Mind Mapping Book Recall: 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

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Last week you may have finished a terrific book, but let me ask you, what do you remember about the book?

  • What were the key ideas?
  • Are key ideas related to each other?
  • What did you feel about things that are most relevant to you?
  • Were there any statistics that stood out?
  • Were there interesting quotes to recall?
  • Do you remember any story or examples that are related to key ideas in the book?
  • Did the author recommend any other sources that were relevant to the topic?
  • Was there a memorable photo?

What if you were to create a Mind Map of the key ideas in the book? In many ways, a book is naturally laid out for a Mind Map sometimes by identifying the sections of the book as well as the chapters. It’s a terrific we to organize thoughts an prioritize ideas, stories, facts and key quotes.

 

If we used a book like Steven Covey’s “7 Habits for Highly Effective People” we could think about organizing the information: first by sections which would be Main branches, then creating sub-branches which would be Chapters.

For each Chapter, that is the key ideas to support those ideas we could include stories, quotes, statistics, and images.

One of the Chapters that always resonated with me was “Seek first to understand then to be understood”. There was a memorable story of a parent whose kids were out of control running around in a subway. At first glance, one might think or not believe that the father was doing enough to discipline his kids. What Mr. Covey learned was that kids Mother had just passed away. It was a very powerful story that supported the main idea.

Every time I review the Mind Map it provides a quick reminder of the book in which I had invested a few hours to read and occurred about 10 years ago.

A Mind Map is a great refresher for books and information that are meaningful to us!

 

Why Question Based Mind Mapping?

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One of the lessons that I’ve learned during my Mind Map journey is that the better questions that you ask the more effective your Mind Mapping will be.

This can be applied in many different ways? A small sample of questions could include:

  • How will I organize my class notes?
  • How do I want to structure my essay?
  • In tests or exams, what area are my strengths, what are my weaknesses?
  • What colors or shapes do I want to use to strengthen my recall of information?
  • In group work, how will we divide the work and how do we create a project plan?
  • How can I use Mind Maps for a research project and as the best way to organize my information?

Outside of school, I experienced the power of asking better questions through:

  • Technology Sales career
  • Co-authoring a hockey book
  • In preparation for being interviewed by the media
  • In preparation for interviewing over 100 people including Wayne Gretzky
  • Organizing a Terry Fox Run for Cancer Research
  • Designing websites
  • Public speaking
  • Writing articles
  • Goal setting
  • Writing business plans

One thing to keep in mind is that WE don’t always have to know the right questions. That’s why it’s important to be resourceful and find other sources to find those questions.  Those resources can be online, as well as people we know like our family and friends  and people that we don’t know who may be experts in their field.

“The wise man doesn’t give the right answers, he poses the right questions. “

Claude Levi-Strauss

We will look and discuss many different applications of Mind Maps and think about what types of questions we want to ask. Also, there will be unique Mind Map Series interviewing individuals from many different fields.

What is Mind Mapping?

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Mind Mapping is a terrific way to organize your thoughts, ideas, enhance creativity and improve memory. It’s based on a central idea with branches and sub-branches. Mind Mapping is a great tool for visual learners; as you can see how all the ideas relate to each other taking into consideration context and associations.

Also, you can utilize colors, shapes, images; links and attachments highlight ideas, prioritize and provide more meaning.

Mind Mapping can be done simply by using a pencil and paper or using software tools.

“I wish I would have learned Mind Mapping as a student!”

-Sean Mitton

There are many applications for Mind Mapping that can be used both in school and outside the classroom. This is a skill that you will benefit from all through your life. Mind maps can be created by students, parents, teachers and anyone who wants to learn. (I would add here: anyone who wants to learn and find the best way to learn.)

This website will teach you the mechanics, introduce you to many applications and help you educationally, professionally and personally.