Put it on paper

Is your head full of stuff that is cluttering up your thinking? Time to get it all down on paper.

Although obvious, mind maps are a great way of doing this – there’s no need to use fancy software or to draw pretty pictures if it’s not your style. Just start with the problem or issue in the middle and go from there. Mind mapping can be used for just about any problem, from project management and new product development  to writing a “to do” list – seriously, I have a friend who does this!

Or follow the example of another friend and colleague, who pops each idea on a sheet of butcher’s paper and posts it on her office (dining room) wall. There’s plenty of room to add more details later.

Then there’s the notebook beside the bed theory. Not much good for your partner, but very effective for ensuring you don’t forget important information when you have a brainwave at 3am.

Putting your thoughts down on paper (it really should be hand written by the way, it uses a different part of your brain which assists memory) can ensure that your head is clear enough to analyse the situation properly, and that there’s enough processing power to help find solutions, rather than simply mulling over details.