Josh Kaufman

Josh Kaufman is the bestselling author of books on business, entrepreneurship, skill acquisition, productivity, creativity, applied psychology, and practical wisdom. About Josh »

The Braindead List

“Thoughts flowing like toxic sludge this Monday morning. Brain feels like it needs an oil change."

Venkatesh Rao, ribbonfarm.com

Ever have a day where your brain just doesn't seem to want to turn on?

It happens to all of us: I'm having one of those days right now. Sometimes, for whatever reason, the old synapses just don't want to fire.

That's okay - you are not a robot.

Energy cycles are very real. Instead of trying to force yourself to be brilliant, it's usually best to recognize what's happening, accept reality, and change your strategy.

Creating Your "Braindead" List

Here's a useful technique I learned from David Allen, who picked it up from Robert Peake: it's useful to have a short list of low-thought, low-energy things you can do when you're tired or having an off day.

It's called a "braindead" list. Here's mine:

It's important to write these things down: when you're off your game, the last thing you want to do is spend too much time thinking about what you should do. Write it down, keep it close at hand, and use it as necessary.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going for a walk…


Do you have a "braindead" list? What should you add to it?

Read more essays by Josh Kaufman »
The Personal MBA
The First 20 Hours
How to Fight a Hydra