The 4-step brain dump method is a simple process to put you on the path to a healthier mindset, a clearer head, and a more productive work day. 

Enough with dealing with all the mental clutter floating around in your head. 

Let’s jump in. 

The 4-Step Brain Dump Method 

First, let’s chat about the benefits of this method. 

When you keep everything in your mind, it’s incredibly easy for things to slip through the cracks. 

Appointments are forgotten, texts and emails go unanswered, deadlines are missed. 

When you execute the 4-Step Brain Dump Method, you’ll find that it’s much easier to stay on track and juggle all of the things life throws at you. 

You’ll find that you: 

• Are more organized
• Are less stressed
• Have a clearer head 
• Have confidence knowing that you are on top of important dates and deadlines
• Find peace in not keeping up with everything on your own
• Find mental clarity 
• Reduce your anxiety levels
• Stimulate your creativity and problem-solving capabilities
• Work through emotions with a little more ease
• Are reminded of your goals and are more likely to reach them
• Manage your time more efficiently 

Sometimes it’s beneficial to set an intention for your brain dump. Do you need to clear your mind? Find clarity surrounding a certain situation? Need help managing work tasks and activities? Set an intention and let it help guide your brain dump. 

Step 1 – Dump it 

Find a quiet place, grab a pen and paper, and dump out everything in your brain. 

It’s important that this activity takes place free of your own judgment. 

Let it all out of your brain—you can chunk this piece of paper later! 

Things you might need to dump: 

• Tasks
• Appointments
• Calls
• Anxiety inducers
• Deadlines
• To-dos
• Groceries to buy
• Meal plans
• Kid’s activities
• Dreams
• Goals
• Relationships 
• Health matters
• Want to do’s 
• Work tasks
• Financial goals
• deadlines
• To-do’s
• Hobbies
• Travel plans
• Packing lists
• Pets
• Etc. 

Step 2 – Sort it 

There are a number of ways you can go through and sort your thoughts. 

Here are a few ideas: 

• Use colored highlighters for different categories: Yellow = work; Purple = Home; Pink = Kids; Green = Appointments, Calls; Orange = Misc. 
• Rewrite your thoughts onto a new sheet within their own categories
• Scribble in circles, squares, stars, or whatever, to connect ideas and tasks

Step 3 – Prioritize it 

1- Determine which tasks need to be done today, this week, this month, this year, or not at all.  It’s okay to acknowledge that some things are unnecessary. 

2 – Determine which tasks can be delegated to other people – your spouse, kids, coworkers, etc. 

3 – Consider deadlines and make sure things are prioritized with deadlines in mind.

Need help figuring out how to prioritize things? Check out this article to learn how to prioritize your tasks.

Step 4 – Schedule it 

Put your tasks on the calendar. Literally WRITE THEM DOWN. 

Start with your most urgent and important tasks (your “today” tasks). 

Then go on to schedule out tasks that need to be tackled tomorrow, this week, and this month. 

Make a note of tasks that need to be done by the end of the year and be sure to add them to your calendar as well. 

If you don’t plan it, it won’t happen, so be sure to WRITE IT DOWN. 

4-Step Brain Dump and Beyond

Let me know how this method works out for you! I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!