Master Your To-Do List with a Brain Dump
What is a Brain Dump and why should you use it?
Do you ever find yourself in a ball of anxiety because you have so many thoughts running through your mind? Do you feel like you have a never-ending to-do list mixed in with creative ideas, random thoughts and stressors? Brain Dump to the rescue.
A Brain Dump is an exercise in which you list any rogue thought in your mind, then figure what to do with each item in a strategic manner.
It enables you to clear your brain of all the clutter so you can focus on the most pertinent items, and enjoy your day without feeling overwhelmed or worrying that you’ll forget something.
Watch the below video for a tutorial of the Brain Dump process, or continue reading for a step by step guide.
The Cliff notes
Document everything that comes to mind in the Task column
Choose one of the five actions for each task
Complete the remaining columns (add a due date or follow-up date, etc.)
Full PROCESS
Step 1: find a comfortable place to do your Brain Dump
Get situated in a quiet place and dedicate at least 10 minutes to this activity.
Step 2: prep
Open your digital file!
Document the date, month or quarter you're doing this brain dump for future reference.
Add personalized categories as applicable (e.g., Fitness, Kids, Pets, Holidays, Work).
Determine your method for the Brain Dump process.
Trigger list: create a list of words, categories, topics, etc. to facilitate the process
Visual flow: mentally walk through your house or areas of your life, documenting tasks, ideas, etc. as you go from space to space
Ad hoc: just start writing things down
Step 3: list all thoughts in the Task column
The purpose of this activity is to clear your mind of "to-dos" and stray thoughts so you can focus on other things.
Capture thoughts, ideas, concerns, tasks, etc. (anything taking up space in your mind) in the "Task" column.
Step 4: fill out the remainder of the sections
Category: assign the primary category applicable to the task
e.g., "charge laptop" may be in your Technology category whereas "try pairing black skirt with polka dot blouse" may fall under a Personal Style category
Due date: as applicable, add a reasonable due date for the action
Any items classified as "Record" will NOT have a due date
Any task classified as "Schedule " and "Postpone" should have a due date
Action classification: check ONE of the 5 boxes to classify each task
RECORD: anything that is NOT actionable (e.g., "yesterday I saw a cloud shaped like XYZ" or "experienced rash on face after using XYZ product"). Record this type of information in an applicable location (e.g., a journal or skincare log)
DO IT NOW: an action that can be completed in real-time in under 5 minutes (e.g., "charge phone", "put hair tie away" or "wipe kitchen counter")
DO IT LATER: an action that you'd like to accomplish but that has no need date (e.g., "redecorate powder bathroom" or "check out the new boutique on XYZ street")
POSTPONE: an action that needs to be accomplished but is currently on hold for one or more reasons (e.g., "wash windows when special cleaner is delivered" or "publish book when creative is ready")
SCHEDULE: an action that needs to be accomplished and can be accomplished but will take more than 5 minutes (e.g., "organize books by genre" or "buy more wet cat food at Target")
Follow-up: Indicate if a task may need follow-up (e.g., "test new skincare product to see if it reduces wrinkles" or "implementing new diet regimen suggested by Poppy's vet)
If follow-up is required, identify a reasonable follow-up date (e.g., "on X date" or "X days after x event")
Done: check this box when the content has been logged or task is complete
Notes: capture pertinent info about your task (e.g., "Poppy's Veterinarian's name is Dr. XYZ" or "XYZ's birthday party is X date")
TIPS + SUGGESTIONS
Perform this activity at least once a quarter
Review prior brain dump sheets regularly until all tasks are complete (e.g., check once a week)
Refer to your calendar to aid in scheduling tasks and add all scheduled tasks to your calendar when your brain dump is complete
EXAMPLES
Triggers
Food & beverage
Fitness
Wellness
Personal style
Home decor
Home & yard maintenance
Car maintenance
Events & activities
Hosting & entertaining
Pets & family
Hobbies
Outdoors
Tasks
Things to clean
Gift ideas
Decor projects
Outfit inspiration
Pet behavior concerns
Side gig ideas
Shows to watch
People to call, email or text
Skin concerns
Musings
Observations
Joke inspiration / comedy bits
