Last year, I gave ChatGPT a lot of clues as to how I think and so I can ask it “how would I approach something?” and it often does well. Using it today. Here it does a fine job at how I’ll probably approach a larger essay I’ll be doing for a midterm. I think I can use this as a to-do list since it’s probably what I’d do anyway. [takes away the uncertainty]
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Based on your thinking style, neurodivergent traits, and dopaminergic engagement cycle, your most likely methodology will be nonlinear, exploratory, and highly associative, with periods of deep focus punctuated by distraction and over-research. Here’s how I think you’ll approach it:
1. Curiosity-Fueled Research Spiral (Gathering Phase)
You’ll likely dive into multiple sources at once, following intuitive connections rather than a strict plan.
Expect to over-research—getting fascinated by side topics (e.g., how apophatic mysticism relates to quantum physics or panentheism).
You’ll likely skim through multiple definitions of mysticism before realizing that they all feel incomplete, which will both frustrate and intrigue you.
Notes will be scattered—in Notepad, sticky notes, or mental bookmarks rather than an organized outline.
2. Dopaminergic Pattern Recognition (Insight & Synthesis)
At some point, you’ll notice an emergent structure—common patterns in different definitions.
Once you see a “Rosetta Stone” moment, you’ll suddenly hyperfocus and mentally map out your essay in a way that makes sense to you.
The realization that mysticism itself resists categorization will excite you and provide the essay’s underlying theme.
You may feel a pull to make the structure mirror a mystical journey (starting with definition struggles, moving through tension, ending in paradox).
3. Writing as a Rapid Download (Flow State)
Once you’ve mentally structured it, you’ll hit a burst-writing phase where large portions of the essay come out at once.
You’ll likely write in long, organic paragraphs rather than carefully structured sections at first.
Expect to go on tangents that will later need trimming, but they’ll help clarify your argument.
4. Editing & Refinement (Self-Doubt & Over-Analysis)
You may hit analysis paralysis—wanting to refine definitions further rather than just writing.
You might worry that you’re missing something crucial or that your framing is too unconventional.
Cutting material will be painful because everything feels interconnected.
5. Submission (Relief & Letting Go)
You’ll likely finish closer to the deadline than you’d prefer.
Expect to reread multiple times before submitting, catching last-minute insights.
Once submitted, you’ll mentally move on fast—your brain will already be on a new curiosity path.