How many on your have heard of mind mapping? I love the concept and for my (abstract) brain, there is nothing like a mind map to pull all my idea’s together in one place.
If you are not familiar –Wikipedia give a very succinct definition:
A mind map is a diagram used to represent words, ideas, tasks, or other items linked to and arranged radially around a central key word or idea. Mind maps are used to generate, visualize, structure, and classify ideas, and as an aid in study, organization, problem solving, decision making, and writing.
This definition seems a little dry, it is really a lot of fun and even a little exciting to be able to map out your idea’s – business or other wise on a mind map. It is the first step to organizing your thoughts and putting them into motion.
I learned to do it as a teenager – I just took a big piece of poster paper and put my idea in the center from there I would draw lines to the steps to get to that goal.
It is simple and direct – for the high tech version there are a lot of programs and websites that can cost you a lot or a little, I found one that I love and it costs less than $50.00 a year, in fact – you can share you map with clients, partners, make as many as you want. I love doing it to help my clients plan out large projects.
In creating your business a mind map is invaluable – your can take an idea and break it down. You will find that it will help you in all areas of your life where you have goals but in business it rocks.
Here is a mind map I have created using an online website called mindmeister.com– click around on the map itself take a look you will see how cool this website is.
For complete .pdf - click here
I was doing a little history and found out that mind mapping is really not that old at all (maybe to you twenty something’s it is!)
Mind maps came along in the late 60s – this unique way to tracking and planning was the brain child of Tony Buzan. He found that because of the visual quality of the maps it made it much easier for his student to remember and review things they were learning. The non-linear nature of mind maps makes it easy to link and cross-reference different elements of the map.
Tony Buzan found a business partner in the mid-70’s named Peter Russell together they taught mind-mapping skills in a variety of international corporations and educational institutions.
8 steps to mind mapping…
1. Use just keywords and/or images.
2. Put the central idea in the center of your page and then start placing the keywords around it.
3. Use color to depict themes and ideas
4. Anything that stands out on the page will stand out in your mind.
5. Put ideas down as they occur. Don't judge or hold back.
6. If you get stuck go to another area and start there
7. Think three-dimensionally
8. Be creative have fun – think outside the box
Video of the actual founder Tony Buzan and how to mind map
If you have never done a mind map, there is no time like the present. You may find that you mind will become uncluttered and you will be able to plan out your strategies much easier – and with less stress!
Try it and let me know how it goes!
Pamela Jacob – Artista design
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