When it get’s too much, time to head clear-out!

Sometimes, it all get’s a bit much. Between being there for my wife and kids, our business, hobbies, health, and errands etc, it becomes chaotic and it’s difficult to see thing’s clearly in my minds eye, usually I just have to wrap up a few things to take of the pressure but that’s not always obvious during the moment.

I’ve done a few things to tackle this over the past years, prevention is the best solution but that’s not always possible. Mindfulness helps too but it’s something which takes dedication and time (part of the prevention).

This is where I do a “Head clear-out”, it’s simple:

1. Open up my text editor.
2. Free write. Get everything out of your head and written down
3. Write small tangible next steps for any problems and tasks (if there are any)
4. Add them to my todo list and start to act on them
5. Keep or throw away the document, your choice!

Usually, I write in Bear, the process of writing down my thoughts starts a chain reaction. Before I know it I have written a few paragraphs and am beginning to figure out things naturally.

I don’t leave out any thoughts, if it’s in my head it goes down on paper. This is similar to “open loops” with GTD but there might not always be actions, sometimes it’s just nice to materialise what’s in your mind.

The process gives me clarity and direction when I need it most, it’s one of many great tools which help to level me, and doesn’t require a surge of willpower to make a start.