Ideas Post

How Can I Resurface Ideas Collected in my Spark File?

I've been using a Spark File for the past 2 years to collect the random, someday/maybe kinds of ideas that get "sparked" throughout the day. It's one long list in my notes app, only separated by date.

I'm always re-inspired when I look through the ideas there—like finding treasure my past self left for my future self to discover. But how can I make sure I actually go back through them?

Here's some ideas for resurfacing those gems:

    1. Add a Daily Habit to review my Spark File for 5 mins/day

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    2. Add a Daily Habit to post at least 1 Spark File idea on Twitter

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    3. Publish a list of my Spark File ideas on NotePD

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    4. Add ideas to Readwise as highlights and apply spaced repetition to them.

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    5. Review the entire Spark File during a weekly or monthly review.

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    6. Create an "Idea Bank"

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    Print the list using very large print, cut out each idea, and put all the strips of paper into a container.

    I can pull out ideas at random and also see my ideas physically build up, much like a piggy bank.

    7. Listen to them read back to me

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    Add the list as a document to the Speechify app and hear it read out loud.

    8. Search by verb

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    Search the Spark File for all instances of verbs like "make", "publish", "write", or "create" and read through my ideas for one action at a time.

    9. Spark File Roundup

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    At the end of the week, compile a "Spark File Roundup" of my favorite ideas that week.

    10. Read through my "Visuals First" spark file instead of the general one.

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    Along with the Spark File for general ideas, I also keep a "Visuals First" file for collecting ideas for sketches. I could switch it up and review just those ideas on a given day.
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Comments (2)
Ronon18wheels @Ronon18wheels
Now I will Google to find out what a Spark File is. Sounds like a short diary entry of ideas. Thanks for nice primer to how you could use your Spark File.
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AidaMAlston @AidaMAlston
Here's where I first heard of it, from the author Steven Johnson: https://medium.com/the-writers-room/the-spark-file-8d6e7df7ae58

I use it to capture the same kinds of ideas that go into a NotePD list, just at random when they appear in my head instead of trying to make an intentional list.
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