Foreword
The intention of mind mapping is to help us realize where we are, where we want to be and how to get there. The work of creating a mind map centers on self-awareness which helps us learn about ourselves and our choices. The mind map helps us to see this all visually, in a big picture. The process of mind mapping builds confidence, momentum, clarity and helps individuals better manage fear.
It is helpful to communicate this with your client before embarking on this potent exploration together.
Throughout this manual you will see several “Note to Coach” sections. These are designed to help you maintain the flow of creating this map together with your client and to support your client if they feel stuck at any time.
Table of Contents
Note to Coach
Initial Conversation:
Initial Conversation with client:
We ask our clients to write down their thoughts during the exercise and then again onto their printed map because writing ideas down- committing these to paper is an intimate act which allows one to go deeper within and ultimately discover one’s true self.
“In many professions, what used to matter most were abilities associated with the left side of the brain: linear, sequential, spreadsheet kind of faculties. Those still matter, but they’re not enough.”
When we are faced with a challenge or an obstacle in our profession, the most common habit is to react by immediately thinking in a linear, reactive manner as Daniel Pink described in the quote above.
Linear Thinking
In the linear thinking illustration below. A: represents the challenge, B: possible solution(s), and C: the desired outcome. The reaction to the challenge (A) is a solution or solutions (B), and ultimately the desired outcome (C).
Linear thinking employs logic, rules and rationality to solve a problem. However, it is limited by its inherent rigidity and lack of breadth and depth. This traditional thought process is methodical, sequential and focused. It is highly effective, but limited because it recognizes only one path toward completion and ignores other possibilities, perspectives and feelings
Non-linear Thinking
In the non-linear thinking illustration below. A: represents the challenge, B: the key exploration point, C: the primary reflections, and D: the supporting thoughts. The response to the Challenge (A) is a Key Exploration Point(s) (B), which leads to the Primary Reflections (C) which are further fleshed out into the supporting thoughts (D). Through this process of deepening exploration, the vision and interim path for the desired outcome or solution is discovered.
Non-Linear, or whole-mind thinking involves seeing a challenge from different and multiple perspectives. This thought process explores various alternatives to view the problem or situation- any of which may produce a new answer. This inspires discovery of potentialities, exploration and spontaneity.
Complementary Thinking
Even though linear and non-linear thinking appear to be binary opposites of one another, they can actually be complementary. They balance one another. When the linear thinker switches to non-linear thinking, they can tap into their intuition. Problems can become more clear; situations can be synthesized and integrated into one, potent visualization and implemented in a timely manner. When the non-linear thinker switches to linear thinking, distinct and pragmatic processes and ideas can be created for timely and meaningful execution.
Mind Maps
Mind maps are a powerful tool which skillfully blends linear and non-linear thinking and transforms them into a personalized, big picture. Mind maps help us examine patterns in our life, and inspire creativity to solve problems, discover new opportunities and create new paths. They can be used to summarize, plan, organize, deconstruct, brainstorm, make decisions and solve problems. Mind mapping helps us go beyond traditional, linear thinking to engage our whole mind.
The illustration below is an example of a simple mind map. The challenge or intention sits in the middle and each idea flows from the center from the right (top to bottom), then to the left (top to bottom). Each idea flows into deeper sub-ideas.
Mind mapping is best done by hand on a piece of paper or in a journal because it encourages direct contact with your mind and your intuition. Writing down our thoughts encourages deep exploration and clarity, and creates a unique opportunity for self-awareness.
In order to familiarize you with the structure of mind mapping as well as with the map you will be making, we will now begin to create a part (the right side) of a mind map together. We will start with linear thinking, which comes from the logical part of your mind. As you begin to write your thoughts down, you will start to tap into your intuition. Now, your whole mind is activated. The process of exploring and recording your ideas provides the content for your mind map.
VIM Mind Mapping: My Search For A Meaningful & Authentic Career Path
In this workbook, we will be exploring and creating a wireframe mind map of “My Search For A Meaningful & Authentic Career Path”. This central idea will be the center of your map:
In this example, we will focus on the right side of the map and build the first branch off the central idea. The first branches are key exploration points. Here our key exploration point is “What Am I Seeking? (Outcomes)”:
Next, we will deepen our exploration by adding secondary branches. In our map, we will examine “Abundance”, “Optimize My Skills/Talents” and “Optimize My Passions”:
Lastly, we will add sub-branches, your supporting thoughts to complete the right side of the map:
In this workbook, we will create your mind map for My Search For A Meaningful & Authentic Career Path. We will start with the right side of your map, by asking What Am I Seeking? (Outcomes). Then, we will create the left side of your map by examining My Current Endeavor and What Are My Choices?
