What Is A Mind Dump?

A mind dump is a method of getting all your thoughts out of your head and onto paper. It can be used in various ways such as journaling or project brainstorming. In this context, mind dumps are used as an organisation and planning tool.

Here are the steps:

1. Plan your year. Note all important dates, when you want to reach a milestone or complete a goal.
2. Plan your months (one to two months at a time). What is expected of you each month? When are the deadlines, the appointments, the social gatherings?
3. Forget the months you’re not in and focus on the current month. Then focus on the week you’re in.
4. In a list format (no numbers, no checkboxes) write down everything on your mind for that week. Everything circulating your brain that you must do that week. 
5. Prioritise that list. Choose 3 focus areas for the week.

And that’s it! That’s the mind dump process. 

Once you have your year and months planned, the weeks become much easier. Next thing you know, you’re planning your full week in just 15 minutes, and you have more time to execute than worry.

Now when it comes to executing, this is where it can feel uncomfortable and procrastination creeps in. Maybe you’re someone who can get a list and you’re on top of it. But for many, procrastination (avoidance), overwhelm and overstimulation can get in the way.

This is what you can try each day:

• Check in with your emotions. Identify how you’re feeling, and why. This helps you process the emotion so that you can move through it.
• Go through your list and plan what you can get done for the day, based on how you like to get things done. This means deep work in the way you prefer, creative work in the way you prefer etc. (Energy shifts and when something is taking you longer than usual, lean into that and switch tasks for a bit or take a break.)
• Forget everything for the day and focus on the task in front of you. Ask yourself: What do I need to start with? Then start.

If this process seems complicated, it’s only because it’s something you have not tried yet. If you give it a chance for one week, and it helps, the more you practice, the easier you’ll find it.

Remember, what you avoid always weighs down on you and nothing beats procrastination more than doing what you said you were going to and pushing through the discomfort. But you’re human, so when those moments hit, here is something you can tell yourself: 

“I embrace the discomfort of not being where I want, but I know I have to get through this phase to get there.”

Let me know if you give mind dumps a try! Try it out in a notebook or on a blank piece of paper.  If you want something more structured, all the planners are designed with this system in place. An undated planner is a good place to start.

All the best, and take care!

If you have any questions or need more information, send me an email or DM and I’ll get back to you!