For all you, perfectionists out there, this one is for you.

You have 2 discussion boards due this week. Are you stuck and don’t know how to start?

Here are twelve steps to get your ideas out of your head and onto your paper.

1. On a blank piece of paper, write out the discussion prompt by hand.

2. Circle your key words. You might have 3-5 key words.

3. Write each key word and leave space under each key word, like a column.

4. Think about what you’ve heard in lecture and read in your textbook.

5. Underneath each key word, write everything that you can think of that relates to that key word. Anything! Spelling doesn’t matter at this point. Turn off your inner critic. This is a brain storm. This step should take about 3-5 minutes. If you get stuck at this step, try jogging your memory by looking at your class notes.

6. When you can’t think or remember anything else about each key word, stop writing and read what you have written. As you read your brainstorm, you might think of more ideas or facts, go ahead and write those down.

7. Get a new blank sheet of paper and set it beside the paper with your key word brain storm.

8. Set a timer for 3 minutes. Write for three minutes, non-stop, using the phrases and ideas from your brain storm. Just write. Don’t worry about grammar, spelling or if it makes sense. Turn off your inner critic.

9. When the timer rings finish up the last idea in your mind.

10. Using bullet points, write instructions to yourself about what to write next.

11. Stop.

12. Look at your work. You probably have about half a page or more you can use on your discussion board entry. Plus, a list of ideas or steps to finish up the assignment.

After the 12th step, you can go ahead and finish the assignment or you can go to your next appointment, if you are out of time. Either way, you are set. You have the words, ideas and momentum to finish the discussion board entry. All you have left to do is transcribe your handwritten work onto your online discussion board. Clean up any major spelling or grammar errors. Remember, this is informal writing. Save all your anxiety for your 10-page research paper. Or call me, I’ll coach you through that one, too!