The underpinning principles of Mind Mapping have been around for a long time, and have been used by some of the world’s most creative genius’ and most influential people through history such as Leonardo Da Vinci, Galileo Galilei, William Blake and Albert Einstein.

The term ‘Mind Mapping’ was coined in the 1960’s by Tony Buzan, a psychologist and leading expert on the brain in areas such as learning and memory, and the inventor of Mind Maps. He calls Mind Maps “the ultimate organisational thinking tool”.

Right: YouTube Introduction to Mind Maps by Tony Buzan.

There is no limit to the circumstances where Mind Mapping can be applied. You can use a Mind Map to explore any idea, concept or problem, from planning a report, presentation or a business strategy to working out what kind of career path you want to pursue. (See “What Work?” below)

As an alternative to hand drawn mind maps, Mind Mapping software has been available for some time, but the biggest news on this front in recent years is Tony Buzan’s iMindMap software first released in 2007. It is a computer based tool that accurately reflects the true nature of Mind Mapping. It combines the freedom and flexibility of technology with the creative nature of hand drawn Mind Mapping.

Right: YouTube Introduction to iMindMap software.

Mind Maps are the easiest way to put information into your brain and take information out of your brain. They have a natural structure that radiates from the centre and use curved lines, symbols, words and images according to a set of natural and brain-friendly rules.

Imagination and association are the two main principles that make Mind Mapping so effective. Mind Mapping reflects the brain’s natural, image filled thinking and associative processes and is why the ability to Mind Map comes so naturally to many people.

Mind Mapping also uses the full range of cortical skills that are processed in both hemispheres of the brain, strengthening the potential  for greater associations and thus greater intellectual capability.

If you would like information about Mind Mapping training, either on an individual basis or for teams or groups of staff within your organisation, contact Diana by email diana@dianaferguson.com.au or by mobile on 0412620006.

Below: “What Work?” created with iMindMap that assisted me to make important decisions about future career direction.