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Mind Mapping – for when you’re stuck
Likely you’ve seen and/or used a mind map and are already familiar with it’s simplicity and power. In case you haven’t used one, or would like a refresher, below is how you can use one specifically when you’re feeling stuck. This is one of my favorite go to tools when I’m not sure what’s next, I’m a bit lost, or am just plain feeling stuck in the mud. 1. Get a blank sheet of paper at least 8.5 x 11.
2. Put the topic you’re feeling stuck about in the center of the page.
3. Let yourself go stream of consciousness and start writing all that comes to mind about your topic.
4. Put one stream of thought per branch and follow each branch until you’ve gotten everything about that thought stream out of your head and onto the paper.
5. Each time you finish a stream of thought go back to the main topic and ask yourself what else is rattling around in your head, thoughts and feelings that you can capture on the map.
6. When it seems you’ve come to a stop, take a few deep breaths and ask youself, ” What else?” to make sure you’ve gotten all you can out onto the paper.
7. Repeat this until your entire page is full or your head is empty, whichever comes first.
8. Here’s a quick example I whipped up in about 2 minutes regarding ideal clients, a topic many of my clients are curious about. See how stripped down it is – nothing fancy. Note that these are my personal ramblings re: my ideal clients; all the places where it says “etc.” are places I would keep going if I was doing this map for reals instead of as an example. (click the picture to see it larger on my blog)
9. Once you’ve completed the mind map, look at all the information in front you; you can see it’s like a big brain dump. You can now sort through it with colored pens or pencils and note which thoughts group themselves together, what patterns emerge, what themes are present. These patterns, themes, etc. can be used to let go of limiting beliefs, develop a plan for action, and take whatever step is next for you.
10. I’d love to see what you come up with – send me a picture of what your map looks like, what you discovered, and what your next action is!
On the Calendar
Saturday, October 1 in San Francisco – Keynote speaker at the SF EARN conference
Saturday, October 22 in Oakland – Meg Wheatley and Barbara McAfee day long event sponsored by the Bay Area Coaches
Monday, Ocotber 29 in San Francisco – Teaching at the Small Business Administration – Are You Using Your Super Powers in Your Business?
Spring 2012 in the Seattle area – re(Treat) event co-produced my me, Elizabeth Crouch & Beth Baker – details coming soon
What I’m Up To
Frequently during the month of September – completing the Right Brain Business Plan by Jennifer Lee with coach pal Jenna Avery
Thursdays – working through Book Yourself Solid by Michael Port with coaches Akasha Halsey and Elizabeth Crouch
Enjoying the SF Indian summer!
Looking for a Speaker for Your Group?
If your organization is looking for a speaker, please keep me in mind. To learn more about the topics I offer check out my speaking page ~ it’s my pleasure to speak to your group!
Give a Gift to Yourself ~
Curious about coaching? Set aside 30 minutes for a Discovery Session and give yourself the gift of finding out what it’s all about and if it’s right for you: Discovery Session |
