Capture Your Thoughts With a Mindsweep

Do you become distracted from good work-- or your job search -- by random or off-subject thoughts? Are you a worrier? Back in November I had the opportunity to participate in an executive productivity workshop by Don Win. He shared a strategy that has really helped me, the big picture person that I am, stay on-task and to do the right things at the right time. Don calls it the “Mind Sweep”. If you are thinking about something, if it is distracting you, then that thing is not in its place, he says. Here’s how we should manage random thoughts throughout our day:

• Write them down
• Do not concern yourself with separating thoughts about personal and business life; they are never totally separate
• The tools you’ll need: pen, paper, notepad, file folders
• One idea goes on each sheet of paper, date it, put in your inbox
• OVER capture ideas; make this a lifestyle function and part of who you are
• If you are interrupted by someone as you work, capture your thought about what you are working on with a note for your inbox, then you may make the person who has come to you the new priority
• People come before things, always
• From the list you may decide what NOT to do - Clarify:

1. Is it actionable?
2. What will be the outcome? What will it look like if I am successful?
3. If it is not actionable is it trash? Should it be incubated? Should I review it later?

• Do a daily review of the inbox
• Do a weekly review of the incubator file and use the three clarifying questions

Using the mindsweep can help you feel less overwhelmed during busy times by keeping your thoughts organized. Give it a try.


...Pam