Taking a Dump

The other day at work I took a big ole dump.

that's one cute lil dump.

I couldn't sleep the night before and I couldn't concentrate until I did it.

So I sat down and got to work.

I took a big ole Brain Dump.

A brain dump is when you take all those random thoughts and to dos and unrelated tidbits that are flying around in your brain and distracting you from whatever you're trying to do and writing them down.

No form. No thoughts. Just writing.

It can even be colors or actions or random phrases. Write it down.

Some folks recommend starting a 5-10 minute timer and writing until it's done. For me, the thoughts start as a trickle, then a gush my hand can hardly keep up with, followed by a slow stream of occasional breakthroughs. It's almost like popping popcorn, when they slow down, you know you're ready. The difference is when the thoughts slow is sometimes when the good stuff comes out.

When you start to slow, look back at what you've written. Is there a theme? Something connecting them all? Is your sloth brain or lizard brain trying to tell you something?

This tactic can let you take a birds eye view of what's swirling around in there and let you know what's really going on.

A Brain Dump is a super useful journaling tactic that leads to clarity and action items to get yourself going. Ever have that feeling where you have so much to do that you don't know where to start? BRAIN DUMP. Trying to work on Project A but distracting thoughts about going to the store, and microplastics, and the kid's homework and what's for dinner and did you remember to put the clothes in the dryer stop you from getting in to deep work mode? BRAIN DUMP (and check the dryer). With these thoughts on paper and concrete you can create an Order of Operations or delegate or, at the very least, keep them safe until you can fully evaluate when you have time.

I've always been one that thinks better with pen and paper, but I've recently discovered Milanote, a virtual white board that allows you to share and collaborate. If you're one that likes to do things on the computer, I really recommend. Click here to get a look at My Backpacking Board, where I'm keeping track of ideas and gear and action items related to an upcoming Backpacking trip I'm planning in May through the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia.

Do you Dump? Are you going to try it now? Let me know in comments how you get those swirling thoughts out and on paper!