Brainstorming Using Thought Boxes
I know I didn’t originate the method I use, but I can’t remember where I learned it, so please give credit to someone smarter than I. Long before mind-mapping was a common term and branching was routinely taught, we had thought boxes.
Thought boxes are simply a table in a word file. I usually make my table 5 columns wide by 18 rows, and adjust the height to 4 lines. I use small margins to get the biggest boxes I can in this arrangement. I’ll go into the table and combine cells randomly here and there to give me a few boxes big enough in which to write full descriptions if needed. I usually print 5 pages at a time.
I’ll move away from the computer and sit quietly for a minute. Then I’ll start to fill in boxes. Each one represents a thought or concern that pops into my head. As quickly as I can record it, another will take its place. I’ll keep filling up boxes until my head is momentarily empty or the page is full (on occasion I’ve had to continue to a second page).
Next, I grab several highlighters and color code the boxes according to subject. Blue is business, yellow is relationships, pink is work, green is finances, etc. Use whatever colors you like.
Transfer all the blue boxes to their own page. Often my brain pops up a few more thoughts on the subject, and I write them in. When the topic is exhausted, I’ll transfer all the yellow boxes to their own page and repeat the process.
What this does for me is empty my brain in such a way that I can organize the concerns, worries, tasks and ideas that come out. Once identified and grouped by topic, I can look them over and either create a plan to address the concerns, grab my journal and write them out of me (at least temporarily), update my task list, or let them go.
Thought boxes are also useful for organization. I’ve used them for creating to-do lists complete with priority order. I’ve used them to create delegation lists as well. They work well for organizing brainstorming sessions and the input from small groups. I’ve used it to organize chapters in a book as well. I have used them extensively while planning and executing my first business.
This is also a useful exercise for when you feel overwhelmed. It’s interesting how often the same thought comes up in different guises, which are easily identified on paper.
As a conceptual thinker, the method works well for me. I know a few linear thinkers that use it well also, though they tend to fill in their boxes differently. It’s a worthwhile process to try if you are experiencing turmoil, feel overwhelmed, or suffer from writer’s block. You just might find it’s a tool you can use periodically to empty your own mind and organize the results.
