Feng shui for the mind

The Green Sheet - Nov 28 2006

Do you have days when your head just seems too full of lists, projects, deadlines and reminders? Are those days becoming all too common? If so, it's time to clear the clutter from your brain.

Take 20 minutes, maybe an hour, and write down the thoughts going through your head. Be sure to include everything that floats into view, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. You can always delete something later if it isn't important.

List items in whatever order they come to mind. Then categorize them. Include a prioritized list of current projects. And make a wish list of projects or tasks you'd love to pursue when you have some free time. Be sure to commit all of your ideas to paper.

Finally, make notes on conventional paper calendars or in computer scheduling programs of all your meetings, deadlines and appointments. As your ideas change and develop, repeat the process periodically and update your notes and calendars.

Why do a brain sweep?

It's not that your head should be a vacuum; you just need to make room for creative thinking, problem solving and brainstorming. If your mind is clogged with lists and tasks, how can you do the real work at hand?

Following are some benefits to emptying your mind.

· More clarity: When your ideas are in the open, you can see what they are, exactly. Writing down your thoughts lessens confusion and increases understanding. It also illuminates flaws in your logic. If you have a goal in mind, but none of your thoughts can move you toward that goal, you can easily see that something is amiss and make necessary adjustments.

· Better results: Writing down what you want to accomplish makes it easier to identify and simplify the tasks involved, making your ultimate goals more attainable. If you have a scattered list in your head, it may seem like you'll never be able to finish even one thing, let alone complete everything in a timely fashion.

· Less stress: If your list of essential tasks exists only in your imagination, you might not be certain what needs to be done when, by whom and in what order. This can be a constant source of frustration and cause you to feel overwhelmed. When you write everything down, you can see what steps need to be taken and prioritize them accordingly. This is satisfying; it helps you gain control.

· More brainpower: Organizing your thoughts on paper frees up your mental muscle for creative thinking and innovation. If you no longer have to worry about keeping track of mundane, daily tasks, you can use your intelligence to work on new sales strategies, plan presentations or set long-term goals.

Go ahead. Dump all your mental lists, ideas and thoughts onto paper or into a digital file. Rely on project management programs and administrative tools, such as e-mail reminders, computer calendars and old-fashioned tickler files, to make your life easier. And discover the creative power a clear head can bring to all of your endeavors.