Sometimes mashing ideas together creates a technique that works.
I think I’ve found one of those.
Lisa Woodruff of Organize 365 talks about “pink” folders in her organization system.
She describes these folders as the place to keep ideas before they become projects.
While I like the concept, I have a lot of “one line” ideas on soooo many topics.
I was struggling on how to contain them to 5-10 folders.
Then, I thought of another tool I use for an entirely different purpose – Scrivener.
This is a program that helps authors organize and structure books.
My Story
Scrivener lets me create chapters with topics inside that look like file folders on the left.
The order of the files can be moved around easily and there is even a note card view.
This system has been in place for almost a month and IT’S WORKING!
I’m calling it “The Greenhouse” – the place where my ideas can grow.
Each Friday, I transfer the ideas generated for the week from my phone and notebook.
Sometimes I just place them where they go (planting).
Other times, I add more information and thoughts (fertilizing).
While I’m in the file, I also expand on existing ideas (watering).
Once an idea is a sturdy seedling, the time has come to move to a project.
This is when they transfer out of the greenhouse.
The analogy of a greenhouse is working for me.
Ideas no longer seem random.
They have a home.
When they are ready, they can evolve into something more.
Your Turn
How do you collect and organize the ideas you have?
Do you think a system like this could work for you?
Would you prefer to collect ideas in a digital or physical format?