Whenever you’re faced with a conversation you need to have, a dilemma you’re trying to figure out, or something else that requires some serious thought before taking action, having a go-to place where you can really think things through is something that can help in the process. Having this kind of space allows you to organize your thoughts and explore new possibilities.
However, trying to find a way of doing this that works for you is something that can be practiced. Here’s a simple exercise called “Subtle Shifts” to help you create that space and practice organizing your thoughts:
Step 1 – For the next 3-5 days, take a photo of something ordinary or mundane in your daily life, such as the view from your window or the arrangement of items on your desk.
Step 2 – Review the photos you’ve taken at the end of the week.
Step 3 – As you review them, open up to a blank page in a journal and write “Subtle Shifts” at the top of the page. Then, write down what subtle changes you noticed from day to day. If everything remained the same, that’s perfectly fine. Challenge yourself to identify at least one small difference. You can format your entry as a list or a paragraph – there’s no right or wrong approach.
This may feel like a small exercise, but in reality, it can make a significant impact on how you process your thoughts, observe, reflect, and prepare for what’s next.
By creating space to organize your thoughts, even before the smallest thing, you are engaging in a valuable process that can grow and even give form to new ideas. Through these simple observations, you might even begin to notice new things you’ve never paid attention to before.
Of course, organizing thoughts is not the only part of working through something, but it’s a part that can be overlooked because it can be overwhelming. So give yourself permission to start small and create a space where you can practice giving form to new possibilities. – Morgan Harper Nichols
