Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Additionally, I may get commissions for purchases made through other affiliate links in this post.
I don’t know about you, but I have a lot of ideas! Since you are a small business owner, I bet that you have a lot of ideas, too! Human brains aren’t able to remember everything we think of, so the best way to keep track of all your ideas is to write them down. Today, I’m going to share the way that I use to keep up with all my brilliant (and not so brilliant!) ideas.
What is Mind Dumping?
Mind dumping is the process of writing down all the ideas that you come up with on a daily basis. For me, these may be blog posts, craft projects, design ideas, recipes to try, motivational quotes I come across, and anything else. Ideally, you spend 10 to 15 minutes a day writing down ideas that have crossed your mind since the last time you wrote them down.
Some people like to write down ideas as soon as they get up in the morning, but I prefer to write down my ideas before I go to bed. The idea behind mind dumping is to free your brain to think of new ideas and concentrate on things you are working on; instead of trying to remember ideas.
The best thing about mind dumping is a book full of ideas to reference. When I’m having a creative block, I head to my idea book to get through it. Usually, within a few minutes, I’m crafting a new project. If you need more help to get unstuck from a creative rut, head to this post.
Three Easy Ways to Mind Dump Daily
- Write all of your ideas down in a notebook reserved for ideas. You don’t need anything fancy. A simple spiral notebook works well.
- Write all your ideas on small pieces of paper and put them in a jar. Again, no need for any fancy paper or jar – post it notes and a mason jar work great.
- Use a note taking app on your phone, tablet, or computer to record your ideas daily. There’s a number of them available, one of my favorites being Evernote.
My Challenge to You
For the rest of the week, mind dump daily and see if it helps you focus better on daily tasks and remember your ideas.
Love this idea? Save the image below to Pinterest.
I will definitely try this . I would be willing to bet that if this is done in the evening you’ll also clear your mind and can sleep better.
Yes, it does!
Great idea and maybe I can sleep better at night
Yes! Absolutely!
I’m the same way….it seems to all come to me at night. I used to grab my phone and send myself emails during the night if something came to mind. Then, though, I started doing what you have suggested. I keep a notebook on my nightstand and spend a few minutes each night writing down anything that has come to mind. It does help me sleep better…and keeps everything in one place instead of being lost among a sea of emails.
I also send myself a lot of emails. What I have gotten into the habit of doing is copying those emails into my idea book at the end of the day. Makes everything easier to find at a later date.
Love this ideas! I always feel like I’m being pulled a million directions with the different ideas that pop in my head and never seem to finish what I started.
I’m the same way and this keeps me much more focused.
Hi Christine, I LOVE Evernote! I use it to keep my ideas for future projects and ideas. I also keep a small notebook by my bedside, because I often think of something during the night and this way I can write it down quickly without opening my phone or laptop.
YES! Me too! I have it on everything – my iPad, iPhone, and MacBook!
I didn’t know what this process was called, but it’s cool I’m on the right track. I don’t necessarily “write down” new ideas, but I have a folder on my laptop designated specifically for ideas and inspiration. I always make it a point to not steal anyone elses project specifically, but often gain inspiration from other people and when I see a photo of a project I want to try, I save it. When I see the results of a new technique I’ve not yet seen or tried, I’ll type a quick note and save it to the folder.
So today I give myself a gold star for being on track! Yay! Thanks for posting!
Awesome!