Mind mapping allows you to organize your thoughts in a way that your brain prefers, rather than in a linear fashion such as an outline. It starts with a central node -- an idea or thought or topic that you want to create ideas and connections around. You can SEE the connections much more clearly. It is a way to visually organize ideas and thoughts. From the central node, there are branches or spokes that come out from all around it. Each spoke leads to a related idea. Those related ideas may have their own spokes or branches and so on. Ideas can also be connected with branches or arms that reach across.
Mind maps can be done on paper, on a white board, on poster board, or on the computer using software or not.
The best way to understand mind maps is to see them. Search for images of mind maps in your search engine and you will see a wide range of mind maps on various topics.
To get started mind mapping, here are steps and tips, as restated in this Life Hacker article, from the inventor of mind mapping, Tony Buzan:
Start in the CENTRE of a blank page turned sideways. Why? Because starting in the centre gives your Brain freedom to spread out in all directions and to express itself more freely and naturally.
Use an IMAGE or PICTURE for your central idea. Why? Because an image is worth a thousand words and helps you use your Imagination. A central image is more interesting, keeps you focussed, helps you concentrate, and gives your Brain more of a buzz!
Use COLOURS throughout. Why? Because colours are as exciting to your Brain as are images. Colour adds extra vibrancy and life to your Mind Map, adds tremendous energy to your Creative Thinking, and is fun!
CONNECT your MAIN BRANCHES to the central image and connect your second- and third-level branches to the first and second levels, etc. Why? Because your Brain works by association. It likes to link two (or three, or four) things together. If you connect the branches, you will understand and remember a lot more easily.
Make your branches CURVED rather than straight-lined. Why? Because having nothing but straight lines is boring to your Brain.
Use ONE KEY WORD PER LINE. Why Because single key words give your Mind Map more power and flexibility.
Use IMAGES throughout. Why Because each image, like the central image, is also worth a thousand words. So if you have only 10 images in your Mind Map, it’s already the equal of 10,000 words of notes!
Materials
· White board and colored dry erase markers and/or large pieces of paper or poster board or sketch pad
· Variety of markers or pencils in different colors
· Your ideas!
Resources:
https://www.prolificliving.com/mindmaps-for-career-planning/
https://lifehacker.com/build-your-career-master-plan-with-a-mind-map-5991819
https://lifehacker.com/how-to-use-mind-maps-to-unleash-your-brains-creativity-1348869811