I originally designed the Wishful Thinking Works (WTW) Worksheets for my workshops, but they also are great to use at home or at work.

 

Doodling and daydreaming are oft maligned activities. I think anything that slows us down and relaxes and engages our brains, can’t be all bad. Building on the benefits of doodling, I created a series of brainstorming tools that can help you daydream your way to creating the life you want.

Getting Started 

The “WTW Building Block,” “WTW Exploring Options,” and “WTW Paths” are great for brainstorming, designing your future, goal planning or old-fashioned doodling and daydreaming. They’re an easy, fun way to get your thoughts on paper.

They look simple, but are designed with two specific thoughts in mind:

1. Since there is something already on the paper in front of you, brainstorming may seem less daunting. You are filling in spaces or rounding out an idea, not staring at a blank page.
2. The layout jump-starts your brain. When you look at a game board you immediately begin trying to figure out “Where do I start?” and “Where does it end?” The sheets can have the same effect on your brain; they may instill a “How do I make this happen?” mindset, which means your brain is engaged before you even start writing!

I completed an “WTW Exploring Options” for you using a project I actually started, Macedonian Monthstays: Enjoying Europe as it used to be, as an example. When I began the project, the idea was nothing more than what some people might call a “pipe dream’, but these forms and mind-mapping helped me develop my idea into a successful venture.  

I used the WTW worksheets to get a better understanding of how I wanted the trip to look and feel and to layout the challenges and obstacles that might arise. The sample is a first draft, which led to many other drafts and later to a detailed plan. My first and very successful tour took place in the fall of 2010 – none of my guests wanted to leave and they all wanted to return. I’m planning my second trip for May and June of 2011, and Wishful Thinking Works retreats in Macedonia and Greece for September of 2011 or May and June of 2012.

Mind-Maps aren’t my creation, but are another fantastic brainstorming tool. I’ve use Mind-Maps for getting started on projects, working through my thoughts and emotions or when faced with writer’s block. I’ve shared the technique time and again with clients as a tool to further explore topics that come-up during coaching. Mind-Maps are great for leading you to “Aha” moments or for working your way through worrisome thoughts, or great ideas. I always travel with art paper and colored pencils because of them. I will be pulling some old ones out of my suitcase later today, to review what I was thinking when, and to compare my thoughts, look for trends and see which direction I want to go next on a specific project. (Tip: If you save them for future reference, date them!)

“The Honest Wishability Assessment” is an easy to use daily or weekly checklist to keep you on your path. (Oh, and don’t forget to be honest when filling it out.) I included a blank assessment sheet for you to customize with activities you would like to focus on.

Hope these sheets help your dreams come true, too. If they’re not your “cup of tea” – no problem – simply create brainstorming tools that work for you. Whatever you do, don’t give up on developing your dreams.

 

 

Please print these forms and write your thoughts in the blank geometric spaces.

WTW Mind-Map  (This is a sample for you to create your own.)

WTW Building Blocks

WTW Exploring Options

WTW Exploring Options SAMPLE

WTW Paths

WTW Honest Assessment

WTW Blank Honest Assessment

Have fun, and let me know how  they work for you.