Collect And Process Habit Update

One week ago I started a new habit called collect and process. While it is passed only one week, I think I’m already starting to see interesting results and valuable tips to share with you.

First, I want to tell you that my initial plan of carrying a block note with me all the times failed miserably. Instead I’ve found that I only need my Ipod Touch and its free notes program to keep track of what I think. Most of the time though I am physically behind a computer, so I have a program where I can collect my ideas and process them later.

Initially, it may be hard to stop and write down your ideas, but after a few days the process will become automatic, and it would feel strange not to have a notebook with you.

Every idea that I have, even if it appear to be stupid at first, goes directly inside my inbox. One trick that I’ve found very valuable is to write it down even if I know I’ll need to execute it right away, because more often than not, after that I’ve written it down, my brain will come up with other ideas and thoughts that I would have otherwise missed. You’d me amazed by the quantity and sometimes quality of what can come out by using this technique.

Typically, I process my inbox once a day when I have time, but sometimes I do it more, depending on my needs. I try to start from the top and I go down one element a time. I’m allowed to skip an item if I feel it is too overwhelming or if I don’t know what to do with it, but it is mandatory for me to process every item before moving to something else.

Overall, this system is changing a lot of things and processes inside my brain. I’ve written hundreds of new ideas and to be sincere, in the last two days I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed. I think this is normal, because my brain now is allowed to express his ideas without losing them 99% of the times, so I’m busy writing them down every time I have the opportunity. This is similar to when you start an healthy diet and in the first few days your body needs to detoxicate from years of bad eating habits.

To overcome this feeling, later this afternoon I’m going to anticipate my weekly review and I’ll also include a full 15 minutes of brainstorming where I’ll write down everything that comes in my mind. I’ll do only that for 15 minutes. Actually, this kind of brainstorming is useful because you force your brain to relax and release all your thoughts, just remember to close all active programs and shut down your internet connection if you are going to try it.

Posted on August 04 2009

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