Have you ever talked to a person who likes to make mind maps? They will probably tell you one of the three lies that I am about to debunk. Mind mapping is something you can also use. You just have to understand what you can realistically expect. That’s what this article is about.
Mind maps are useful for everything
The further I got into the world of mind mapping and visual thinking, the deeper the rabbit hole seemed to go. The things I could do with mind maps were endless. The applications seemed endless. Now I know this to be true. But that doesn’t mean that mind maps are useful for everything! This is why.
As you know (or may not know), mind maps are just another way of looking at the same information. By doing this, by changing your perspective and view, you can create other angles, ideas, and perspectives. The mind map simply allows you to view information in a different context.
Does this mean that you need to create mind maps in every situation? I do not believe it!
I’ve seen people create a mind map with a person’s name and phone number … on a little piece of paper! This is incredibly impractical! Just write the name, use something like a hyphen or a minus sign, and write the phone number next to it. Do not exaggerate! Mind maps should make your life easier, not complicate it.
The same thing happens when people create a to-do list. They put all kinds of tasks on a mind map, directly below the main topic or title of the map. The result, a center called To-Do and a bunch of top-notch tasks … Impractical. A mind map becomes a practical tool when you have at least a second level on your map. If you don’t have second-level nodes, use bulleted lists.
Mind maps can be useful in many situations, but they are not practical in all situations.
Mind maps are useful for everyone
Mind maps CAN be helpful to many people. That is, when people know how to use mind maps and when they don’t. I have come across many people who do not need the mind mapping system because they are already visualizing their information using their own practical system. They already let their left and right brains work together.
Hey, if it works for them and they don’t really need mind maps … don’t push them to create mind maps. Mind maps are just one of many techniques for creating an overview of your situation. So many people … So many flavors.
Also, when you have information to deal with but don’t really need to memorize or be creative with it, mind maps may not be the ideal tool.
The next time you think about using a mind map, think about this article. It will help you use mind maps when you need them!
