From Messy Ideas to Confident Action: Kristan Browne Swan’s “Spaghetti on the Wall” Method

In life and work, ideas don’t always arrive neatly packaged. Sometimes they come in bursts—half-formed, scattered, and seemingly unrelated. That’s where Kristan Browne Swan’s Spaghetti on the Wall method comes in.

Recently, on The Author’s Voice with KAJ, Kristan shared how this approach transforms life’s messy ideas into clarity and confident action. Whether you’re leading a business, building a career, or navigating personal growth, her method offers a mindset shift you can apply immediately.

The Origin of “Spaghetti on the Wall”

The name comes from a playful childhood tradition—throwing pasta at the wall to see if it sticks. For Kristan, it’s a metaphor for life and creativity: try things, test ideas, see what sticks, and learn from what doesn’t.

Her guided journal, Spaghetti on the Wall: An Elegant Journal to Organize the Messy Ideas of Life, was designed to help people capture their thoughts, reflect on experiences, and recognize patterns in their decision-making.

Key Takeaways from Kristan’s Approach

• Start without judgment – Journal your day as an observer, noting highs, lows, and surprises before analyzing them.

• Look for patterns – Recognizing recurring choices or feelings can reveal where change or focus is needed.

• Make space for wild ideas – Even “out-of-the-box” thoughts deserve a place in your process; they may connect in surprising ways later.

• Adapt to your needs – The journal works for daily reflection or for unpacking specific events like a big meeting, a conference, or a career shift.

• Build a habit of discernment – Over time, you’ll trust your instincts more and make decisions with greater confidence.

Why This Matters for Professionals and Entrepreneurs

Kristan originally designed her journal for the business community, but its benefits go far beyond entrepreneurship. The method encourages clarity, resilience, and creativity—skills that are essential whether you’re starting out, in a career transition, or leading at the highest level.

As Kristan says:

“Get to know yourself. You are a very interesting being. And when you know and trust yourself, you do less harm—to yourself and to others—by living in integrity.”

Putting It Into Practice

You don’t need a major life overhaul to start. Begin with one small step: set aside a few minutes each day to jot down your observations without editing yourself. Then, once a week, review your notes and look for connections.

This simple practice can shift your perspective, helping you see opportunities and solutions that may have been hiding in the noise.

Watch the Full Conversation

To hear Kristan’s full story, her creative journey, and how you can apply Spaghetti on the Wall to your own life, watch the complete interview here

Watch on YouTube

Final Thought

Messy ideas aren’t a problem—they’re raw material. With the right mindset and process, they can become your most powerful source of clarity and confident action.