Mind Maps: Get Blog Ideas Fast
September 21st, 2009 (11:00am) Meryl Evans 25 CommentsTweet This (37)
I didn’t say that mind maps don’t work — in fact, I have a big post with all kinds of resources on data and information visualization, and mind maps make up a chunk. However, although mind mapping helps many folks explore topics and ideas, it just didn’t work for me. I had tried a few apps, and they just took too much time and effort to be of use.
Moving to Pen and Pad
One weekend when all the kids were sick, I sat on my comfy bed with my laptop. Growing tired of my Internet fiddling, I closed the laptop and pulled out the notepad that I keep in a bedside drawer, where I had jotted down a blog post idea before going to sleep the previous night. I also grabbed a ballpoint pen. I added bullet points to expand those thoughts. Since I was already at it, I figured I might as well keep on thinking of blog ideas and captured about four pages of notes.
Getting the Ballpoint Pen Rolling
This put me in the mood for more writing — with paper and pen. Something prompted me to keep exploring more ideas for my blog. During this process, I discovered my big mistake with past mind map attempts: using software. No matter how fast I could whip up a shape, cut, paste, type — the process felt tedious. Pen. Paper. Brain. For me, these work best for mapping out ideas. In 15 or 20 minutes, I had created seven maps. They could lead to at least 25 solid posts!
Creating More Maps
My first map took a high-level approach with “Writer” being the center of the map with four subcategories: “writing,” “marketing,” “business” and “editing.” Expanding all of them filled the page, so I began a new map on subsequent pages making central themes out of the following:
- business
- marketing
- blogs
- supplies
- social media
- the act of writing
All these appeared in one of the earlier maps. When I identified many ideas for a single category, I gave it its own map so that I had lots of room. The maps and branches grew from there. This process helped dig up ideas faster than I ever could sitting in front of a computer. It also sparked more ideas than I could just sitting and contemplating writing topics; there’s something about seeing them written down on paper.
Those circles and branches held magic. They compelled me to add more. I probably could’ve filled 10 more pages, but I had to rip off my writer uniform to reveal the mommy one and fulfill my duties in saving the world, or, at least, comforting my kids and getting them to bed.
So, I’m a geek who loves her apps but prefers mind mapping by hand. It works. If you don’t use mind maps because you find mind mapping software cumbersome, maybe it’s time to try the good old-fashioned pen and paper route.
How do you come up with ideas for blog entries and articles? What process do you use?
Tags: mind map, mind mapping, simplicity
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Pen and paper is best for mindmapping, but I need to bring in some tech organization around the brainstorming and managing the maps. So TABLET PC it is. You should give it a try if you can. Best of both worlds!
I don’t have a Tablet PC, but I have a tablet. I tried using that and it just doesn’t feel natural like writing on paper. Maybe plain tablet surface has something to do with it as I don’t think it’s the same as Tablet PC surface.
I can see what you mean. My moleskin notebook and fountain pen were my best tools at one point. Happy mapping! Organization for the too-creative, and Creativity for the too-organized!
I agree about the Moleskine notebook but a one colour fountain pen, no, Mind Maps require colour to be truly effective. A page of monotone notes is monotonous and uninspiring. Using a tablet and a PC or MAC takes getting used to, I agree and there are times when tapping away on the PC is not appropriate. I strike a delicate balance between notebooks and digital mapping, both give me satisfaction and enjoyment as well as immense creativity.
We just featured an article on the art of mind-mapping in the October issue of Experience Life — love this concept! It’s definitely a great way of generating ideas, and improving creative thinking, planning and problem-solving abilities. For anyone who’s interested, here’s a link to the article: http://www.experiencelifemag.com/issues/october-2009/whole-life/map-your-mind.html
I myself have been trying to be more open to using technology and different apps, but nothing is the same as writing on paper. The same goes for reading. I am an old fashioned 19 year old.
For my blog ( http://www.crazy0122003.wordpress.com ) I still if I do not have a topic try to write down thing I have not yet wrote about. Sometimes i just type the main ideas of my blog into a bing or google search but i do my most productive blogging when i use ideas I have written down for days when I am drawing a blank.
Wow. A Blog entry telling us how to create blog entries.
I think my head might explode.
Jeff Yablon
President & CEO
Answer Guy and Virtual VIP Computer Care, Business Coaching and Virtual Assistant Services
No wonder you are having problems thinking – you have fallen for the common trap of thinking a bubble chart is a Mind Map – go to http://fuzz2buzz.com/en/mindexchange/browse-grid
as these are real Mind Maps – worth exploring and finding out how to apply the technique and get the most out of your brain
I agree with Jennifer: REAL Mind Maps are not the same as concept maps, bubble diagrams and visual maps. Mind Maps are very specific in their structure, in particular the one word per branch which is a MUST if you are to achieve the maximum from your maps.
Here is a great example of digital mindmapping!
http://jkontherun.com/2009/09/23/mindmapping-in-digital-ink-screencast/
Gagan unfortunately thats NOT Mind Mapping it’s concept mapping and the two things ARE different.
@TimF- You are right. The example used is a Concept Map but the tools can be used for mindmaps as well. Here I wanted to illustrate the use of digital tools for creative thinking – mind-maps being one.
Actually, I beg to differ. Concept maps do not have a central topic and typically show relationships between each topic. Not just a line but directionality and often named lines to articulate / clarify relationships. The map illustrated by Gagan is more in line with a mind map that anything else. Now, you can debate whether or not it is a classic mindmap as defined by buzan. Mapping via computers have originated with the pen and paper principles and then extended beyond to allow you to capture not only what is in your mind but also the information that you work with (e.g. in office, on the web, in databases, etc….).
Michael: I am not an expert in Concept Mapping but I do know about Mind Mapping and it certainly is no a true Mind Map (as originated by Tony Buzan and taught on his courses).
Right, I think we’re in agreement. Since one individual trademarked ‘mind map’, you’re absolutely right. That said, mind mapping via computers goes beyond pen and paper in quite a few ways (e.g. integration, search, reorganization, collaboration over distance, etc…). Pen and paper is also great for spontaneous, individual idea generation. I use both techniques to plan and write the Mindjet blog. It’s a good topic, I was just discussing it with coworkers yesterday before leaving the office.
Great post. Like you, I left behind the software tools years ago. When I mindmap I use a pad and pen. People often find it amusing to see me grab a notebook with lined paper and turn it sideways and write across the lines as I diagram. Gives me the secret pleasure of being unconventional.
Why do you use lined paper and why did leave software behind? Interested to know……
Hi Tim…I use lined (or ruled) paper because finding a notebook with blank sheets is next to impossible, unless you buy those artist sketch books. Apparently no one seems to think a notebook with blank pages (not loose-leaf, but bound) is a saleable product. And I’m too cheap to order special! So I buy the $1 or less theme notebooks and use those. As for software, there’s some nice stuff out there and I’ve used most of them…but it’s the hassle factor for me. When I’m doing mindmaps, I’m in creative mode and likely away from the computer. Sitting at the keyboard all day every day is stifling to creativity (for me), so going paper and pen to map is a good way for me to snip the cords for a while.
Interesting approach Jim. I occasionally used ruled paper and will use the same approach for my ‘paper’ maps. I think I’ll also get the same secret pleasure as ruled paper is way too confining for me!