The double-value filter

I always use the same workflow to write articles for the Gestalt Garden: a list of steps I follow in order to go from “having an idea” to “having a published article.”

The first step in my workflow used to be defining the goal of the article—what I wanted to achieve by writing it. Setting a goal helps me stay motivated to finish the piece and, most importantly, stay focused (by knowing what to include and what to leave out).

A few months ago, I read the book A System For Writing by Bob Doto. In it, he describes a similar practice. However, Bob Doto defines not one, but two goals: one “for himself” and one “for his readers”. The idea is to make each article a win-win—beneficial both for the writer and the audience.

I really liked that approach. After processing it through my Zettelkasten, I created my own version of this tool and added it to my workflow. So now, instead of defining just one goal, I define two. Here’s the final version of the tool:

Tool — The double-value filter

Before you start writing an article, answer these questions honestly:

1. What do I gain (personally or professionally) from writing this article?
2. Who does this article help, and how does it improve their situation?

If both values—yours and the reader’s—are clear and well-defined, go ahead with the article. If not, either archive or rethink it until they are.

Here’s an example of how I applied this tool to the note you’re reading right now:

Example

What do I gain (personally or professionally) from writing this article? I’m testing whether my new system for publishing notes as part of my newsletter works or not.

Who does this article help, and how does it improve their situation? This article invites the reader to reflect on their creative workflow and how to consciously integrate tools to improve it.

If you like this tool, I recommend adding it to your own workflow to make sure you use it consistently.

PS: Writing this note was a win for me. Then, the question is… was it a win for you too? Let me know in the comments :-)

References:

• A System for Writing: How an Unconventional Approach to Note-Making Can Help You Capture Ideas, Think Wildly, and Write Constantly by Bob Doto.