Think of the solution you intend to accomplish and what answers or outcomes you seek, then choose a random avenue via one of the branches to explore, or work through each branch in turn.

Total solution focus encourages shortcut to answer consider the solution and spark ideas and thoughts via the mind map branches, by asking probing questions such as:

• How can the solution encompass a timeless element?
• How might the solution be more exciting?
• What could be dropped from past unsuccessful attempts at a solution?
• How could the solution open new doors to fresh positive opportunities?
• In what way could the solution be celebrated?

Visual projection allows you to envisage the solution and work backwards like the brief image you have in mind of a meal, prior to preparation and cooking.

This mind map is just an example; you might prefer to create your own mind maps, to act as a turntable or central theme for idea generation and solution finding.

Every day presents a new opportunity to cast aside bad habits and negative thoughts and start anew. Closer than that, every moment is also an opportunity. Right now, this minute, change is possible if you want change.

Negativity is an opportunity to flip to a more positive, helpful and constructive way of thinking or acting. Negativity is useful as a signpost for change.

How?

5 simple steps to flipside:

Notice the negativity
Write it down (or create a mind map)
Explore the flipside
Seek a positive solution
Implement change

Notice the negativity

Instead of punishing yourself for negativity, praise yourself for noticing – the most crucial stage of implementing change.

Write it down

Capture on paper the complete picture of any negativity. Once committed to paper you can become committed to change. After practice, you may not need to write everything down, yet it is always an available option and useful way to pinpoint negativity and uncover solutions. List or mind map all the good and positive outcomes of any negativity – the flipside.

Explore the flipside

Literally turn around the negativity and see in new ways. Explore positive avenues and more useful and helpful thoughts and actions. Unearth the good.

Seek a positive solution

Uncover how to combat the negativity. How to see differently, think differently; act differently – how to succeed in a positive manner. Discover how you can harvest positive change. Work on solutions rather than problems.

Implement change

See the positive – see the potential.
Drop the negative – flipside to positive.
Make a difference – create the change.

Every coin has two sides; visualise negative and positive.

Negativity is an opportunity to make a difference.

Negativity is an opportunity to create change.

Negativity is an opportunity to harness a win/win outcome.

Negativity is often a ticket to a solution.

Almost all negative thoughts and actions carry seeds for positive growth and value not always immediately obvious.

Uncover the positive – make a difference – create the change.

We can’t see thoughts.

We can see simplicity, complexity, shapes, groups, clusters, waves, reach, extent, 360º, 3D, turns, spirals, coils and curls.

We can’t see thoughts.

We can observe depth, overlap, movement, reason, vision, repetition, method, direction, scope, angle, arch, arc, projection, flow, fall, drop, perspective, height, capacity, thickness, tangents, solid, hollow, bulk, thin, connection, proportion, gaps, joins, shadows, background, foreground, strength, shade, light, dark, colour, prism, variation, rainbows, mirrors and reflection.

We can’t see thoughts.

And yet we believe thoughts, think we know what we think, think we know what others think and think “we know” because we think.

We live our lives almost exclusively through thought, often missing out on a beautiful alternative dimension beyond thought.

What is that dimension beyond thought?

A dimension known as silence. The silence beneath noise and in the gaps between your thoughts. A peaceful dimension.

The dimension from which all other dimensions emerge. Tap it, bath in it; that dimension that exists beneath and beyond thought.

True Random Acts of Kindness are genuine, sincere, thoughtful and considerate. They are acts without seeking anything in return. This means no ROI (Return on Investment), in fact, no thinking of it as an investment and no expectation of a return favour or RAK. There is no express need or requirement for acknowledgement or response.

RAKs are not made in the hope of being seen as good, kind and helpful either they are made because you want to help others and you dont need a reward or recognition for doing so.

RAKs are not always secret although they can be anonymous.

RAKs are not Karma tokens Karma is simply action not necessarily a build up of good or bad, resulting in good or bad.

How many seconds does it take to change a toilet roll so that the next person isnt confronted with a single sheet? (You could be the next person!)

How long to replenish stationery and stock?

How long to make the tea?

How long does it take to say Thank you or compliment a nice meal or good service?

There are countless examples of RAKs and they dont have to involve money. By enhancing your senses you will see far more positive things happening around you and you may even be able to help others too. I read once that if you feel miserable it is almost always because you are not doing enough to help others.

What you focus on is key if you see, read, hear bad things it is because that is where you are focusing if you see good, kind and inspiring things, again, it is because that is where you are focusing your attention.

Mahatma Gandhi said: You must be the change you wish to see in the World

You can start with simple RAKs and remember to give RAKs to yourself too, even if it is as simple as being kinder to yourself from a thought upwards!

To learn more about RAKs here are a few suggestions for further reading there are thousands of inspiring books out there and a great tip is to stick with ones that really help you if a book isnt helping you after one or two chapters move on!

Associated reading:

Timeless wisdom and practical advice for a more fulfilling life:

The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra

How small changes add up to a world of difference:

Easier than you think by Richard Carlson
Ten Secrets for Success by Wayne Dyer
Life beyond ego and struggling:
A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle

Large piece of paper
Landscape format
Draw central image

Pencil Mind Map
Add key branches and expand
One word per line
Use curved branches
Length of line same as word
Allow free and rapid mind flow

Add graphics to aid memory
Utilize space wisely

Ink in and colour

See also a walkthrough demonstration:

Drawing a Mind Map from Start to Finish

Being a leader isn’t just about bossing people around and being in control all the time. It’s about inspiring and guiding others towards a common goal. Here are some things you can keep in mind to help you become a strong and effective leader:

Communicate clearly: Communication is key when it comes to being a leader. Make sure you clearly express your ideas and goals so others understand what you’re trying to achieve.

Be confident: Confidence is an important trait for leaders. It helps others believe in you and your vision, and it also helps you make tough decisions.

Lead by example: People are more likely to follow you if they see that you’re practicing what you preach. Be a role model for others and show them the kind of behavior you expect from them.

Embrace change: Change is a constant in life and as a leader, you need to be able to adapt to it. Embrace new ideas, be open-minded, and be ready to pivot if needed.

Encourage growth: Good leaders help their team members grow and develop their skills. Encourage growth by setting challenging but achievable goals, and providing opportunities for learning and professional development.

Be approachable: People are more likely to follow a leader they feel comfortable talking to. Make sure you’re approachable, listen to others, and build strong relationships with your team.

Take ownership: Leaders take responsibility for their actions and the actions of their team. Don’t shy away from making decisions, and always be ready to take responsibility for the outcome.

Celebrate successes: Celebrate the successes of your team and acknowledge the hard work that went into achieving them. This helps boost morale and creates a positive work environment.

In short, being a leader is about inspiring and guiding others towards a common goal. By being confident, approachable, and leading by example, you can help your team succeed and dominate in your field.

I hope you enjoy viewing my Mind Maps there are hundreds more planned here at the Mind Map Inspiration Blog plus ongoing creativity and drawing tips.

Seeking yourself in all directions; trying to find who you are away from where you are.

You are where you are – wherever you are, that is you.

Sitting still for 20 minutes and realising where you are with total awareness of your body and surroundings – that’s you.

There you are.

If you get up and move somewhere else and check with total awareness body and surroundings – again – there you are.

It doesn’t matter what you have around you or on you; that’s outer – the inner is always there wherever you go. The inner is the place of the “real you” – the “you” that you take with you wherever you go. The real you, the inner you – recognise, accept, understand, explore, appreciate, love, celebrate, enjoy – effortless and peaceful surrender to the moment. You, in the moment, without badges or labels the “you” that never leaves you.

If you are trying to find yourself, you’ll discover you haven’t left; you haven’t gone anywhere and never have. You have always been there, wherever there is or was, or will be.

There you are.

See also: Present Moment Awareness Mind Map

Whilst sitting on a park bench, a squirrel jumped up onto my lap and I fed it hazelnuts, walnuts and brazils.

The fearless power of a fight-less fight; its claws pin sharp and yet also gentle. Lightning fast reactions; slow eyes, fast gaze, in harmony among nature and at peace, at one, with man.

The squirrel connected, both fearless and friendly, led by food, led by survival, yet keen to share a partnership; a moment of unity. Light, nimble, agile; a miniature fur warrior conquering all terrains. Mutually beneficial coexistence; a physical and mental demonstration of leadership and shared freedom, within a few feet – a snapshot of a vast planet.

Moments like this live forever in memory. Silent, speechless connections and understandings – the glue that gels the fabric of personal and global existence. The meaning of life – life in action; a sharing of souls.

I was touched by the squirrel and the feeling was deeper than any words could convey – the very reason that the nature of the contact was silent. The connection within and without. The squirrel will never read this and neither does it need to, for it knows. That knowing, beyond words, is the bond of life, the dream within a dream. Life happening in the moment.

Although the squirrel will never read this, I thank it for sharing that moment with me.

10 tips for connecting with nature:

Be thoughtless
Be silent
Be fearless
Be gentle
Be light
Be slow
Be patient
Be welcoming
Be present
Share the moment

Share the moment; rich, deep, lively, harmonious, at peace, at one both within and without.

Practising this connection with animals is simple because they don’t speak. It also carries through to human relationships – developing unconditional acceptance for others and simply sharing moments of existence whether speaking or silent.

That’s peace – as demonstrated by the squirrels

You can make use of the mind map format to record positive words as an affirmation sheet and reminder.

For more inspiration check out the following:

• A-Z of Positive Thinking Mind Map
• A-Z of Positive Words
• Positive Words Sheets

The Positive Tions mind map has spaces if you wish to use this example and add to it. Naturally your words don’t all have to end the same; you can collect words in themes or develop a mind map to uncover positive words using normal mind map guidelines.