Mind-mapping your way to success

[Eric Roosevelt]

As most of you probably know, a mind-map is a diagram where key words and ideas branch off from a central theme, like this. This can easily be applied to personal development - the central theme can be specific goals or a problem you want to solve.

For those of you who use this method, how is it working for you? What specific techniques do you use?

If you don't use mind-maps, what other methods do you use to organize and visualize your thoughts? Do you simply list your ideas, or perhaps write them in some sort of diary?

[magi13]

I use mind map format. :3 It's really fun to do, but I don't use words, I just use symbols. It's easier to remember that way. Tantalizes the sense. :3

The next thing I do is, I use a memory palace in a mind map format. I create a place solely for that purpose. :3 It's more stable if you add a background scene instead of just the mind map, it's also a waste of ink if i draw the background. So I just do the preliminary format in a written mindmap form then imprint it into my mind's eye.

[Refocused Living]

I don't use mind maps because the colors and images always throw me off...

I generally list out my ideas as fast as I can, using a separate sheet of paper for each concept. 99% of the time, the concepts I'm trying to brainstorm out are all related to the same major project (e.g., "launching music career online"). Separate sheets of paper = I can flip through different aspects easily, and a basic list form means I can glance through what ideas I have quickly.

Sometimes I go slightly more detailed, like drawing arrows from one idea to another to note that they're linked together in some way. Nothing fancy though - no images, no colors, just a writing utensil and a piece of computer paper. To store the idea papers, I use a folder with the main project written on it. Lastly, some lists I do transfer to the computer (like what songs I'm going to arrange in the future) after the major brainstorming session is done, to be sure I don't lose anything I've thought of.

EDIT: For clarity's sake, I use the same methods when planning out what action steps I wanna take to get to where I want to go as I do brainstorming.

[magi13]

Originally Posted by Refocused Living

I don't use mind maps because the colors and images always throw me off...

I generally list out my ideas as fast as I can, using a separate sheet of paper for each concept. 99% of the time, the concepts I'm trying to brainstorm out are all related to the same major project (e.g., "launching music career online"). Separate sheets of paper = I can flip through different aspects easily, and a basic list form means I can glance through what ideas I have quickly.

Sometimes I go slightly more detailed, like drawing arrows from one idea to another to note that they're linked together in some way. Nothing fancy though - no images, no colors, just a writing utensil and a piece of computer paper. To store the idea papers, I use a folder with the main project written on it. Lastly, some lists I do transfer to the computer (like what songs I'm going to arrange in the future) after the major brainstorming session is done, to be sure I don't lose anything I've thought of.

EDIT: For clarity's sake, I use the same methods when planning out what action steps I wanna take to get to where I want to go as I do brainstorming.

^^, it seems a lot of work, but it is rewarding. I can imagine how you'd feel. I had a fun time imagining the way you do it.

Does it give you a sense of accomplishment? I would.