When you work in the field of innovation, it is common to have a positive outlook on the world and juggle multiple tasks at the same time. However, it is natural that things get out of control and that you struggle with priorities. What do you do when you don’t even know where to start?
This is where the Braindump method comes in handy. Let us guide you through the steps of the Braindump method and help you master this productivity technique.
Accept the situation
First of all, it is crucial to accept that feeling overwhelmed is a natural part of the process. The better you get at something, the more responsibility you are given until it eventually becomes overwhelming. You will always have too much to do sooner or later. The sooner you acknowledge this reality, the sooner you can take action.
Embrace the chaos
Avoiding overwhelming workloads and stopping as much as you can so it doesn’t become too much is not the answer if you want to foster innovation. Instead, understand that it’s not about avoiding chaos altogether, but rather about quickly recovering from it when it inevitably occurs. Embrace the chaos as an opportunity for growth and learning.
Step 1: Braindump
Start by setting aside time for a brain dump session. Grab a pen and paper or open a document on your computer and write down a comprehensive list of all the tasks, ideas and commitments that are spinning in your head. Include both big and small things. You’ll likely be surprised at the mix of important and trivial things, from initiating a major project to buying batteries.
Keep writing as more ideas come to you. Consult your notebooks, calendars and surroundings. Don’t stop until you can sit still for 30 seconds without thinking of any additional tasks.
Step 2: Organize and cluster
Now review your braindump list and start organizing it into categories that allow for efficient execution. Consider the following categories:
1. Geographically:
Group tasks that are location dependent, such as activities you can only do at home, at work, on a computer, or in a specific store.
2. Find out:
Identify tasks that require further research or additional information before proceeding.
3. On occasion:
Some tasks may seem less important or time sensitive. Categorize them as “on occasion”, to be tackled when the right moment arises.
4. Waiting for response:
If certain tasks depend on getting a response from someone else, create a category to remind yourself to follow up on them.
At this point, your list of unsorted things should have gotten significantly smaller, and you can even create additional categories based on projects or organizations you’re involved with.
Step 3: Create a Mind Map
To get a visual overview of your brain dump, transfer the data from your organized lists to a mind map. A mind map is a visual tree structure that allows you to see the whole picture and its interconnected parts at the same time.
Step 4: Set your focus
Now is the time to prioritize. Choose three tasks from your mind map to mark as your primary focus. If you mark too many tasks, you will lose energy and efficiency. Once you’ve made progress on your top three tasks, you can instead highlight new ones and update your focus accordingly.
Step 5: Reflect
Take a moment to reflect on whether you are working on what you really want or if you are excessively catering to the demands of others. Strive to find a balance between being proactive and accommodating the needs of others.
Step 6: Achieve peace of mind
By following the Braindump method, you will hopefully find a sense of calm and renewed energy.
But don’t worry if things go off track again in the future. Remember, there will always be times when you need to do another brain dump. At the very least, you now have a powerful tool to quickly regain control and restore productivity.
The braindump method is a technique for regaining control when the tasks become overwhelming. Give the Braindump method a try and experience the benefits of increased focus, efficiency and peace of mind. Embrace the power of Braindump to take care of your innovative ideas today!
