Mind mapping is a concept where you use the properties of association to come up with a drawing, map, or illustration of the ideas lodged in your brain about a particular topic.  Mind maps are especially powerful in planning projects.

Sounds confusing? Actually, mind mapping is a lot easier than you might think.

That’s because this technique follows the natural workings of your brain – which associates one word with another word to have a clear picture of the overall idea.

For example, if you say technology, there are several things that will instantly come to your mind. This central theme can branch out to the Internet, gadgets, mobile devices, telecommunications – the list is practically endless.

So mind mapping gives you more leeway when it comes to freedom of expression in the sense that one keyword is not just limited to one sub-topic, but it can branch out to several sub-topics. This will help you easily remember and understand the main concept which is represented by one word.

To have a deeper understanding of the process of mind mapping, take a look at this example:

1.    On a blank sheet of paper, right in the center of the page, write down an idea or a main theme of the topic you want to tackle and circle it.

2.    From this main word, what other words can you associate with it?  Write those words around the circle that you drew in the middle, then from that circle, draw branches or curved arrows surrounding the main theme and connect them all together.

3.    If you can think of other sub-topics under the associated ideas, place more circles around those ideas to represent the sub-topics.

4.    Let all your ideas branch out until you are satisfied with the results and you have exhausted all the possibilities.

The result will be your mind map. Now, isn’t this easier than making copious and detailed notes about the branches of an idea and all the other sub-topics under it?

There are tons of software tools available to help you with your mind maps - Click Here to see the one I use (it's free).  Whether you choose to use mind mapping software or the traditional pen and paper, take the time to really explore using mind maps to fully illustrate your ideas and projects.  You’ll be amazed at how much time you save.