The Unfounded Assumption that Can Stop Logical Thinking in Its Tracks
Join me in the campaign to eliminate prejudice against messy thinking tactics. Floating in the back of many people's minds is the idea that "logical" means "neat." People sometimes hesitate to make a list unless they can write down the items in their proper order....
Yes, It’s the Electronic Age, But Don’t Forget Paper-Age Lessons
Here's some old-fashioned advice that may be just what you need to get out of a present-day thinking block: Spread out your notes all over your desk. That's right, your desk, not your computer screen. Yes, programs exist to move around words in many wonderful easy...
The One-Minute Rule for “Thinking on Paper”
If you've followed my work, you know I'm an advocate of "Thinking on Paper." You can watch this 3-minute video explaining "thinking on paper, or read a short write-up on it here. People often ask when they should use "thinking on paper" to speed up their thinking....
Understanding Paralysis
Paralyzed. Stuck. Blocked. These describe a distressing mental state — made worse by mystery. When you are paralyzed, it seems like you know what you need to do — you need to write, plan, etc. But you feel like you can't take a single step forward. Knowing why you're...
Three Tips for Using Small Time Blocks for an Open-Ended Thinking Task
When you have a big question to think about, don't wait until you have 2 or 3 hours free to tackle it. There just aren't enough big blocks of time available to make that a practical strategy. Instead, learn how to Velcro together smaller blocks of time--say 25...
Four Reasons Why Reviewing Written Goals Helps You Achieve Them
Here's a piece of advice you may know: Write down your top goals and re-read them every day. Simply implementing this daily review can make a significant difference in whether you achieve the goals. If this sounds like some kind of magical thinking, it's not....
The Secret to Doing Better Next Time
Did something go badly? A "discussion" with a spouse or coworker that ended in acrimony? A proposal that flopped? When something goes badly, you may be tempted to forget about it and just try to do better next time. But the secret to doing better lies in thinking...
A Good Time to Take Stock
The new year is a time of rebirth. To begin on an inspiring note, I suggest you spend a little time taking stock of your achievements from the year that is ending. Make a record of your accomplishments — everything you did or said or bought or made happen that you're...
To Resolve or Not to Resolve
Do not make any New Year's Resolutions this year. At least, not unless you're mentally ready for the commitment. How can you tell? Here are three tests: Test 1: Is your goal concrete and specific? A goal to do "more" with friends is vague. It would be better to plan...
The “AND List”
The "AND" list is a basic tactic for addressing resistance and temptation in the moment. You can use it when you aren't instantly motivated to do what you "should" be doing. This tactic helps you acknowledge your own mixed motivation so that you can act consciously...