I find planning, brainstorming, developing ideas (however you want to phrase it) as a means to low productivity. As a content creator, it seems only efficient to sit down for 30 minutes to an hour, jotting down every idea that comes to mind. Faced with a list of a dozen or so titles, I begin assigning deadlines and roadmaps—this is where I fall off. The longer I stray from the brainstorming day, the lesser my motivation. As well, the more time I dedicate to roadmapping an idea, the un-motivation creeps quicker.
The solution is a model I follow currently.
- Write a list of content ideas on Sunday
- Ditch a lot of those ideas by Tuesday
- Go with the flow → when an idea hits,
start writing.
Start Writing
This step is tricky. If I have the energy to jot down an idea, I usually have the energy to at the very least start writing a summary. I'll go into this handy app → 🔥Danger Notes and divert my attention for at least 5 minutes to the idea. Danger Notes is a timed and rather plain note-taking app that forces the user to free-write for a set number of minutes without stopping (minute limit is set by user). If writing stops, everything written disappears. A simple premise—brilliant.
Summarizing my idea whether it requires writing or not, turns the gears just enough to get over my "meh" mindset.
With that being said, I try to limit my idea list to 3-5 really GREAT ideas per brainstorming day, rather than, 10+ OKAY ideas. Only rough titles next to "to-do" checkboxes are compiled. Everything that isn't in the sphere of content creation, is stored in my brain. Unless I'm overwhelmed with more tasks than I can count on my hand for the day (uncommon), no need to write it down.
This chill approach is great for someone like me with a solid anxiety disorder. Keeping many unknown possibilities open creates a workweek that is approachable and flexible, open to creativity, and new challenges.
Thoughts On The Incremental Approach
I've noticed a great deal of people find lengthy to-do lists to be satisfying, ticking off menial tasks such as washing the dishes or brushing teeth. Also, the hierarchal approach of breaking down big goals into quick job, medium priority and so on. Thing is, more things on the to-do list overwhelms me. I'm happiest with as much free time as possible (shocker). Knowing I have 3-4 hours to do anything I want with zero restrictions, renders more productivity in my life. I read more, I learn more, I write more, I smile more. I do more when I am comfortable. Long story short, I don't work well under pressure.
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