Mindmapping

I remember back in elementary school feeling so overwhelmed when I had to start a new research project.  I was taught to outline my project before I got started, but I found that my ideas didn’t flow very naturally that way.  I would tend to think about things randomly rather than in a structured, outlined format. 

How many of you can relate to this feeling when you have to prepare a presentation, write a proposal, develop a marketing piece, or organize your office?  Well, I may have a solution for you…mindmapping!

According to Innovation Network, mindmapping is, “one of the simplest, yet most powerful, tools a person can have in his/her creativity toolbox.”  They define it as “a non-linear way of organizing information and a technique that allows you to capture the natural flow of your ideas.”  I use it whenever I develop any project from organizing one of my daughters’ birthday parties to writing an entire book.  I have used it when I have had to introduce someone to a group and when I’ve had to map out a plan to organize a large office.  What I like about mindmapping is that it is different than outlining. Outlining is linear, and it is much more difficult to insert random ideas in a linear fashion.  Word processing made that process much smoother; however, when I look at the page, I want to see the idea in a visual sense.  See the example below:


The above shows what a mindmap looks like.  The ideas shown visually above are listed on the Innovation Network webpage.  The site takes you through a quick, 8 point, step-by-step process to learn more about how to most effectively use this tool.

There is also software available that will allow you to do this electronically (such as above).  This may be helpful if you do several mindmaps and want to e-mail them to others or use them in presentations to large groups.  Www.mindjet.com offers a software program that is around $229. Www.inspiration.com has mindmapping software geared towards kids and the education industry for only $69.  Both sites offer free trials before you buy.

Try using this technique when you feel like you just can’t get started.  It may help you overcome procrastination and take action on those important projects.

If you try it, please let me know what you think!  Good luck!