Mindmaps Unleashed

How often do you create mindmaps with others?

Arjen — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 12:55:08 +0000

More and more mindmap software tools are offering the feature of working together on your mindmaps, this is often called a collaboration feature. In the past, I created some mind maps with others using Mindmanager. A couple of months ago I started to work with MindMapper version 2009.

When I look at the number of times I use this feature I think I don’t use it that often. The main reason for this is that most of my mind maps are created for myself. I don’t create that many mind maps with other people. The only time I create mind maps with other people is when I am working on a new training course or when working on the outline of a new project.

However, during these last few months I created some very interesting mind maps with other people. The great thing about using MindMapper is when participants are in the meeting they don’t need to have a registered license. Also, the mindmap created is refreshed in real-time.

My question for you is; how often do you mindmap with other people?

When I ask other people this question they usually tell me that they mindmap in a group during meetings or brainstorm sessions. Is this when you use mind mapping as well?

Just leave a comment below this short post and let me know how you use mind maps in groups. I look forward to hearing from you.

Do You Also Trust My Ideas? Mindjet Does!

Arjen — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 09:24:21 +0000

I’ve been working with people for so many years now to improve their visual maps through my personal coaching, (online) training courses, many e-books, podcasts and articles.

Yesterday, to my surprise, I received a message from the people at Mindjet. Mindjet is, as you probably know, the creator of the MindManager mindmap solution (and other visual mapping solutions). They have been a driving force in the field of computer mind mapping for many years and will remain to be such in the future.

Mindjet selected 14 people who they feel are dedicated to develop, assist and improve the mapping way of life. I am grateful they choose me.

Only 14 people were selected. They can be identified by a Mindjet Trusted Voice badge. This is the badge:

Thank you Mindjet for this recognition! Let’s work together to make more people benefit from visualizing their information.

Has it really been this long?

Arjen — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 10:47:51 +0000

Have I been neglecting the blog so many months…? Time really does fly when you are having fun!

The first part of this year has been really busy (in a wonderful and very good way that is).

I’ve been training many people, talking with people all around the world on what they do with mindmaps, visual maps, and why so many of them stopped mind mapping (almost) completely.

Since we are entering the summer period, I have more time and will update the blog more again. Probably not every day, but more than once every six months.

One of the first things I want to tell you about is that I worked on a method called Practical Mind Mapping. Here’s why this is important:

Most people I spoke with who don’t fully use (or even stopped using) mindmaps told me that this is not because they don’t like mindmaps. They love the technique… but it just isn’t working for them in their own life. It is either too much work or they don’t get started.

For me, the right thing to do was to assist them in making mindmaps work for them as well. Do you know there are only a few things you have to do to make really practical mindmaps? I didn’t before I started investigating this… but now I do know.

The result for my clients… they work about 5 minutes EACH WEEK on their mindmaps, have complete insight in where they are and what they should do, and feel hardly any information and task related stress. In short: They see the big picture and they often have to spend (literally) only seconds on their maps.

Later this month, I will let you know more about this method.

For now, it is great to be back in contact with you.

Let me know how you are doing, how your mindmaps are treating you and what I can do to assist you!

Talk soon!

Arjen

Quick End Of January Update

Arjen — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:51:55 +0000

Are you also looking back already at your good intentions, instead of working on them? I created a small map that can assist you in making sure your good intentions don’t need to be intentions anymore (but really become good habits).

Have a look at it on: via this link

I look forward to seeing your results!

PS: Be sure you let me know how your mindmaps are working for you and what you are missing in working with them. I love to assist you in making your mindmaps work for you.

Do You Mindmap In Public?

Arjen — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 13:42:51 +0000

Have you ever used a mindmap during a sales pitch? Do you show people you meet for the first time your mindmap? Have you used mindmaps in meetings?

One of the first things people tell me when they learn about mindmaps and mind mapping is that this is something which can be valuable. Still, they would use it for themselves only and not in a group or during a meeting.

I can understand that. You may be a little uncomfortable because you do not completely master the mindmap method… yet.

Fast forward a few week, months or even years. I speak with my successful students and what do many of them tell me about mind mapping in a group? They don’t do it. They are often afraid of what the other person’s response or even thoughts might be.

There is fortunately a cure for this:

DON’T CARE ABOUT THAT!!!

Really… have a look around you. Most people try to do just enough not to step on the other person’s toes. As long as they are in line with everybody else they feel safe.

If there is one thing I learned, it must be that in order to reach your goals, you should not feel bad to step on some toes (as long as you make sure you don’t step on the toes of the people you need ).

When you do that, you will become more successful, guaranteed.

Now back to public mind mapping.

The moment you create a mindmap during a conversation or meeting, people may look at you and don’t understand what you are doing.

I love these moments when I first meet someone and we are talking about working on a project. My mindmap is the ice-breaker in the conversation. It allows me to explain what I do (amongst other things) and give value to the other person at the same time.

A lesson I got from this: sales meetings and sales pitches don’t stay pitches anymore. They become conversations where we create a mindmap together!

What you need to do to make this work: PREPARE. You need to create a mindmap in advance with the outline of the pitch/conversation.

Afterward, you can send the mindmap to the other person (even take a picture with your phone camera) and both of you are up to date.

Take a chance. Mindmap in a public place. You never know how much you benefit!

Enjoy These Last Days Of The Year!

Arjen — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 12:38:59 +0000

Just read this quote on His Holiness the Dalai Lama his twitter page (how cool is that )

You have to start giving first and expect absolutely nothing

I wish you and your loved ones the best holidays and a good ending of the year.

Maybe I write something this week on the website, maybe I won’t. I most likely spend my time doing other things. I hope you enjoy these last days of the year and start the new year the best way possible.

Remember the quote above and practice it this last week and all throughout 2010. I can promise you when you do that, your life will improve a lot, you reduce negativity in and around you, and you become an even better YOU!

Take care and remember to visualize your thoughts, believe me… you will benefit!

What If…

Arjen — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 09:27:52 +0000

Today I want to write something different you can do with your mind or visual map. Can you do this exercise in a normal linear format (to do list style)? Sure you can! The only difference is that by using a map you will be able to have a neat and clear overview on one sheet that helps your entire brain.

Again, this is not just talking about mapping information. Today we talk about transforming part of yourself.

Many people don’t realize it, most of the time, but they are the ones talking to themselves in a very negative manner.

What if this goes wrong…
What if I lose…
What if I can’t do…
What if I am not able to…

Most people talk and think a lot in negative scenarios.

I would like you to take that graphical format of for example the mindmap and create a WHAT IF… map. This map includes all the good, amazing, inspiring and above all positive things happening to you in 2010.

You could for instance think of these:

What if… My wife can quit her job because I earn enough?
What if… I can go on holiday with my loved ones?
What if… I am able to spend every dinner with my family?
What if… My child wins a trophy in baseball?
What if… I am able to learn Spanish?
What if… I find my dream job?
What if… I can run a marathon?

This list of What Ifs will be shown in the first layer of your overview.

The next thing you do is you write down how realizing this would make you feel. This is done in the second level, next to the What If.

Next you describe what YOU need to do to make that happen. What contributions can you make to achieve that (level 1) situation? For instance, what can you GIVE to others so they may in turn help you?

We live in a very individualistic society. After years of taking, and making ourselves number one, make 2010 a year where you GIVE. Doesn’t the scripture say that you need to give before you can receive? You have to plant before you can harvest.

Think beyond giving and receiving money. Give your time, attention and love to people around you. I am confident you will be able to achieve most, if not all, of the What If… situations you wrote in your map.

I believe creating this map will help you to move forward in 2010.

If you want to see the impact of a map like this, you are of course free to create a map from a negative perspective as well.

What if… I lose my job
What if… We have to sell our house
What if… My car brakes down
What if… Our child gets ill
What if… I have no more money
What if… My computer crashes

Again, write down how that makes you feel in the second level and describe what you can do to prevent this. Also write in your map what you need to do when the situation does occur. What are the most important steps you have to take to respond in that situation?

As you will see, the prevention usually has to do with you taking action and giving to others.

Give at least your best!

When you created these two maps, which one are you most attracted to? What map do you want to start working on, right now?

Most people I met want to work on the positive map.

You should prepare for the worst. However, make sure you prepare once and don’t spend too much time thinking about what can happening. People who worry usually see that over 99% of things they spend energy on for worrying won’t happen.

Start by identifying the worst case scenarios and understand what you can do to prevent and what your role in it may/can/will be.

Once you did that, take that map and put it away.

You only have a limited time every day to move towards your positive What If situations. By making that map you made sure you know what to do when problems occur. Now move forward!

Enjoy this important exercise.

And as always (if you want to move forward):

Don’t just read this and know what it can do for you. Do it and be sure!