I have used the voice recorder less over the years but I find it optimal when time is limited and I have to move onto something else. Part of using a voice recorder as a medium is listening closely afterwards and writing down what I said in a different manner (either in a more permanent paper notebook or digitally in a text file). And yes, each iteration transforms the idea at least somewhat. It gives you the chance to see the idea in a different way.
Paper Notebooks + old-school Digital Voice Recorder (get one which takes replaceable batteries) are a great combo to train oneself to use regularly and consistently for everything.
But you can get whichever one fits your budget and works for you.
Was waiting for someone to comment this. It's a somewhat known strategy if you have to read through a bunch of boring code you don't want to work with, and find hard to focus with, to turn off the syntax highlight and somehow the brain stops glossing over/skimming the code and starts to pay more attention.
I found it led to marginal difference at best, as with most strategies. It does work well initially though, as I guess the brain stops being able to use colors it's used to for grouping stuff together and similar.
I'm adept at using both but the change adds just enough friction and visual differences to spark creativity, or a little productivity boost.
I find it much better that way.
Both seem to explore how breaking out of autopilot can unlock better thinking, which is exactly what I’ve been noticing in my own routines.
I am naturally prone to optimizing friction away--autistic engineer--but have come to realize regularly putting myself in uncomfortable positions professionally and personally works for me as a form of exposure therapy.
Nowadays, in the event I'm thrust into such an unfamiliar situation against my will, I'm still functional.
An enormously valuable knock on effect was coming to the realization the things I enjoy most in life are those which have been a surprise, and I would have simply avoided weren't I being intentional in pushing my own boundaries.
I started a blog to get my thoughts out and explore whatever sparked my curiosity. It’s been a creative blast, and I’m still figuring it out as I go.
I do journal, though it’s more of a quick log, tracking time and daily developments. My deeper writing is more immersed. Lately, I’ve been spending a few hours most nights working on a self-improvement book, which I’ve been enjoying writing.
One unexpected benefit I can’t emphasize enough is how much writing has helped me stay sharp and more focused in my day job. It’s like a reset button for the brain. If you’re feeling stuck or low on motivation, I really recommend trying something completely different in your routine, especially something outside your comfort zone, like switching from digital to analog. Thanks for asking!
That'll bake your noodle for a good long while :)
- Zen koan I read a while ago, might have got the wording a bit wrong, but a fun one.
Just googled, and it is Wikipedia too, but "koan" is only in the See also section:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/If_a_tree_falls_in_a_forest_...
One small example of a problem we were required to learn was that of a pipe running through a space at some angle and determine if it intersected something important.
Going to the kitchen, boiling water and letting it brew, gets me away from my desk and gives me an opportunity to start thinking out loud while I wait.
Sometimes just getting up out of my chair will shake loose some tough problem and the answer will be clear.
Alas, even after all these years, I occasionally grind away on things rather than remembering this.
For example, I recently stopped coding all the time and picked up a new hobby at night, writing. That simple change gave my brain a reset and actually improved the performance during the day. Same goes for planning: switching from digital to pen and paper breaks the routine and makes your brain engage differently. It’s less about the tool and more about how the change wakes you up.