task can be completed in two minutes or less, you should do it immediately instead of putting it off or adding it to a to-do list.

This "rule" encourages tackling small tasks right away to prevent procrastination. These "tiny clears" keep your mind uncluttered.

For bigger tasks, think of them as stacked blocks — batch similar work and tackle it in focused sprints. If something can’t be finished today, place it intentionally into next week’s workflow to avoid Monday overwhelm.

And don’t forget — celebrate the clears!

In Tetris, every cleared line is a win. Whether it’s a big project or simply staying consistent, recognize your progress.

4 Ways to Finish Strong

🕹️ Quick clears: Use the two-minute rule – if it takes less than two minutes, handle it now.

🧩 Batch & finish: Stack similar tasks together to create momentum and finish strong.

🎯 Plan the next move: For unfinished tasks, set a specific time next week instead of leaving them open-ended.

🏆 Celebrate the clear: Share one win from the week – what’s one task you’re proud of completing? 🎉

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Thank you for reading — it was so fun to share the Tetris Method with you!

I hope you found something here that will make your days ahead a little bit easier and more fun.

P.S. If you could use help accomplishing your goals this season, please join us at one of our live guided work sessions, or morning planning sessions!

Take care,

— Farah, focused space host