When I write blog posts, I work off of an editorial calendar. It’s essentially a brain dump of ideas I pull from when I am ready to write. As soon as my list is exhausted I close down my computer and grab a notebook and start coming up with new ideas.
But why use paper?
Wouldn’t that add an unnecessary step to the process when I need to copy it back to my online spreadsheet?
Yes, but the benefits of stepping away from the computer to brainstorm are worth the few extra minutes of data entry.
Here’s why…
Focus
The number one reason I don’t like to plan on the computer is that there are too many distractions. When using pen and paper I don’t feel the urge to check my inbox, search on Google, see a new notification or fall down a rabbit hole on social media. It’s so easy to lose focus, even if all of the distractions are closed and turned off. They are just a click away.
I even go as far as stepping away from my computer desk and move to another table in my office. This act puts me out of my usual element and forces me to focus on my ideas and the paper in front of me.
When I’m coming up with new ideas I usually give myself a number to reach before I am finished. For writing, it’s usually 50 new titles. I can’t stop my focus session until I’ve hit that number.
And every idea doesn’t have to be usable.
Permanence
For me, there is something about being on a computer that feels final or permanent. When your brainstorming you shouldn’t feel that every idea needs to be “the one”.
A single thought could have nothing to do with the task at hand but it could lead you to a brilliant idea.
Paper and pen allows you to quickly jot down anything that comes to mind. You can scribble it out, erase and even crumple it up. It feels less permanent and I find that alone allows me to think more freely.
Slow Down
The simple act of holding a pen and using your hand to write takes more brain power than pushing a button. You have to think harder to write each letter.
The reason most people head to the computer for nearly every task is speed. We assume we’ll get our ideas out faster because we can type faster than we can write.
The ideas you generate when you are forced to slow down and write out each letter by hand tend to be more thoughtful and higher quality.
Think about the people in your life who love to talk. Maybe that person is you too! More often, the person who takes time to think more before they speak usually has better ideas than the one who rushes to blurt out whatever comes to mind.
Slowing down doesn’t always mean you’re being less productive. In today’s world we often feel the need to move fast rather than be slow and effective.
The rabbit never won the race.
Happy Emailing!
