“Minds do not naturally work in straight lines. Rather they consist of associations radiating out (or in) from many different connection points.”
“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 wireframe 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 your 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?
The objective of the right side of the map is to gain clarity of what you are seeking on your path, by answering “What Am I Seeking? (Outcomes)”. You will examine your definitions of external and internal abundance, and explore your skills/talents and your passions.
All of the work we will do in creating this mind map begins with giving yourself the opportunity to deeply reflect and record your reflections. It is important to set aside at least 15-30 minutes, to find a quiet space and to write your thoughts and ideas down onto a piece of paper.
External Abundance
First, we are going to explore External Abundance. This abundance is based on external events, tangibles and the “things” that make us happy. External abundance goals are essentially tangible, outward and experiential in nature.
On a piece of paper write down the external goals/objectives you are seeking to obtain from the results of your work in your career path or current position. This may take you a few sittings or more to complete. If you’re feeling stuck, please reach out to your coach.
External Abundance:
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Internal Abundance
Next, we will explore Internal Abundance. This abundance is based on internal feelings and intangibles such as meaning, purpose and inner joy you are seeking in your life and career path. Internal abundance goals are essentially intangible, inward, and rooted in feeling and inner knowing.
Write down the internal gains you are seeking to obtain in your life and work. If you have any questions, please reach out to your coach.
Internal Abundance:
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Sit with this. When you are ready, print the Right 1/2 wireframe map and write your external and internal objectives down on your printed map.
We will now examine the key skills/talents that will play a key role in achieving it. We are going to identify and explore your individual personal gifts, skills, talents which give you fulfillment and meaning. Succinctly put, this is part of your true, authentic being.
Through your exploration, you may find that these may or may not be the very skills that have brought you financial or career success in previous endeavors. Some of these skills, may have been required in a certain industry sector you excelled at, but perhaps did not bring you fulfillment or meaning, while other skills may be more latent in your unconscious and were not necessarily tasked. You may need these skills on your new path, but they may not take you to the next level. They may have have served you well in the past, and will likely serve you well in the future. However, what we are seeking here are the skills, talents that you excel at, and will give you fulfillment and meaning in your future authentic life and career.
Be patient with yourself and do your best to keep an open mind as you explore to form your answers. Please do your best to complete each list.
Once again, you will set aside time to give yourself an opportunity to deeply reflect on what you are seeking. Write down the meaningful and energizing skills and talents you are seeking to nurture and grow.
My skills, talents, and gifts I want to take to the next level:
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Sit with this. When you are ready, write these down on your printed Right 1/2 wireframe map.
Our passions can be viewed as a conscious igniter of our thoughts and actions. What are your intense desires or enthusiasm for something that gives you zeal, vigor, meaning in your work, lightness to your being? This inner exploration is less about your mind, your ideas and your values, and more about what nurtures your heart and spirit. Be gentle and patient with yourself.
As before, give yourself an opportunity to deeply reflect on your passions and to write. Go to your quiet space with pen and paper in hand and gently focus on your feelings and passions. As they surface, write down what is being transmitted from your mind, heart and spirit to your consciousness. As you write, your passions will begin to take form as the passions of your true, authentic being.
My passions I want to optimize:
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If you need clarity, please reach out to your coach. When you are ready, write these down on your printed Right 1/2 wireframe map. Please take a photo of your completed Right 1/2 Map and send it to your coach.
You have now completed the first part of your mind map (the right side) on your search for a meaningful and authentic career path. You examined what you are seeking and deeply explored how you define abundance, your skills and your passions. Next, we will work on the left side of your wireframe mind map.