We all know that our thinking has the ability to "jump" from one point to another. It is not  linear - it works with associations and outside of rules or instructions. This means that, in  practice, it is difficult to catch a thought and consciously hold on to it. This is what we say  "Try NOT to think of a pink elephant". Impossible. You just made an image of him in your  mind. So, what do we do when we want to think and analyze something that is in our mind,  creatively and methodically, without getting bored and without trying to think about it  (because that is when our mind will do the exact opposite)?

We do mind mapping!

What is mind mapping?

Mind mapping is nothing but the visual depiction of how thoughts are structured in our  minds. And it's a great way to get started on paper. But mind mapping does not only help to  put our thoughts down and in order. It helps a lot to communicate them to others, so that  they understand them, watch them, and even participate in them. How useful!

How to do mind mapping

First, a mind map begins and develops concentrically. We start with the central idea, add  key points and, in each of them, put the individual ideas that come to mind. And then other  individual ideas. And so on.

A basic rule is that the original idea and the basic axes are written in capital letters. The  next branches, in lower case. We also use colors, as well as darts that freely connect  whatever we think is connected. Finally, it is important to use as few words as possible -  even monologues. The final visual result is reminiscent of a labyrinthine "tree", in a  horizontal or vertical arrangement, depending on how it suits everyone and on what tool it  is set up.

Okay, but why mind mapping?

Our brain consists of two hemispheres. The left is the technocratic, of logic. The right, of  art and creation. This is something we all know. What is amazing, and perhaps most of us  are unaware of it, is that our minds learn best when both hemispheres are involved. That is,  when we do something that uses both logic and creativity at the same time.

The usefulness of mind mapping

Personally, I use mind mapping in almost everything. From my most confused thoughts, to  my most specific realistic plans. And, as I sometimes feel that I am not carrying a normal  mind, but a chaotic vortex of unrelated thoughts and images, mind mapping helps me to  catch my ideas piece by piece, almost like we catch butterflies with abstinence.

And I will give you an example.

Today I made the decision to write an article.

Before I started doing it, when it was still a thought, I wanted to evaluate what I would like  to say and with what structure

With the help of the mind mapping, I started to add thoughts to specific branches, enriching  it with individual ideas. Within a short time, I had a very specific plan in front of me, practical  but also cute, based on which I would proceed without deviations and confusions. And, at

this point, Abraham Lincoln's excellent quote "Give me six hours to cut down a tree, and I'll  spend the first four hours sharpening the saw" sticks. So, all I had left was the time to write  it.

So, I do not hide from you that with mind mapping I work on all my projects. From websites  to videos, from articles to branding plans, from concepts to entire presentations, I record my  thoughts with this technique. Either on paper or digitally.

