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Oct 14 • 3 min read

a simple prod hack you're (probably) not doing


đź‘‹ Hey, happy Monday.

This is about how to clear your head. Keep reading below or read this online.​

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Have 1,000 tabs open in your brain but can’t focus on a single one?

Same here.

That’s a modern condition for anyone sentient on the Internet.

That’s where brain dumping comes in — an underrated, low-effort way to get your mental clutter under control and finally make progress.

TBH, I really hate the term “brain dump” — it sounds crass and gross. So if anyone has a better name, (brain cleanse, maybe?) then let me know and I’ll notify the authorities of the change.

What's a brain dump?

Brain dumping is just you, a notebook, or your favorite notes app, writing down everything on your mind.

That’s it.

You don’t overthink it or worry about organizing your thoughts in the moment.

You just unload everything — tasks, ideas, random thoughts you’ve been holding onto.

It may even slide into journaling. That’s alright, you’ll survive.

Let it all spill out.

Why it works…

Our brains weren’t made to be storage units.

They’re problem-solvers, not to-do list managers.

When you try to hold onto every little detail — like remembering to schedule that dentist appointment or pick up coffee beans — you’re cluttering your mental space.

Brain dumping clears that space out. The act of getting things out of your head and onto paper (or a screen) frees up your mind to focus on what really matters.

And yeah, the science backs it up: this kind of cognitive offloading helps reduce stress and makes your brain work more efficiently.

Once you’re not trying to hold onto everything, you can think sharper, decide faster, and even tap into some unexpected creativity.

How to brain dump and cleanse (it’s easier than you think)

  1. Take 10 minutes: Set aside 10 or 15 minutes. If you write down everything in your head, it’ll go faster than you think.
  2. Set the scene: Find a quiet spot where you won’t be interrupted. Could be at your desk, a cozy chair, or even your car — wherever you can focus for a few minutes.
  3. Pick your tool: Keep it simple. Grab a legal pad (my preference) if you like analog, or open a Google Doc or Notion if you want to go the digital route. The tool itself doesn’t matter — what matters is that it’s easy to access.
  4. Start the dump, feel the cleanse: Now, here’s the fun part — just write down whatever comes to mind. There’s no wrong way to do this. Start with what’s bugging you. Move to things you need to get done, ideas you’ve been meaning to try, or worries that keep nagging at you.

Feel the power…

Once it’s all on the page, it might feel like a mess.

That’s okay.

The point isn’t to organize everything on the spot. The goal is to create mental space.

You’ll sort through it later, prioritize what needs action, and ignore what doesn’t. You’re not solving all your problems in one go — you’re just decluttering your mind so you can focus on what’s next.

After you’ve brain dumped, you’ll find it easier to figure out your next steps.

You’ll stop spending mental energy on remembering small tasks or juggling random ideas, and you can focus on the big stuff that moves the needle.

Why try it?

Brain dumping is ridiculously simple, and the payoff is real. You’ll feel less stressed, more organized, and surprisingly productive. Think of it as a system reset for your mind. The best part?

You don’t need any fancy tools or a ton of time to do it. Just give yourself 10 minutes, and you’ll see the difference.

Final thought…

We’re all constantly looking for ways to optimize our productivity and cut through the noise. Brain dumping might not be a glamorous productivity hack, but it’s incredibly effective.

So if your brain feels like it’s running in a million directions, try a brain dump today. You’ll be amazed at how much lighter — and more focused — you feel.

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Thanks for reading! When you’re ready, here are some resources that you may find helpful:

Related articles by me (on Medium)

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Keep going-

​Josh Spilker​​

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​PS: You got this b/c you signed up for the Create Make Write newsletter or downloaded something on notes or writing from me on Gumroad​

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PSS: Still here?​ WHOA, good job. Here's 61% off the Quick Start Note-Taking Pack (SHHH....it's the lowest price I've offered)

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