The power of a mind map

23 replies
I want to give a quick tip for those out there who are struggling online, us a mind map. I've been thinking to myself why is that I have not gotten things done for the pas couple of weeks and I think I have found the answer: MIND MAPS!

Not having a map of your daily tasks is like Indiana Jones with no rope. I feel like I might have my most productive month yet because of them. Check out xmind mind map if you want a free version. I'm not being paid to talk about them I just picked it up a few days ago and I'm rolling with this tool.
#map #mind #power
  • Profile picture of the author hjalte81
    You are right... Mind maps can be very effective, but you have to know how to use them...

    There are many free mindmaps available, just use google... But I'll definitely check xlm out. Thanks
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  • Profile picture of the author Big Al
    Yup... there's also freemind which I've only ever watched during webinars and keep meaning to try.

    It does seem to be an easier visual "to do list" and way to document your work.
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  • Profile picture of the author ZachWaldman
    I've used mindmaps to write jokes, create products, and to simply have fun. The more you just let go, the more unique ideas you'll come up with. Although you can use mindmaps to organize your thoughts, I enjoy using them for brainstorming. Don't censor yourself and work quickly. Your goal is record straight from your mind and it's actually easier if you go fast.
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  • Profile picture of the author petelta
    Originally Posted by socomplete View Post

    Not having a map of your daily tasks is like Indiana Jones with no rope.

    with no whip...

    I use freemind daily and it has helped out a lot with productivity for sure
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  • Profile picture of the author Chris Lagarde
    Lots of times I start with a sharpie and the poster-sized pad of post it notes hanging from the back of my office door. As I fill the page, I tear it off, stick it to the wall, and continue. Then I sit down and create the mindmap for the project as I'm looking at the filled-out large post-it notes on my wall.

    3M | Post-it | Easel Pads
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    • Profile picture of the author Mr. Enthusiastic
      What a great topic!

      Originally Posted by Chris Lagarde View Post

      Lots of times I start with a sharpie and the poster-sized pad of post it notes hanging from the back of my office door. As I fill the page, I tear it off, stick it to the wall, and continue. Then I sit down and create the mindmap for the project as I'm looking at the filled-out large post-it notes on my wall.
      Perfect way to get literally "off the wall" creativity.
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  • Profile picture of the author Frank Bruno
    I've been using mind maps for a couple of years now and just simply, my business would be a mess with out using the special systems and maps I've developed using mind mapping software.

    Frank Bruno
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  • Profile picture of the author nobodyreal
    If someone could make mind-mapping software that allowed me the freedom that I have with a notepad, then I might use that. But until then, the faithful yellow pad will have to do.
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    • Profile picture of the author Taylor French
      Originally Posted by nobodyreal View Post

      If someone could make mind-mapping software that allowed me the freedom that I have with a notepad, then I might use that. But until then, the faithful yellow pad will have to do.
      I feel I have a lot more freedom with a mind mapping tool than with a notebook. It's a lot easier to select and element and change it on a computer than it is to go searching for the whiteout and end up spilling it everywhere, or to have to cross stuff out when I screw up, or to have to start all over because I screwed up so many times.

      I find the ability to edit nearly very freeing.
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      • Profile picture of the author nobodyreal
        Originally Posted by Taylor French View Post

        I feel I have a lot more freedom with a mind mapping tool than with a notebook. It's a lot easier to select and element and change it on a computer than it is to go searching for the whiteout and end up spilling it everywhere, or to have to cross stuff out when I screw up, or to have to start all over because I screwed up so many times.

        I find the ability to edit nearly very freeing.
        That's actually a good point--when you want to edit on a yellowpad it gets messy. I may have to get me one of dem dere mindmap thingies!
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    • Profile picture of the author Mr. Enthusiastic
      Originally Posted by nobodyreal View Post

      If someone could make mind-mapping software that allowed me the freedom that I have with a notepad, then I might use that. But until then, the faithful yellow pad will have to do.
      Microsoft OneNote really rocks with a tablet, and with a team. With the tablet, you can draw in materials. With a team, you can share the document. The first person sketches an outline, and then different people can draw in whatever details they happen to know. Everything shows up on everyone's computers and they all have a copy immediately after the meeting.
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  • Profile picture of the author paulie888
    I'd like to recommend xmind as well, the free version is more than sufficient for most people unless you're the project manager at some huge construction firm..

    It is great when you have many small, discrete tasks that fit into each other like a big puzzle, being able to see the big picture is priceless!
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  • Profile picture of the author ysilver
    Love mindmaps! I've used them for everything from creating products to sales letters to anything else in between. I have a special report I created for my Underground Secret Society members a few months back - but I'll share with Warrior Forum members. Haven't been on here in awhile so a little "give back"

    SurefireMarketing.com/mindmap/

    Enjoy!

    -Yanik

    PS - I cannot find my login or which email I used previously so this is my new acct I guess.
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    • Profile picture of the author Keith Boisvert
      Originally Posted by ysilver View Post

      Love mindmaps! I've used them for everything from creating products to sales letters to anything else in between. I have a special report I created for my Underground Secret Society members a few months back - but I'll share with Warrior Forum members. Haven't been on here in awhile so a little "give back"

      SurefireMarketing.com/mindmap/

      Enjoy!

      -Yanik

      PS - I cannot find my login or which email I used previously so this is my new acct I guess.
      Thanks for the pdf!

      I just starting using mind maps this week and cannot believe I have not used them before! Man, what a time saver and a way to organize my thoughts and my businesses!!

      Right now I am just using a free one until I find one I want to purchase.

      ~keith
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  • Profile picture of the author Bryan Kumar
    Thanks, Yanik!
    Just for that, I've given you your first "thanks." ;-)
    Cool examples in the report!

    I just recently did a mindmap for my $50k challenge and I quite like the way it turned out. Even looks pretty cool, visually.

    Bryan
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  • Profile picture of the author Wage Mills
    Can someone explain the point of a mind map?
    I use WordPad
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    • Profile picture of the author kevinfar
      the way I've used mind maps is to create a plan of action that I want to follow.

      Then, each particular point will have sub points that will expand on that main point.

      As someone said, they can be used for a variety of reasons, jokes, buisness plans, action plans, etc.

      I've only started using MM recently, however they are a very important part of my business now.

      Originally Posted by Wage Mills View Post

      Can someone explain the point of a mind map?
      I use WordPad
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    • Profile picture of the author Mr. Enthusiastic
      Originally Posted by Wage Mills View Post

      Can someone explain the point of a mind map?
      I use WordPad
      Sure, a text editor like WordPad lets you put information in one line at a time, top down. A mind map is a drawing that shows ideas related to each other in space. You can have a main concept in the middle and other concepts around it, or any other way you want to link up ideas. If you see a new way to arrange your ideas, you can drag & drop them wherever you like. You can group ideas and hide them all or expand them out like petals of a flower. Mind maps invite your creativity and intuition to play with the ideas. Does that help to explain the appeal?
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  • Profile picture of the author gross100
    As a Mac user I live and die by the Mindjet Mind Manager. I require that those who work for me (designers, programmers etc) have it installed so we can all be on the same page. I literally cannot and would not start any project (large or small) without first creating a proper mind map (or plan in general).

    The mind map truly helps you to visualize the entire project and allows you to visually break it into segments. I find that with other approaches all tasks tend to "pile up" and become one giant messy super task...which is completely overwhelming.

    Mind maps rock! If you guys haven't seen it yet I would recommend MindManager 100%
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    • Profile picture of the author braver55b
      This sounds like a very good idea as anything to create to do list of sorts is a good way to stay organized and focused.
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  • Profile picture of the author pwnzor
    I dont really use a mind map... but I do.. Its all layed out in my head. I have never really tried a really tangible mind map though. You all seem to love them. Maybe I should try one.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jag82
    Mindmaps are very very important for crystallizing thoughts, plans and systems I've in my head on paper which I can referenced to later.

    It make things much clearer because of the visual representation.

    It's great for products too, I must add. I use Mindjet Mindmanager.

    Sometimes I sketch out the mindmap using SnagIt.

    I highly recommend anyone to do mindmaps. Even if it's just
    sketching it out on paper (something I do often).

    Jag
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