How to declutter your mind -- keep a journal | Ryder Carroll | TEDxYale

Summary

In this inspiring talk, the speaker shares their journey with Attention Deficit Disorder and how they developed the 'Bullet Journal' system to manage their focus and productivity. They emphasize the importance of decluttering the mind, setting achievable goals through small projects, and maintaining a daily practice to stay focused and intentional in life.

Takeaways

• 🌅 Personal Responsibility: We are responsible for creating moments of joy in our lives, such as appreciating a sunrise by making the decision to be there when it happens.
• 🤯 Challenges in Decision Making: Making good decisions is difficult, especially for someone with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), where the condition can complicate the process.
• 🔍 Self-Developed Solutions: The speaker developed their own methodologies to cope with ADD, which later turned out to be helpful for others as well.
• 📚 The Bullet Journal Method: A system called 'The Bullet Journal' was created by the speaker to help organize thoughts and manage tasks effectively.
• 📈 Widespread Adoption: The Bullet Journal method has been adopted by many, with numerous examples and tutorial videos available online.
• 🧘‍♂️ Mind Decluttering: Externalizing thoughts through a mental inventory can help declutter the mind and provide clarity on priorities.
• 🤔 Reflective Questions: Regularly asking 'Why am I doing this?' helps in identifying and eliminating unnecessary tasks and distractions.
• 🎯 Setting Achievable Goals: Breaking down goals into small, actionable projects increases the likelihood of success and fosters curiosity.
• 🚀 Cultivating Curiosity: Small projects allow for the exploration of interests without the overwhelm of large commitments.
• ⏳ Time as a Non-Renewable Resource: Time is precious, and it's crucial to invest it wisely by pursuing meaningful activities.
• 🗺️ Updating Life's Map: Regularly updating one's mental inventory helps in staying aligned with current interests and goals, preventing drift.

Q & A

What is the main message of the speaker about creating joy in our lives?

The speaker emphasizes that we are responsible for creating moments of joy in our lives. We can't take credit for natural phenomena like a beautiful sunrise, but we can take credit for being present to experience it, which involves making decisions that allow us to be in those moments.

Why did the speaker struggle with making good decisions?

The speaker struggled with making good decisions due to being diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) at a young age. At that time, there were limited resources and understanding of the condition, and the tools available were either too rigid or too complicated for the speaker's mind.

What is the common misconception about ADD according to the speaker?

The common misconception about ADD, as mentioned by the speaker, is that individuals with ADD can't focus. However, the speaker's experience was that they could focus but were focusing on too many things at once.

How did the speaker overcome their challenges with ADD?

The speaker overcame their challenges with ADD by designing their own resources and methodologies over 25 years. These methods eventually became relevant and helpful even after the speaker outgrew their ADD.

What is the 'Bullet Journal' system the speaker developed?

The 'Bullet Journal' is a system the speaker developed to help manage their thoughts and tasks. It is a method that involves creating a mental inventory and breaking down goals into small, actionable projects. The system has been shared with others and has gained popularity, with many examples and tutorials available online.

Why is it important to declutter our minds according to the speaker?

Decluttering our minds is important because it helps us focus and manage our energy and time better. The speaker suggests that holding thoughts in our minds is like trying to grasp water, making it nearly impossible to manage. Writing down our thoughts helps capture them clearly and allows us to work with them later.

What is the difference between being busy and being productive, as per the speaker?

According to the speaker, being busy doesn't necessarily mean being productive. Being busy often means being in a state of functional overwhelm, overwhelmed by the choices we have to make in our modern life. Productivity, on the other hand, involves making meaningful decisions and focusing on what truly matters.

How does the speaker suggest we approach goal setting?

The speaker suggests breaking down goals into small, actionable projects. These projects should have no barriers to entry, a clearly defined list of actions and tasks, and should ideally be completed within a month. This approach helps cultivate curiosity and passion without overwhelming us.

What is the significance of updating our mental inventory regularly?

Updating our mental inventory regularly is crucial as it helps keep our map of life accurate. As we navigate our lives, circumstances change, and we learn new things. Keeping the inventory updated ensures that we stay on course and don't drift off, reducing distractions and maintaining focus on what truly matters.

What are the three key steps the speaker suggests to lead an intentional life?

The three key steps the speaker suggests are: Reflect - declutter your mind by creating a mental inventory and get rid of what doesn't matter; Ideate - figure out ways to pursue the things that interest you by creating small actual projects; Dedicate - get into a daily practice of keeping your mental inventory updated.

How does the speaker define an 'intentional life'?

An 'intentional life' is defined by the speaker as one where you focus on the things that truly matter, rather than enduring a life filled with distractions and unnecessary responsibilities. It is a life where you have the power to shape your experiences and moments, leading to more meaningful and joyful living.