I don't take notes anymore. Instead, I create one wildly colorful, creative and inspiring page whenever I need to make a decision, prepare a presentation, or plan an event. That whole two-column plus and minus approach? Gone. Bring on
Mind Maps! I read Tony Buzan's first book on Mind Mapping back in early eighties, but I was too caught up in old-school world to see how it could be of use to me. I recently rediscovered Mind Mapping and it has become an integral part of work I do with clients.
Tony Buzan created Mind Map concept in early seventies. Based on his brilliant observation that our brains do not process information in a linear way, Mind Mapping allows us to use words, images, and color in an effort to engage right side of our brains in what is normally considered a left-brain task: organizing information.
We've already learned that one of keys to maximizing our potential as humans is to forget that whole right-brain/left-brain divide. Instead of seeing ourselves as a logical person OR a creative person, we're both. We've simply chosen to put more energy into developing skills associated with analytical left or daydreaming right. We must recognize that there's a fine line separating analysis from daydreams and that in order to have a fully integrated brain, we need to do both.
We speak in a linear pattern. We can say only one word at a time, and we can hear only one word at a time. Similarly, we read in a linear pattern-words flow in lines across page.
So when it came time to organize notes and teach proper form for creating outlines, it's easy to see why we turned to tried and true linear approach. You know format: Roman numeral one (I) followed by A, B and C, followed by 1, 2 and 3. We look for things to slot into each line in order to make it fit properly.
In school, we spent hours preparing these outlines for book reports, speeches, and term papers. In our work as adults, we do same thing with agendas, meeting minutes, and project plans. Orderly lines of information. Black ink on white pages. Empty spaces.
Boring, boring, boring--and not best way to use our brains.
Along comes Buzan, who says that we would be much better off if we allowed our right brains to get in on game. So, instead of creating typical linear outlines, Buzan insisted on becoming radiant. He developed concept of putting your central idea right in center of page. Your main points then radiate outward from center. Each one of these points sprouts its own branches and twigs. He referred to this star-like pattern of ideas as Radiant Thinking.
