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Don’t Just Jump In: Outline First

Outline it all; it saves you time.

When I:

  • Sit down to write: I want to write it all out at once.
  • Start a business: I want to put together quickly the partnerships.
  • Start building an infrastructure: I want to get the systems in place immediately.

My first instinct is to follow the genius myth. Except, after I think about it, I remember –

When I:

  • Write all at once: it discourages me because I don’t know where the story goes.
  • Go for Partnerships early: I don’t know what I truly offer or better yet – even need).
  • Build out all the systems: most systems go unused, and I have to replace them.

The first thing I do as soon as I remember those memories is starting an outline.

An outline is a forcing function that makes me start to consider what I need. It deals with those problems I listed above.

When I outline:

  • I know where the writing is going, so I save time.
  • I see what I need from each partner, and if it is worth talking to that person.
  • See the systems and how they play with each other. 

Even if you are in a situation that leaves you with little time, outline. It helps you manage that time more efficiently, no matter the situation.

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