Free template
Brain dump template
This free brain dump template helps you empty your head in about ten minutes. Write everything down using the prompts, sort each item into do, schedule, delegate, keep or delete, then pick a top three with a first action each. Print it, copy it anywhere, or download the Markdown file.
How to use it
- Set a ten-minute timer and write without editing.
- Use the prompts only if you get stuck; any order is fine.
- Sort afterwards, not while writing.
- Pick three items and write the first physical action for each.
1. Dump (5 minutes)
Write every item that comes to mind. Do not sort yet.
- Work and study: ______
- Home and errands: ______
- Money and admin: ______
- People I owe a reply or a call: ______
- Health and body: ______
- Worries and loose ends: ______
- Ideas and things I want to do: ______
2. Sort (3 minutes)
Mark each item with one letter.
- D = do today
- S = schedule for a specific day
- G = give to someone else
- K = keep as a note
- X = delete, it no longer matters
3. Pick (2 minutes)
- Top three: 1. ______ 2. ______ 3. ______
- First physical action for each: ______
- One thing I will stop worrying about today: ______
Download or print
Download the Markdown file and paste it into any notes app, or print this page: the menus and buttons are hidden when you print.
Unleashed OS can do the capturing part by voice: talk, and what you said is sorted into missions, reminders, journal entries and notes. See voice brain dump and pricing.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a brain dump take?
Around ten minutes. Stop when the ideas slow down.
Should I sort while I write?
No. Sorting while writing slows you down. Dump first, sort afterwards.
Can I do it out loud?
Yes. Speaking is often faster. In Unleashed OS a voice brain dump is sorted for you into missions, reminders, journal entries and notes.
Is there a longer explanation?
See the brain dump method.