#VisualizeIT: How Sketchnoting is helping me perform better at work

Aaiman Aamir — Sat, 12 Dec 2020 01:51:22 +0000

This is the first post in a multi-part series about my journey with #visualstorytelling through workshops hosted by Microsoft Reactor and LetsSketchTech communities. Join us and #VisualizeIT for yourself!

✨ Quick plug: Creative Journaling for Technologists Workshop ✨✨✨
When: Dec 12, 1pm EST
Where: Meetup Page
✨

What is Sketchnoting?

Sketchnoting is a form of visual notetaking, but it can be so much more than that. As someone who is a visual learner, doodling is a way I release stress. However, doodling has been proven to help you concentrate, be more creative, process emotions, alleviate stress, learn better, and think outside the box. Don't just take my word for it:

Watch:

A few ways doodling helps me at work are:

1. Find the main points

Prioritizing has never been easier; Once you find the main point and doodle around it, it creates a hierarchy of tasks and keeps the focus on the key goal. Lists used to be scary, a big jumble of things that need to be done. I would feel dejected when I couldn't get through the day's tasks. Learning about fun ways to doodle out your day from the Let's Sketch Tech community has been a game changer.

2. Increase mindfulness

Even just drawing a continuous line that curves and twists across a piece of paper can be enough to relax us. Ever had one of those moments where you’re writing a note down and a totally unrelated idea comes into your mind? Work journals are an excellent way of composing, building and refining them. I find that happening more and more since keeping a visual work diary.

3. Recognize achievements

For one reason or another, many of us are programmed to criticize ourselves for getting things wrong, and not taking the time out to celebrate wins – however small. With doodling, I make little stars around the good things that happened in the week and give myself a little pat on the back.

Try it out yourself! Learn all about journalling, working with impact and purpose for your role, and track your accomplishments on Dec 12 at 1pm EST at: VisualizeIT: Creative Journaling for Technologists

Speaker: Brittney Braxton | @mintiiB - Website

This free online virtual event series is being organized by the Microsoft Reactor team in collaboration with Azure Advocates the Lets Sketch Tech community.