We all wish acquiring knowledge could be as easy as taking a nap.

 

However, this is rarely the case, especially if the information we want to understand is of a sizable volume and a demanding complexity.

 

Although most of us think of school or university when the topic of learning comes up, we all keep understanding new things well into adulthood.

 

Suppose we start a new business, decide to have kids, or want to move to a different location to live - all of these situations require intricate decision-making.

 

It's inevitable to learn new things while experiencing similar situations.

 

But how do we handle such complex tasks?

 

How do we keep our minds clear and organized in the face of so much new, constantly changing information?

 

This is where mind maps come in.

 

In this blog post, we’ll give you insight into this powerful tool and how to use it.

 

Some Basics

 

Let's first define what a mind map is.

 

It is a two-dimensional tool, popularized in recent years because of its adaptability and intriguing look.

 

Mind maps consist of the main subject (circled in the middle of the paper), its subheadings or details, their importance, and their interlinking connections (depicted through different shapes, arrows, etc.).

 

The tool works better than lists or written sentences because they visualize what we are thinking in a way that is easier to remember and control.

 

Moreover, we appoint the value of each detail while drawing it and connect them ourselves, which makes us clear out their hierarchical or chronological order.

 

Basically, mind maps are a creative way to organize the clusters of information relative to each other and understand which parts are the most important.

 

How To Use Mind Maps

 

We have examined why mind maps are a great way to organize our thoughts in times of difficulty.

 

Now let's figure out exactly how to make them as efficient as possible.

 

To make a good mind map, we have to follow specific steps.

 

Firstly, write down the main focus point right in the middle of the paper and draw a circle around it.

 

Following that, you start figuring out the main factors of this subject.

 

What are its main components, and what are the fundamentals the topic uses as its pillars?

 

For example, if you are planning a music event - who would the artists be, and where would you host it?

 

Write these down in separate circles surrounding the main topic, and connect them to the central circle.

 

While doing so, you will naturally start to draw bigger circles for the things you deem more significant or complex - those who need your attention more than others.

 

Repeat this process until you have all the details laid out, but remember that conciseness plays a big part here.

 

You don't have to overwhelm yourself with information, some of which you might not even need.

 

Of course, every craft has its tips and tricks.

 

Аn idea most people find really useful is to make the mind map as fluid as possible.

 

Use pencils instead of pens and write on sticky notes - that way, you can change things as you go through the process.

 

Also, try to use only one or two words per circle - narrowing it down like this helps you clear it out in your head and makes the mind map more readable.

 

Finally - be creative!

 

Use different colors for different topics and draw some symbols instead of words -

 

It will make the mind map enjoyable to look at, and our brain can remember it more easily.

 

Furthermore, it makes the whole task way more fun.

 

To Summarize

 

Mind maps are great and innovative tools that more people should know about.

 

They don't require a lot.

 

They are versatile and can help you with decision-making, studying, and organizing almost everything.

 

The more creative you get with them, the better they will look and the more valuable they'll be, meaning that they help you not just with the task at hand but on a subconscious level.

 

So get your colorful paper and sharp pencils, and let's start drawing!