Mind Maps Are a Great Way to Increase Productivity.
Different productivity techniques work for different people, which is why there are so many of them . But if you’re a visual learner, there’s one that might work for you: mind mapping.
Mind maps are diagrams designed to organize information and interconnected data points, making any task easier. They are especially popular among students who need to visualize the relationships between concepts, but their use is also widespread outside the classroom.
What is a mind map?
A mind map isn’t simply a diagram on which tasks are laid out. Rather, it does so hierarchically, linking related things and making it clear what needs to be done first to move on to the next task. (On the other hand, when used in studies , they help build bridges between main topics and subtopics, and also relate to each other.)
You can use mind maps for a variety of reasons, whether to think more clearly or set goals, but in this article, we’ll explore how they can be used as productivity tools. You can also try them for associative thinking, brainstorming, note-taking, and other purposes once you get the hang of it.
Start by formulating the main task. For example, if you need to hire a new employee, write it in the center and circle it. Then, using arrows, branch the list into related tasks: HR tasks, onboarding tasks, financial tasks, and so on. From each of these, draw additional arrows. HR tasks might include completing legal paperwork and conducting a background check. Onboarding might require providing the new employee with access to training modules and finding a job. Financial tasks might include generating payroll and providing information about certain benefits.
Once you’ve created your mind map, you’ll see all your tasks organized into a web-like structure, helping you visualize and understand everything you need to do. Everything boils down to one main task. Subtasks will represent all the little steps you’ll need to take to achieve it all, step by step, until you reach the ultimate goal at the center.
How to create your own mind map
We mentioned drawing circles above, which is perfectly acceptable if you prefer the good old pen and paper method. You can draw them in Word or Google Docs, but that can be cumbersome. It’s better to use an online drawing tool like Canva or Draw.io.
Even better is to use specialized software for this task. My favorite is Xmind , which can be used on a computer or phone and comes with a variety of pre-installed templates. The creation process itself can be useful for brainstorming, but can be tedious if you’re not familiar with graphics. Xmind greatly simplifies this process, especially for beginners, since you simply drag and drop shapes and lines onto a dedicated canvas.
Why does this work?
The mind map’s simplicity makes it so effective. Key words, short phrases, and color coding facilitate rapid processing and memorization, while the hierarchical structure of tasks helps you understand the order in which to complete them. The central task serves as a reminder of why you’re doing all these little things, helping you stay motivated and on track.
A simple sequence of arrows links ideas, and the spacing between blocks helps organize categories. Overall, it’s a great solution for visual learners and those in a hurry, and it’s less cluttered and confusing than a large spreadsheet or planning document.