Generate (pause) edit
It's difficult to generate ideas and edit at the same time because these are two very different modes of thinking. When generating ideas, it's important to allow yourself to think freely and explore different possibilities without self-criticism or judgment. This means letting your thoughts flow without worrying about whether they're good or bad, practical or impractical, or whether they fit within a particular framework or structure.
In contrast, editing requires a critical eye and a focused mindset. When editing, you need to evaluate your ideas carefully, looking for ways to refine and improve them. This requires a different kind of thinking than idea generation, one that's more analytical and detail-oriented.
Trying to generate ideas and edit at the same time can be counterproductive because it can limit your creativity. If you're constantly evaluating your ideas and trying to refine them as you go, you may not allow yourself to explore all the possibilities. Instead, you may limit yourself to safe, conventional ideas that fit within your existing framework.
By separating the two processes, you can give yourself the space to explore a wide range of ideas before refining and improving upon them through editing. This allows you to tap into your creativity fully, generating a diverse range of ideas that may not have come to mind otherwise. Once you have a large pool of ideas to draw from, you can then begin to evaluate them more critically and refine them through the editing process.
Tips for separating idea generation and editing:
Set aside dedicated time for each process: Schedule specific blocks of time for idea generation and editing, and stick to that schedule. This will help you avoid the temptation to edit while generating ideas.
Create a comfortable environment: Make sure your workspace is conducive to each process. For idea generation, you might want to have a comfortable chair or a whiteboard to jot down ideas. For editing, you might want a quiet, well-lit space with minimal distractions.
Don't be afraid to brainstorm: When generating ideas, don't hold back or censor yourself. Write down every idea that comes to mind, no matter how silly or unrealistic it may seem. You can always refine and improve upon these ideas later.
Take breaks: If you're feeling stuck or frustrated, take a break and come back to the process later. This can help you clear your mind and approach the process with fresh eyes.
Embrace collaboration: Sometimes, bouncing ideas off of others can help you generate new and innovative ideas. Consider collaborating with a partner or joining a brainstorming group to help generate ideas.