Lately I’ve been having more and more of those moments where my brain is in constant flow state. For example, one problem pops up in my head, I start to think about it deeply, many ideas rapidly run through my head, comparing all kinds of scenarios, and in all of that, a solution comes up. I then feel at ease because I have found a solution to a problem, and then in no time, the next thing pops up in my head and the same process repeats.
When these thoughts are done and I get out of the flow state, I feel amazing and inspired by having all these ideas, solutions and new things to do. Then comes the most annoying part… I mostly only remember the last thing or two I thought of, and forget everything else that was also very important to me. After some trials I found a solution to this that works for me. I started using a system (the “Thought Bank”) to quickly write down a few words about the thought that comes up, and go directly back into that flow state. This stopped me from losing those really well thought out situations.
The Importance of Rapid Capturing
When I’m in such a flow and also trying to remember the outcome, I want to prevent myself from going out of this flow state. Simply because new ideas and solutions to problems/situations never come up this quickly and it feels good! I found that when I tried to directly process an outcome, e.g. immediately making calendar items for it, I’m not able to go back in that same flow state and further ideas just don’t come up. It seems that my brain is then just switched back to execution mode instead of thinking/solving mode.
For me, I noticed when I’m in this flow state, the quicker I can just make a little note of the outcome and then put that note away again, my mind doesn’t switch back to execution mode. I noticed myself being able to almost immediately go back into that same flow state since the ‘distraction’ is so short and also a sense of peace that comes from knowing I won’t forget the outcome.
My Quick Capture Tool
Having tried a few ‘tools’ to quickly capture an outcome, I found that for me, my Phone’s Notes app works best. My phone is almost always with me, is easy to unlock and having the Notes app right on my Home Page. When I open it, it just resumes my last open note which I make sure is always my “Thought Bank”.
So when I have an outcome, I open the Notes App and in a few words, quickly type keywords so when I re-read it, I’ll remember what I meant by it. Then I just put my phone away again. I’ve named it my “Thought Bank”. My place for anything that just pops up, which I can quickly capture and move on without having the ‘stress’ of forgetting it.
Processing the “Thought Bank”
Then at least once a day, when I’m out of the flow state, I’ll take a moment to look at my “Thought Bank”. Making sure to process/translate every thought/outcome one by one. For me, I use a more detailed dashboard based tool to manage all the things going on in my life. From planning everyday things to my ambitions. So every item from the “Thought Bank” will be translated into some part of my life. E.g. in my calendar, at a set date/time and then removed from the “Thought Bank”. This way I make sure the outcome is persisted and it will actually happen. Not lost, not forgotten, nor scattered.
Final “Thoughts” 😉
If this situation sounds familiar, the important thing is to try a few ways and develop a system that works for you. This is just my way of doing it and why I find it useful. But make sure to try a few different systems for yourself and see what works for you! I’m curious to know what system works for you!
