Updated 2016:
The fundamental principles of IdeaMapping are so simple but don’t be fooled into under-estimating the power of that simplicity for it is part of its genius. If you ever feel overwhelmed by the amount of “stuff” going on in your head I urge you to read this book and to start IdeaMapping either by hand-drawing maps or by using mapping software. It truly works…
Updated 2014:
I originally posted this in 2008 but it is still as relevant today and I highly recommend Jamie Nast’s book:
Idea Mapping – Jamie Nast
Access your Hidden Brain Power, Learn Faster, Remember More and Achieve Success in Business
If you have seen my earlier posts about “Mind Mapping” you will know that I have always avoided creating mind maps because it didn’t feel right for me. I am linear, logical, analytical – the embodiment of a LIST PERSON. However, once Mindjet released MindManager I became much more interested because of the ability to easily LINK Outlook items (such as Tasks and Calendar appointments). As a consequence I became involved with the MindManager User Group and subsequently purchased a copy of Jamie Nast’s book “Idea Mapping”.
This was the final piece to the jigsaw and I am very excited about the possibilities.
Even if you are someone who currently isn’t inspired by mind mapping I would urge you get this book and give Jamie the opportunity to show you how you could bring Idea Mapping into your way of working.
Prior to reading the book I had realised just how powerful it will be to be able to LINK a MindMap (created in MindManager) to a TASK (created in Microsoft Outlook) or how powerful it would be to create a MindMap and then SEND it to Microsoft Word for it to create a document. The possibilities are endless. However, most of my MindMaps were, frankly, boring! They were maps created by a linear, logical brain – I was creating LISTS but in a map kind of shape. Then I saw a webinar by Jamie and have subsequently read the book and now my maps are full of imagery and icons and they have, quite simply, come alive.
I have created a Map about a Talk I will be delivering next week; full of images, which I have used to rehearse what I am going to say – it will also be the handouts for the audience – it could also be delivered as a presentation if I wanted to. I wrote that Talk in a fraction of the time I would have normally have created it using either Word or PowerPoint – a fraction of the time. Now, don’t get me wrong I am not falling out of love with Microsoft Office – I never will – I am a Microsoft Master Instructor and I love the power of Office. However, I now have MindManager to help me release my thoughts and ideas (and to capture them as they flow) PLUS I have Jamie’s words in my head so that the maps are never boring “child-like not childish” PLUS I have the full power of Microsoft Office connected to the map in the background.
By the end of Chapter 1 I was so impressed with Jamie’s ideas that I stopped reading and started the book again – this time I created an Idea Map of each Chapter as I read it – this enabled me to check out certain features of the software whilst having to really understand her topics so that I could create a visual (using images and icons) as I went along. This required considerable concentration but I now have a completed map of the completed book. That, to me, is invaluable. Whenever I need to remind myself about how to do Idea Mapping (well), I can simply open the IdeaMap – the book can now sit safely on the bookshelf because the knowledge is either already in my head – or is retrievable in seconds by looking at the visual images on the map.
Who is this book for?
- Anyone who is studying or researching and needs to handle vast quantities of data – this concept is for you.
- Anyone who has too many emails in their Inbox and needs to be able to delete them but still retain the data – this concept is for you.
- Anyone who is very happy working in LISTS but has to work with colleagues who need to SEE to enable them to visualise the data – this concept is for you.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book, especially for the sceptical, linear folk out there – Jamie’s ideas merit your time – and you will be able to judge for yourself.
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I’m still humbled when I read this. Can’t wait to give you a hug in person. See you in September!
I still remember the day in 2008 when I had the light-bulb moment and started reading the book from the beginning (having just read Chapter One) so that I could simultaneously learn MindManager whilst learning Idea Mapping. The combination was a deep level of learning that was made even more enjoyable by being given “permission” to use colour and imagery. The proof of the puddng is that it has worked because I could still use that original map to explain each chapter of your book all these years later.