3x5x20 - This is my morning hack, but I a now finding I can use it whenever I find my creativity is low, my writing is stalled or I am procrastinating. You might like the simple tool.
My morning Hack…trash writing. 3 words 5 times in 20 lines
It’s easy to wake up physically (given you have good sleep habits) but often the brain meanders along behind.
Putting pen to paper early helps me focus. It’s a manual task that “warms-up” the brain. It’s great to get the ideas flowing.
My simple hack? - trash writing.
I use an exercise book and take a new page
I write three words across the top of the page…they can be random, or relate to a particular challenge/enthusiasm that comes to mind.
Now start writing in a continuous stream, forget the need for sentences.
Write for 20 lines using each word at least five times…it’s almost like a stream of consciousness
Stop when you get to 20 lines
Don’t feel a need to re-read or even keep what you’ve written. The act of writing will have done it job and set you up for success.
How it works for me.
Having to use 3 words 5 times mean focusing on the task
The task itself is sort of meaningless - I am just writing to fill a space by using the 3x5x20 rule
After about 8 to ten lines my brain starts to come alive - rebelling against the seemingly meaningless task - ideas (mostly unrelated to what you are writing) start to emerge
By 20 lines I am feeling uncomfortable - there are better things to do - the day looks more exciting - so many ideas have been unleached
And the kicker … I have successfully completed my first task for the day … and success breeds success.