In this discussion, Alison Jones, author of Exploratory Writing: Everyday Magic for Life and Work, shares her expertise in using writing to combat mental clutter. She reveals how exploratory writing can transform anxiety into clarity and creativity. The conversation delves into the importance of honest self-expression and practical techniques to boost inclusivity in meetings. Alison also highlights the joys of a simple six-minute writing practice, showing how it can enhance daily life and spark new ideas.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
3 a.m. Breakthrough
Alison Jones discovered exploratory writing during a 3 a.m. entrepreneurial meltdown.
She experienced a shift from anxiety to a resourceful state, generating a solution for her cash flow problem.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
No Strings Attached Writing
Exploratory writing differs from journaling; it requires a "scruffy pad" and a deal with yourself to discard the writing.
This removes the pressure of performance and allows for raw expression.
insights INSIGHT
Chaos to Creation
Exploratory writing moves through stages: chaos, decluttering, and creation.
Embracing the messy initial stage is crucial for spontaneous insights to emerge.
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In 'Effortless', Greg McKeown offers practical tools and strategies for achieving more with less effort. The book is organized into three parts: the effortless state, effortless action, and effortless results. McKeown argues that not everything has to be hard and provides methods for turning tedious tasks into enjoyable rituals, preventing frustration, setting a sustainable pace, and automating essential tasks. His philosophy emphasizes the importance of finding easier ways to accomplish what matters most, rather than perpetually overexerting oneself[1][2][5].
Written
How to Keep Writing and Build a Habit That Lasts
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Written by Bec Evans and Chris Smith, this book offers a transformative approach to writing productivity. It emphasizes that there is no one-size-fits-all method for writing and instead encourages readers to experiment and find what works best for them. Drawing from their extensive experience coaching over 10,000 writers, the authors provide tried and tested advice, personal stories, and the latest research from psychology and neuroscience. The book is divided into three parts: The Approach, Start Writing, and Keep Writing, and includes practical tips and inspiring stories to help writers overcome obstacles and maintain a consistent writing habit.
The Chimp Paradox
Steven Peters
The Chimp Paradox by Dr. Steve Peters introduces a powerful mind management model that explains the internal struggle between the 'Chimp' (emotional and instinctive) and the 'Human' (rational and intelligent) parts of the brain. The book helps readers recognize how their mind works, understand and manage their emotions and thoughts, and develop strategies to tame the 'Chimp' and make better decisions. It also discusses the role of the 'Computer' part of the brain, which stores automatic habits and responses. The book provides practical advice and exercises to help readers improve their daily lives, manage stress, and achieve their goals.
Exploratory Writing
Everyday magic for life and work
Alison Jones
This book introduces the concept of exploratory writing, which involves writing for oneself without a clear goal in mind. It highlights how this technique can support key skills of the 21st century, such as self-mastery, creativity, focus, solution-finding, and collaboration. Alison Jones shares her expertise from a 30-year career in publishing and coaching, and the book includes practical advice and prompts for beginners to incorporate exploratory writing into their daily lives.
Have you ever felt like there were just too many tabs open in your mind? Today, I've invited Alison Jones, the author of Exploratory Writing: Everyday Magic for Life and Work. By the end of this episode, you will have the simplest of tools that can produce extraordinary results. You'll discover an idea so simple, you'll get it immediately, and yet you've probably never done it before in your life. It will help you to be able to turn the chaos in your mind into clarity and even creativity.
The Greg McKeown Podcast 
