My last post gave you some information on how to use your values or commitments to figure out what your priorities and next actions are. But maybe you have to take a step back and figure out what your commitments are.
I’m involved in various projects and organizations and sometimes it’s good for me to map everything out so I can see exactly what’s going on. If you are like me, you have a lot to think about, and if you tried to list everything out in your head…well, you might skip a few things.
I’ve been aware of the process of mind mapping for a while, but recently a colleague of mine mentioned some software she came upon called FreeMind. It’s a fantastic free mind mapping software. What is mind mapping? Well, I am no expert on the subject, but for me, mind mapping is a way to get everything out of my head on a certain subject so that I can track what’s going on. I called my first mind map “commitments,” and listed everything I could think of that I was committed to - my business, my networking group, a class I am currently taking. Each one of those commitments had subcategories. For my business, some subcategories were advertising, this blog, client relations, administrative work. Using the FreeMind software helped me to work out the details of each commitment I have. It also made me realize - boy, I need to cut back on my commitments!
Try a little mind mapping of your own. Mind maps can be used for all kinds of things - planning meetings, book reports, speech outlines, plotting story ideas, and general note taking. You can do it on paper in list form or in brainstorm form, whatever works for your brain. Or you can click on the link to the list of available mind mapping software I have included below. You can also visit this Mindmaps Directory for a list of 100s of examples of mind maps. Also, the Innovation Network has a great eight step plan to help you understand and get started with mind maps.
For more information on mind mapping:
- Mind Map
- List of Mind Mapping Software
- Mindtools.com
- Innovation Network: Mindmapping in 8 Easy Steps
- Mindmaps Directory
What about career mapping? My new site, springraise.com maps people’s careers and shares them throughout the network so that people can see each others’ paths to success. I think it’s along the same lines you’re discussing. Great post!
David
[...] finding the time to take care of yourself can take some disciple. If you have not done it already, map your commitments. Figure out what your priorities are and really get a sense of what is important, urgent and [...]