I don't know what an outline ever did to me, but I can't stand doing them--in my day job or in my writing life. To me, it's easier to write a non-plotted-out 300 page novel at once instead of sitting down and making a plan. Maybe that's why I haven't published a major book yet. Martha Alderson at Absolute Write has some tips on how to make the most of your plot outlines so that you too can plan ahead without it feeling too much like homework.