Mind mapping is a great tool that you can use to improve the flow of information in your mind and in your life. It structures together information in a way that makes it easier for you to comprehend, analyze, and produce new ideas as well. With mind mapping, concepts are graphically represented, allowing you to actually picture the ideas and see how they are linked together. It is a simple method of organizing thoughts and ideas.
What Is Mind Mapping?
To illustrate mind mapping, let us start with your typical handwritten list of goals. Now add in the action steps to this list and draw lines to show how one action relates to another. And, all of a sudden your list mushrooms into a map and you need more paper to write on! That is a basic mind map.
Mind maps work well with your brain because you are utilizing a structure that is very similar to the way in which your brain works. Mapping involves artistic and analytical activity, which gets your brain more involved in the information. You may even find mind mapping to be fun!
By using a mind map, it is easier to see how things on your list relate to each other and how to best prioritize your projects.
What are the benefits of mind mapping?
Mind maps help jog your brain’s creativity and make information easier to learn, remember, and work with. Mind maps allow you to envision the big picture and how each part contributes to it. They also help you focus on the important projects and tasks that are most beneficial for your business or career.
What are some practical ways I can use mind mapping?
Mind maps are a new way of formulating a list of ideas into a visual plan. They are excellent tools for brainstorming, whether they are being used for personal issues, work problems, or educational purposes. Mind maps are great for taking notes as well. They make note -taking much easier for students helping them visualize better and remember. When it comes to memorizing and studying information, mind maps can make the task easier to accomplish, and less time consuming.
Mind maps also help you simplify your problem solving and planning. They work wonderfully for presenting information, from the simple to the more complex. If you have been searching for a way to get your creativity flowing, a mind map may be the perfect solution.
In addition, when you are researching information from a variety of different sources, a mind map can help you consolidate and coordinate it all.
Mind maps spring to life as you continue to add in the details. They help you form action steps and time-lines to reach your goals and bring you the success you desire.
How do I make a mind map?
Making a mind map is easier than you may think. There are many free apps available, but I recommend that you start with the low-tech approach first. You will need a large, blank piece of paper and something to write with. You want to start out in the center of your paper so that there will be room to expand in and and all directions.
Steps to creating a great mind map:
1. Draw or write down your specific idea.
2. Around the main idea, illustrate or write out different sub-topics or tasks that relate to it.
3. Draw lines to connect your sub-topics to the main idea.
4. For each subtopic, you can go on to develop more details and more ideas, drawing lines to them as well, until everything is connected together.
As I said, there are also various mind map software tools freely available on-line. Once you start putting your ideas into a mind map, you will be able to see your projects with greater clarity and accomplish your goals with more ease.
What idea has been rattling around in your mind that you just can’t seem to get a handle on? Start with that one!
To your continued success…
Photo Credit: Austin Kleon via Compfight cc
Read More: Tips for Working with Large Mind Maps.