Things you don't learn in school! How to create a proper mind map

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A proper mind map can be extremely helpful in finding solutions to problems.  We are taught what we should do but not HOW to do it.  It is a matter of figuring things out along the way.  

While this might be enough to get through life, you can unlock your brain to do more than you probably think possible. 

What is Mind Mapping? 

Mind mapping is an absolute fantastic tool to use for problem solving and even studying. A mind map can increase your memory, help you to study and can even help you retain images better.  A mind map can be used to improve your life. 

Mind-mapping is when an idea/problem or concept is explored through a diagram. 

If you’ve ever seen a central concept written down and related concepts are connected through lines, then you’ve experienced a mind map. Mind mapping is a form of data visualization. It allows the person creating the mind map to visually outline information on a certain topic.  

A concept map looks somewhat like a spider web. Everything seems jumbled up and difficult to understand but the brain is a very complex part of our bodies and we are yet to figure out how it works exactly.  

Just like a baby learns to talk by listening to jumbled up words and sentences, we can use a mind map to study or to solve complex problems. 

The order of the information doesn’t matter.  Our brain has a funny way of remembering things and the more color we bring into the equation the better we will remember things.  Mind maps are powerful graphic techniques which provides a key to unlocking the potential of the brain. 

What you need to make a cool mind map?

• A blank paper or a white board. 
• Color pen and pencils if you are using paper and whiteboard markers if you use a white board.  
• Your brain and your imagination! 

Mind maps are fairly easy to construct. Here are some easy steps to create a basic mind map:

A mind map should be created in the simplest way. You can use your computer but it is so much easier to just draw it by hand. Regardless of how you create your mind map, there are some basic steps to keep in mind. 

Words 

The map will start with one word. This will be the central concept. Once you have established the concept then the “word” will be supported by other words that supports this concept. 

Make sure these words are simple and don’t overwhelm the map. You have to focus on using as few words as possible.  The point of the mind map isn’t to write a paragraph, but to expand a topic in such a way that it is understandable and easy to read. 

Lines 

Lines are the connectors of a mind map. They also help to highlight the words that you are using to expand the central concept. When you write the connecting thoughts, you should put them on one line while connecting them to the central concept using another line. 

Shapes 

Shapes can be used with words or in place of them on the mind map. They are tools that can be used to separate different ideas or group similar ideas together. Look for ways to incorporate shapes into the mind map when possible.

Symbols and Images 

A mind map is a visual tool, it’s important to incorporate symbols and images in with the words, shapes and lines. Be creative in how you represent different ideas and concepts. 

Colors 

Make sure you use different colors in your mind map. Colors can be used to group and highlight ideas and concepts that come while you’re creating the mind map. Mind maps are supposed to be multi-colored creations so don’t shy away from using color. 

When you’re creating your mind map you want to do it in a style that is most meaningful to you. While it’s important to follow the set structure in order to make an effective mind map, it’s just as important to create it according to your personal preferences. 

The purpose of the mind map is to analyse information. 

If you do not understand it when it is finished, then you have the whole concept wrong.  The main thing to keep in mind is to let the mind map go where the creative energy takes it. 

Don’t try to force it into a specific shape, but it is important that you use the different shapes, colors, words and lines to create an understandable mind map.

You want to understand what each color, shape, symbol and image mean when you’re reading the map later. 

Remember that the ultimate goal of a mind map is to analyse a concept thoroughly. Don’t make it too difficult so that the ultimate purpose is lost.  

Courtesy of YouTube