A technique for maintaining momentum between work sessions
Core Idea: The Hemingway Bridge is a writing strategy (named after Ernest Hemingway) where you end a work session when you know what comes next, creating a "bridge" that helps you start easily in your next session.
Key Elements
Core Principle
- Stop work while you still have clarity and energy about what comes next
- Avoid exhausting every idea and bit of creative energy in one session
- Use today's momentum to fuel tomorrow's progress
Implementation Methods
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Write down next steps
- Document what you think the logical next actions should be
- Create a clear starting point for your next work session
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Document current status
- Note your current biggest challenge or problem
- Record important open questions
- Identify potential future roadblocks
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Preserve context details
- Capture specific details that are currently in your mind
- Document nuances likely to be forgotten once you step away
- Save the "state" of your thinking
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Set intentions
- Define what you plan to tackle next
- Specify problems you intend to solve
- Identify milestones you want to reach
Enhanced Technique
- Send your current work-in-progress to someone for feedback
- When you return to work, you'll have their input to incorporate
- Creates external motivation and provides new perspectives
Applications
- Writing projects and creative work
- Complex knowledge work requiring multiple sessions
- Project management and planning
- Problem-solving across multiple days
Additional Connections
- Broader Context: Convergence (helps maintain momentum during focused work)
- Applications: Project Checklists (can be incorporated into project completion)
- See Also: Noticing Habits (complementary practice for maintaining flow)
References
- Forte, Tiago. "Building a Second Brain"
#productivity #writing #creative-momentum #work-methods
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