How to Do an Effective Brain-Dump
I am not a fan of the word dump as it is often associated with bathrooms.
However, it is also directly related to letting things go, cleaning out, clearing the way for something new and creating space. All things I love!
I make it a regular practice to do brain dumps. It’s a fast, easy and effective way to clear out my mental clutter and begin to create a path for getting to the tasks that are holding me back and keeping me from being, doing, feeling and having the things and experiences I desire.
Recently, I was talking with a client who said she tried to do a brain dump but didn’t complete it because she felt like she was doing it wrong. This got me thinking, are there some guidelines for how to do this? I have always just done it in the moment where I write down every single to-do I have in my head, no matter what the category. This is something I’ve done for years but I wondered, maybe, like my client, there are other people who could really benefit from this process and would like some pointers. So here they are:
There are no rules
That means you can make your list anytime, anywhere, on any piece of paper, envelope, record yourself, etc.
There is no order and there are no categories
Let it F.L.O.W.
If you are type A, do all of the organizing and spreadsheet-ing after you have emptied out your head
Write down what needs to be written in the moment (even if you’re doing something else, it’s OKAY). Leave paper and pen near you
This is a great de-clogger of mental pipes! As a result, you will likely come up with things that you’ve been trying to remember or had completely forgotten. Again, have paper and pen (or your phone) nearby because the thoughts, ideas, and to-dos will come to you more readily
Consider that those things that continue to not get done may be things that are not as important as you had thought or get help so you can get it done
*It’s okay to ask for help. Just because we get help does not mean we are less capable. It means we are more resourceful and using our energy where it is most valuable.
I know there are some people who time block in 15 minute increments or plan out their week on Sunday evening. If you’re one of those people and it works for you, awesome! I am not that person. By doing it this way, I am able to think more clearly and prioritize to-dos in a way that makes sense for how I want to live my life.
That may mean I write emails at 5:30 in the morning when the house is quiet and the sun is rising (Yay!). Or, that I multi-task something that doesn’t require my full attention like being on hold to schedule an appointment while I’m filing papers.
Brain dumping on a regular basis will make you feel more calm, at peace and in the driver’s seat.
Do you do this already? What are some tips or tricks you use? If this is new to you and you try it out, I’d love to hear how it went and if it was helpful!