Mind Mapping Your Journal Entries

Clustering, also called Mind Mapping, is a great way to save space and time when you journal. For those of you that aren't familiar with Mind Mapping, you can search in Google on the words or reading one of Tony Buzan's (the creator) books. At the end I've included the ten basic rules of Mind Mapping.

A Mind Map is a powerful graphic technique that harnesses words, images, numbers, logic, rhythm, color and spatial skills. Unlike linear notes, it allows your mind to work with expansion.

Mind Maps are an incredibly powerful memory tool. As I was studying for my CPA exam, I created a very large detailed Mind Map that covered several walls in my home office. When I was taking the exam I could close my eyes and see the Mind Map and go right to the answer.

We both know a picture says a thousand words. In Mind Mapping, you can use one word to trigger a set of memories or you can draw a picture (artistry doesn't matter) that represents a story or memory for you.

You can use the Mind Mapping or Clustering techniques to record a single event or a whole day of events. If you are working on time management, you can also use a Mind Map to track time and tasks. For this, you will want to turn the paper landscape, add a center picture, like a clock, and use the branches pointing the same way as the clock's hour -- noon or midnight would be straight up, one o'clock slightly to the right of midnight, etc. The subbranches would be one word representing your focus or task during that time.

After attending a personal development event or that evening I like to reflect on my experience by drawing a Map from what I recall. This is a great way to transfer my thoughts from short term to long term memory. If I took notes I choose one word or image that represents each though per single branch for each area. When I remember a thought that doesn't connects clearly, I record a trigger word of what I do remember along with a question mark right before I turn in for the night. By morning I have the answer or a complete picture that build on that Map. Sometimes the morning also brings additional ideas or fuel for thought.

By keeping your Maps or Clusters in your journal -- usually all in one place -- you can quickly review previous Maps to build upon. Since Maps provide a master aerial view it's easier to see how the dots connect -- the aha moments or unmasking patterns. They stand out easier than in linear notes.

Maps also shorten the journaling time. What might normally take pages or an hour in linear writing now take 15 minutes.

Being creative and having fun with this technique is important to the experience. Mapping encourages the use of colored pencils, pens and the use of images in place of words. My drawing skills haven't improved since third grade yet after a few hundred lopsided airplanes I can now draw them from several angles. But I'm still sticking with stick people.

Ideas also count. Ideas always occur during our writing. We're writing away, an idea pings up and we either need to try and hold it on the edge of our mind or record it somewhere quickly before it slips away. Start a Map on a new page, place the idea in the center of the page, then return to finish the writing. You will find your mind popping in and out from one to the next as you continue writing.

You can also keep a separate Map journal. Ever few years I remember to buy a journal for that purpose. One of my favorite Map journals is, Note Sketch Book by Bienfang. You can order them in many places on the Net. Our local Staples store usually carries them in stock. They are different because the top portion of each page, about three-quarters, is blank and ready for your Map. While the bottom portion has lines for writing.

Of course, Maps and Clusters have many other uses -- like brainstorming (alone or in a group), research, reading, studying, or memorizing. Thus, learning the technique is worthy to learn. I use them for just about everything, including the three books I'm working now.

Basic Rules for Mind Mapping:

1. Sheet sideways.

2. Pen or computer

3. Select topic, problem or subject and purpose.

4. Start in the center of the page.

5. Use color to trigger memory. Each separate main branch has a different color and each subbranches for that main branch stay that branches color.

6. Branches closest to the center are thicker.

7. Each idea starts a new branch.

8. Use images to express ideas whenever possible.

9. The image or word needs to sit on the line and in print.

10.The line needs to be the same length as the image or word.

(c) Copyright, Catherine Franz. All rights reserved.

Catherine Franz, a MindMapping trainer, has been Mapping since the mid-1980s. She offers two books (pdf or in print) on journaling techniques and tips at: http://www.abundancecenter.com/store/main.htm.

Twin Lakes rental limo .. Lockport Chicago limo O’Hare
In The News:

The White House launched a new cybersecurity safety label, the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark, intended to help consumers make informed decisions on smart device safety.
Today's tech can help make life so much easier — if you know how to use it. Here are a few tips on the quickest and best ways to make your phone, laptop and other devices work for you.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson offers Windows 11 restart fixes: Update drivers, run system scans and check hardware.
Sony and Honda's Afeela 1 EV launches with advanced tech and entertainment for $89,900. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson gives his takeaways.
With limited hard drive space, tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson offers these tips for storing large video files and photos.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says the $236,000 Yangwang U9 electric hypercar boasts 1,287 horsepower and can jump obstacles.
Flip phones are harder to block spam calls from, but it's not impossible. Kurt the "CyberGuy" explains how to stop incoming robocalls on your flip phone.
With so many notifications buzzing our phones these days, it's tough to distinguish between legitimate messages and possible scams. Kurt the CyberGuy helps unravel the mystery.
Scammers have a new trick where they pretend to be job recruiters to plant malicious apps on your devices. It all starts with a deceptive email.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
Kurt the CyberGuy breaks down why those emails that warn that "Your Apple ID has been disabled" is most likely a scam. Here's how to protect yourself.
Even small mistakes can negatively impact your credit score; here are some of the most common credit report errors and how you can fix them.
Tech guru Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explores the many different ways you can repurpose that old iPhone of yours rather than trashing it.
A pioneering artificial intelligence and robotics company from China has developed a repository of over 1 million robotic movements to provide robotic training.
Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson reveals the warning signs and steps to take if you suspect that your personal computer is infected with a virus.
Researchers found in a study that users of a robotic prosthetic hand could successfully grasp and move two objects at once without dropping them.
The James Webb Space Telescope captured photos of one of the earliest supernovas ever seen using infrared technology, and creating a time lapse of the phenomena.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
New Mac malware variant targets browser credentials and personal data, researchers find. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson gives tips to safeguard your Mac from the latest malware threats.
The Jetson One eVTOL showcases air racing potential, ushering in a new aviation era. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says the race for eVTOL supremacy is just beginning.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson reveals that hackers stole data from Gravy Analytics, a major seller of smartphone location data to the U.S.
Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson: If you just bought a new iPhone, here’s what to do first when you fire it up.
AC Future and Pininfarina unveil AI Transformer homes, merging sustainability and innovation. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says this could change the way we think about home.
Technology expert Kim Komando shares her easy tips on how to declutter your phones, computers and devices from the files you no longer need.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson has the details on a Volkswagen data leak that exposed the personal data of around 800,000 EV owners.

Seven Suggestions To Develop a Superb Writing Style

Every writer eventually develops her own unique style of writing.... Read More

Write For Yourself First

It would be very selfless or noble of me to... Read More

Does The Title Reflect The Story?

Short Story Writing Tips ?We all have different tastes in... Read More

Writing as a Gift

What am I supposed to give Anthony as a wedding... Read More

Print-On-Demand: A Definition and a Comparison

The purpose of this article is to consider Print-On-Demand publishing... Read More

Writing the 8 WebCopy Headline Categories

My article this issue is an excerpt from a book... Read More

7 Weapons to Conquer the Giant Procrastination Keeping You from Your Book Dream

Have you been guilty of procrastinating on your book project,... Read More

Memoir Writing Help, Memoir Writing Ideas

You might not need any memoir writing help, per se,... Read More

10 Tips on How to Cultivate Relationships with Editors

If you are an aspiring writer, or you simply want... Read More

Make Your Mark Upon Humanity

The greatest gift you have to give to yourself and... Read More

I Am Biodegradable - My Writing Is Not

My dad was wrong. I just discovered that I am... Read More

Who Else Wants To Make $3546 By Simply Pressing a Button!

If you have been online for any length of time... Read More

Graphology - Unleash Inner Personality & Talent of Child

|| Graphology & Graphotherapy ||Everybody wants to know more about... Read More

Be Concise

Concision. (Sounds like I made up another word.) It's the... Read More

Web Writing: Create Writing Flow With Four Uncommon Connectors

Connectors -- conjunctions, punctuation, and transitional phrases -- allow readers... Read More

Writers Who Consistently Cut The Mustard Do So Because...

Have you ever wondered why certain writers are able to... Read More

Is The Theme Reinforced In The Ending?

Creative Writing Tips ?By now you should have an idea... Read More

5 Reasons People Like Technology White Papers

A good white paper is a paper that makes you... Read More

Sick of the Traditional Publishing Path?

A book coaching client recently emailed me that she was... Read More

Get Published: The Nuts and Bolts of Good English, and How to Impress a Publisher (1)

Not all writers write good grammar. That's a fact. It's... Read More

Prolific Writers

Prolific authors write; they don't just dream about it. A... Read More

Memories Dont Fade Like Hair Does: Memoir Writing Help for You, Our Elders, to Tell Your Story

~~~Old age, to the unlearned, is winter; to the learned,... Read More

Writing - Copyrights and Trademarks Protect You

When most people consider writing a book, they don't think... Read More

New Year Resolutions for Writers - The Best Kind to Make and How to Keep Them

On the first day of a bright and shiny new... Read More

Mixing and Mingling: The Door to Publication?

Mixing and mingling with industry professionals is an opportunity that... Read More

West Dundee Lincoln Stretch limo rentals ..