What Is A Mindmap And How Do I Use It

These last weeks, I’ve seen many people visit the website who asked questions about this thing called mind mapping and mindmaps. Many people wanted to know more about the basics of them. Especially for these people, I wrote this article. If you are already an experienced mindmap user, please add your thoughts to this special article as well. We can all learn from you and your best practices.

What Is A Mindmap?

Many people asked me this question: What is a mindmap?

For me, a mindmap is basically a proven method for looking at the same information in a different manner. The mindmap takes your current (linear) notes and transforms these in a brain friendly picture. When you do this, you will get new ideas, inspiration or you just remember the information better.

Most people create notes writing from left to right, top to bottom. This is in the western world the way we learn how to write out texts.

Most people use words only. Some may even use a line to connect a few sentences. Fewer people use images.

The way we manage our information is very left brain side oriented. Our left brain side likes structure, words, list, etc.

Now I hope you do know we have 2 brain sides. This means you are most of the time only using 50% of the brain capacity. And even of that 50%, you use a small percentage…

A mindmap is a tool that will help you to use both your brain sides. That’s right, also your right brain side.

This right side loves images, color, movement, etc. Imagine what happens when you let these two work together! You instantly have access to twice the brain capacity you previously had!!!

The mindmap itself is nothing new. Tony Buzan is the person who invented the mindmap. He gave the system its name. To create the mindmap, Mr. Buzan had a close look at the geniuses from the past: Einstein, Da Vince, etc.

These people all used more than just words in their notes. They created some sort of rudimentary mindmap.

The mindmap uses words, images, structure and action to show you information in a new perspective. Doing this will give you deeper insight in your information. Your mind will remember it better using the principle: an image is worth a thousand words.

How To Use A Mindmap?

This is a much more important question than ‘what is a mindmap’. The reason for this is simple: You are not looking for another tool. You want to accomplish something.

This is exactly what we at Mindmaps Unleashed are looking at. How can I use the mind(map) in such a way that it will help me to move forward in life.

This is the reason why I created the Mindmaps Unleashed Membership Program and the Online Mindmap Training. In this program, I teach people how to use mindmaps and their mind to move forward in life. All by looking in a practical and positive manner towards life.

OK, what can you do with a mindmap and how do I use them.

Mindmaps are great tools to overview information and to have a better insight in the information. Knowing this, you can probably imagine the following applications:

• Note taking
• Presentations
• Studying
• Planning
• Problem solving
• Training
• Team Building
• Brainstorming
• etc.

For me, the mindmap is (and always will be) a tool that allows me to capture and recall information easily. My mindmaps don’t look like the traditional mindmaps which are created by for example Mr. Buzan. I only want something simple and effective which allows me to capture and manage information in a short period of time.

The traditional mindmap is more a work of art. Once you’ve seen it, you will never forget it.

This is probably also what stops many people from using it. Creating a traditional mindmap is something most people don’t think they will be able to create. Too difficult to make and manage.

And I believe this is true.

You need to simplify your mindmap. Doing this helps you to take advantage of the technique on a daily basis.

If there is only one thing you remember from this article it must be this:

We are not in the business of creating mindmaps. You and I only want to take advantage of the benefits of the mindmap (overview and clarity in information). This is usually achieved without the hippie like approach of using nice colors and images. I saw this description on a website and thought it was a nice one .

Be practical, especially when it comes to managing your information.

What I Use Mind Mapping For:

I use it mainly for note taking, personal brainstorms and training. All the other applications are great, but not really what I (would) use it for.

I hope you know a little bit more about mindmaps and what to use them for.

Let me know what you think is missing or how you use your mindmaps!

Arjen

P.S.: If you are ready to move forward in mind mapping, you should definitely look at the online mindmap training. This training teaches you all you need to know about the practical usage of mind mapping in your own life.

More information is available here: http://mindmapsunleashed.com/unleashing-your-mindmaps/

Tags: Basics, mind mapping, mindmap, question, usage