Overwhelmed and over iiiiit! Brain Dump and Organize Your Plans Checklist

The beauty is not in the plan - it is in planning! Our visions and best Ideas live in our brains… being overwhelmed and over it is why we are here so I always have to set the intention. Let’s start by:

1. Setting the Vibe:

• Find a quiet and comfortable space to work.

• Gather essential tools: pen, paper, computer, or any preferred note-taking device.

• Grab your coffee/tea and some water.

2. DND… Clear Your Mind:

• Take a few deep breaths to relax and eliminate the distractions to focus your mind.

3. Brain Dump:

We hear this ish a lot but how can we do it efficiently?

• Literally, write/type down all thoughts, ideas, and plans without filtering.

• Include both short-term and long-term goals.

I like to use post-its per list item so I can move it around when I categorize/organize it later.

4. Categorize:

• Group similar ideas together.

• Identify common themes or projects.

5. Prioritize:

• Determine the importance of each category or project.

• Consider urgency and impact. I like to:

  • highlight urgent items in one color. What’s urgent? Tasks that are time-sensitive and things that make money!

6. Define Objectives:

• Break down each project into specific, achievable objectives.

• Ensure objectives are clear and measurable. This will help you figure out how you can ask for support, hire out, or prioritize at a later time (but don’t forget to give yourself a “deadline“ to be accountable to yourself.)

7. Timeframe:

We are humans - not robots! When everything is important this gets so damn hard - remember to give yourself grace but be accountable and communicate (with customers, clients, business partners, and please be professional!)

• Assign realistic timeframes for each objective.

• Consider deadlines and milestones.

8. Identify Resources:

• List the resources needed for each objective or project.

• Include financial, human, and material resources.

9. Evaluate Constraints:

• Identify potential obstacles or challenges.

• Develop strategies to overcome them. Consider what you can do to resolve a pain point you caused or a pain point that needs to be avoided.

10. Delegate Tasks:

• Determine tasks that can be delegated to others.

• Clarify responsibilities and expectations. This is crucial! Whether you’re hiring an intern, a friend who is a problem solver - not quite an expert, or an expert - having some guidelines to guide your goals/needs can suck for everyone involved.

• To delegate create an outline:

  • Goals of the Ask

  • Guides to follow

  • Timeline/Deadline

  • Cost

  • What files/documents/inspiration or mood board are you providing to make sure they are prepared to fulfill this need?

    Questions for yourself

  • Are your expectations realistic?

  • Are you sure they can do this task to begin with or are you “seeing how it goes“?

  • Did you ask them how can you prepare to ensure they have what’s needed?

  • Have you explored local resources or sought out someone in your network?

11. Create a Schedule:

• Develop a weekly or monthly schedule.

• Allocate specific time slots for each task or project.

12. Review, Refine, and Iterate - Pivot- Remix It!::

• Regularly review and update your plans.

• Adjust priorities based on progress and changing circumstances.

Look, being a leader and. or being an entrepreneur is hard - make sure you celebrate your big and “small“ wins, be flexible in this process, and it is oooookkkkk to get feedback on these major plans you have brewing.

Celebrate the completion of major projects or goals.

Remember, this is a guide, and you can adapt it based on life and boss shit needs or remix it as you see fit, boss babe! Tag me on your planning process - happy to cheer you on!