The Process of Think

Do you meticulously storyboard your ideas or subconsciously scribble them out? Do you stockpile certain words that you like and blacklist those you don’t? Do you write out every detail or make the story up as you go along? If you repeatedly click your pen as you write, pace a room before you type, tap your toes while you think or throw away numerous quantities of crumpled paper — that just may be your “process of think.”

Some feverishly type in hopes of capturing a stroke of genius, while others are subtle writers who hang onto every idea until the timing is just right. Every writer has his or her way of expression that may eventually lead to an exciting new concept — but great ideas don’t come from staring at the sea of white. They come by making a choice to set out toward a goal, even with a storm looming on the horizon. That’s why we call it the process of think. It goes beyond the compound noun “thought process” because “think” is what you do, and taking action is what matters.

It’s important to remember that all storms have a purpose, whether it be to release electrical charges raging in the heavens or to let loose a refreshing rain upon the land. The storm in your mind has a purpose as well, and each bolt and rumble means you’re getting closer to the result. However, it’s completely up to you to determine how to navigate that storm to best capture or express your idea. Through frustration and the occasional setback, what matters most is that you simply get the idea out. Once it’s on the page or on the screen, think hard about your next move. Will you call it a victory and trim the sails? Or will you follow your idea to where it’s leading you?

The C4:

1. The storm raging inside is a part of the creative process.
2. You may be holding yourself back.
3. Taking action is what matters — get the idea out.
4. Once the idea is free, think hard about your next move.