I have been quiet, my reason… I have been re-evaluating why I write my almost-weekly articles. And after much pondering, the reason is still the same, I like to help people. My dilemma was, ‘What qualification do I have in the field of helping people?’ Well, none. My formal training is that of an engineer, not a life-coach or psychologist. So, while I have no formal training, I do a lot of reading in the field of personal development, because I realized a few years ago that personal growth was my responsibility and I really do believe I can be a better person. If you would like to see what I am currently reading I have listed the books to the right of this article. I also had to realize that not everyone would like what I am sharing, but the positive feedback I do get encourages me to carry on. Hopefully you will find this weeks article useful….
This week I’d like to share a tool I was introduced to a few weeks ago, mind mapping. Some of you may have heard of it, some not….
So what is mind mapping?
When at school, most of us are taught to take notes in a linear way, below is an example:
1. Key point
- supporting point.
- supporting point.
- supporting point.
But our mind doesn’t work this way, it works in an associative way, it remembers key words and images, not sentences. Mind mapping uses the concept of “radiant thinking” – that is, thoughts radiate out from a single idea, often expressed as an image. Branches flow backwards and forwards from and to the central idea. Below is an example of a sketched mind map and next to it is a graphical representation of our brains neural network, see the similarity….
What are the benefits and applications of mind mapping?
If like me you feel swamped by information, suffer from the “too much to read, too little time to read it” syndrome, find it hard to organize your thoughts into a logical flow, forget important facts, figures, dates or events and find it hard to keep up when making notes in meetings then mind mapping might just be the solution. Mind mapping can be used for accessing memories, brainstorming, decision-making, problem solving, planning ,learning faster, preparing and delivering presentations and speeches and writing letters & reports. I even used it to prepare this article.
Below are a few mind mapping guidelines.
- Start in the center with an image of the topic, using at least 3 colors.
- Use images, symbols, codes, and dimensions throughout your mind map.
- Select key words and print using upper or lower case letters.
- Each word/image is best alone and sitting on its own line.
- The lines should be connected, starting from the central image. The central lines are thicker, organic and flowing, becoming thinner as they radiate out from the centre.
- Make the lines the same length as the word/image they support.
- Use multiple colors throughout the mind map, for visual stimulation and also to encode or group.
- Develop your own personal style of mind mapping.
- Use emphasis and show associations in your mind map.
- Keep the mind map clear by using radial hierarchy, numerical order or outlines to embrace your branches.
You can brainstorm on a piece of paper or use one of the many software applications available. I use Freeplane, because it’s free and easy to learn and I have had a look at mindmeister because it’s free and fun.
Like any new technique, it takes a bit of time to learn, but it is worth the effort. I recommend having fun learning it, my first mind map was one of my life up until now…. quite interesting…..
If you have any questions, suggestions or comments, leave them here please.
Until next time, keep smiling.
