Unlocking Creativity

I have to admit that lately my get-up-and-go, got up and left. I've had a severe drought of creative ideas--so apologies for the lack of posts recently. I know it happens to the best writers.  Nevertheless, it is frustrating when writer's block strikes. However, I discovered something in my piles of old files and notes that got my enthusiasm back and got my creative juices flowing again. I discovered my old hand-drawn Mind Maps. So that got me thinking. Why not write about Mind Mapping? It's a subject I'm very passionate about and it is a technique that can unleash untapped creativity in everyone's brain.


So what is Mind Mapping?
Mind Mapping is a technique that uses a graphical layout to enable the brain to capture thoughts and ideas quickly and present them in a format compatible with how the brain thinks. The resultant Mind Maps use all of the brain's skills--words, images, colors, numbers, logic, creativity, and spatial awareness. Mind Maps are useful because they work in harmony with the brain--the brain likes to think in images. According to Gideon King, CEO of Novamind--a leading provider of mind mapping software, "they make it easy to understand, remember, and communicate complex information." Because Mind Maps use colors, pictures, and words, the power of both sides of the brain work together. The left side of the brain is usually associated with numbers, logic and reasoning--linear thinking.  The right side thinks in images, abstract, and the big picture.


How do you Mind Map?
The concept and creation of Mind Maps is very simple. Tony Buzan, who is considered the "father of modern mind maps," has developed a series of simple "rules" (although there are many variations on these rules):

1. 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. 
2. 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!
3. 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!
4. 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.
5. Make your branches CURVED rather than straight-lined. Why? Because having nothing but straight lines is boring to your Brain.
6. Use ONE KEY WORD PER LINE. Why Because single key words give your Mind Map more power and flexibility. 
7. 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!

(Source: http://www.buzanworld.com/Mind_Maps.htm)


What are the benefits of Mind Maps? 

Unlike linear thinking using traditional note taking or writing, Mind Maps enable the brain to see associations more quickly. By using radial thinking the brain is able to free-associate and unlock ideas that would not be realized using traditional methods. Mind Maps provide clarity because they are drawn on one single sheet of paper--the reader can see the whole topic instantly and because it uses colors and pictures they can be quickly understood--a picture is worth a thousand words. Mind Maps can help us brainstorm, organize thoughts, help solve problems, and enable us to be more productive. Included here is a hand drawn Mind Map I created as an alternative to my resume.


Where can I find more information?
Tony Buzan has an excellent book called The Mind Map Book: How to Use Radiant Thinking to Maximize Your Brain's Untapped Potential. In this book Buzan walks the reader through the basics of Mind Mapping, empirical research on its effectiveness, and discusses how we can benefit from Mind Maps. Buzan also has a good website.


Another excellent resource is Gideon King's Novamind website. Novamind is one of the best Mind Mapping software packages on the market.  King has developed excellent software for both the Mac and PC. Plus his website is jammed with excellent information and resources about Mind Mapping.


If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.