MindMapSwitch

A couple of weeks ago I talked about the types of mind maps that I am going to be focusing on for 2010. Since writing this I've have discovered a couple of revelations about my mind mapping.

Mind Mapping is Fun

Okay, it's might seem a silly reason to mind map, but if you're not happy doing something, then why do it?

When I first started mind mapping, it was always for fun. When mind mapping ideas, books or personal reviews, it was always fun and it was always for me. A couple of years ago I started using mind mapping to manage my software projects. What started out as a great idea quickly turned into a nightmare.

At the start of this year I made a decision. I'm going to stop using mind mapping to manage projects.

Since then I have been able to enjoy my mind mapping more, because I'm mind mapping the things I want to mind map. It's fun again!

Mind Map for Yourself First

My mind mapping is primarily for myself, but when I produce mind maps for public consumption, I start to wonder if my mind map is conveying the right information. That's when mistakes start to happen. Single keyword branches become 2 or 3 keyword branches, extra information is added, and lot's of other unnecessary information gets added to my mind map. This is not the way to do it.

In an effort to improve my writing in general I bought Stephen King's book, "On Writing". I've had heard so many good reviews about it that I decided I must give it a try. The one part of the book that really stood out for me was Stephen's comment concerning writing and drafts.

Basically the first draft you write is for yourself and the second draft is for anyone else who wishes to read your manuscript. We can apply this to mind mapping, but we don't usually prepare multiple drafts of a mind map. So how does it work for mind mapping then?

It's simple. Mind map for yourself, let others take from your mind map what they need.

Your mind map is based on your thinking, but you can't anticipate the thinking of each person that reads your mind map. If you stick to the guidelines of mind mapping then each person that reads your mind map will be able to take what they need from it.

The Reward

A rewarding mind map is one that you enjoy making. I've only just discovered that I don't enjoy mind mapping everything, but the topics that I like to mind map often result in being the most rewarding mind maps.

Review the way you use mind maps and find alternatives for those things you don't enjoy mind mapping. Instead focus on the things you enjoy mind mapping. It's much more fun and rewarding!

Happy mind mapping!