What is Brain Dumping?

Updated: Jul 2, 2021

BRAIN DUMPING: The process of writing down EVERY idea that comes to your mind.

Sometimes coming up with ideas can stop you from moving forward on your quest. This is when it's time to BRAIN DUMP!

Tips for Successful Brain Dumping:

Remember that with Brain Dumping, Quantity over Quality is more successful. Be open to all of your ideas and write down every one of them.
Get something to write on - a white board, post it notes, pad of paper, computer, etc. Choose the one that will keep you the least distracted.
Find a good location. Choose a place where you won't be distracted by noise, people, social media, a messy room, etc. You might consider going somewhere different - library, restaurant, patio, or a different room in your house. If you always work in the same spot you might associate it with a particular thought process that could put you in a rut.
Set a Timer for 10 to 30 minutes - however much time you need. This helps get the ideas down quickly, and without over-thinking each idea.
Take some deep breaths to get the oxygen to your brain, and relax as you breath out.
Begin writing your ideas. The point is to get as many thoughts and ideas written down as possible so write whatever comes to your mind and soon you will be full of ideas.

Other tips that might help you:

Be Silly. This can help trigger other parts of your brain to give you more ideas. And your silly ideas might end up being a launch pad to something better.
Figure out what time of day your brain is most creative. Mine is at night (I'm not a morning person).
Go for a walk before, to clear out other thoughts and reset your brain.
Listen to music. Sometimes soft, quiet music can settle down your brain and help it function better.
Mind Mapping is a good way to keep your thoughts organized, although it isn't necessary during a Brain Dump, it can help you if you want to add more categories to your ideas. You will find a black copy of the Mind Map here, in case you want to use it to help you brain dump.