“Think” On Paper

Mortimer Adler, a philosopher, once said, ” the person who says he knows what he thinks but cannot express it usually does not know what he thinks.”

We often get stuck in our heads, thinking we “know” about something, but we understand very little.

We feel like we know what needs to be done, but we struggle to define specific actions. This issue manifests when dealing with problem-solving, relationship, and emotional matters.

One simple trick I use develop clarity is to do my “thinking” on paper. 

I start freewriting down whatever thoughts come to mind.

If I am struggling with some emotion, my thinking on paper will go something like this.

” I am feeling disturbed. What is the emotion I am experiencing? Is it fear? Or is it anxiety? ………” and so it goes on. By the time I am down to the end of the page, I can clearly articulate my thoughts and feelings. 

Sometimes, I come up with an idea that feels great in my head. I decide to put my idea into words. I start “thinking” on paper. 

” My idea is this. It about how to generate more leads for the business. My current challenge is …..” If the idea sucks, the words on the paper in my freewriting will tell me so. 

Similarly, I am struggling with a relationship. I feel like doing something, but I am not sure.

I write my thoughts down on paper, and I let it rest. The next day, I look at what I have written. Somehow, the decision is easy to take.

When I “think” on paper, I get clarity, and I understand better because I am able to read my thoughts and figure out if they make sense or not. 

You are feeling overwhelmed by some issue that is bothering you and you are not sure how to deal with it? Just write down whatever thoughts are going through your mind. You will immediately experience clarity.

Try it. It works !!