Keeping the brain on track
We rely on our brain’s memory to keep our lives in order. It’s our go-to file as to what’s important, what requires immediate attention and then what’s next on the to-do-list.
The less complicated our lives, the easier it is for our memory to track, file and retrieve what we need, when we need it. Unfortunately, for most of us our memory in-box is overflowing.
Memory not being sure what’s important sends up all kinds of distraction messages into our conscious awareness. “Oops! I forgot about that, let me take care of that right now” and you know the rest. – everything else just has to wait until you eventually get to it.
Some people keep their memory in-box from overflowing by keeping a list. If you’re a list maker and it works for you stop reading now. However, if you’re a list maker and you recognize these signs keep reading.
Are you guilty of …
- having multiple lists
- losing your list(s)
- making list(s) but never looking at them again
- having a list so long that it’s intimidating
- completing only 10% of what’s on your list
- having a list of items almost illegible because it’s so old
- treating your list the same way as your New Year’s resolutions.
One effective alternative to a list is creating a mind map. A mind map is a visual diagram of information. It has a number of uses and is great for organizing information or generating new ideas and relationships. It’s also great for replacing your list with a more powerful image.
The design of a mind map allows the brain to process information in a more meaningful way by making it more organic and free-flowing rather than the traditional left to right, top to bottom format.
It also has a key feature of overall simplicity by using a single word or phrase as its central theme. Different information related to the central theme branches off and is often color coded to set it apart.
I’ve provided a organic example below from the blog post What is Mind Mapping? (and How t Get Started Immediately) where you can find out more.
For those of use who have brains that aren’t so comfortable being free-flowing and organic, a little structure works for us.
Below is a personal example of a PowerPoint category layout I created for myself. I made this to keep my brain from being overwhelmed by my different activities.
After creating the layout in PowerPoint, I took a screen shot and saved it. I then opened it in IrfanView and cut out the image, resized it and saved it in my picture file, But, I knew if I printed it out I would lose it just like my lists. Now, it resides directly in the center of my desktop. Every morning when I turn on my computer, there it is starring me in the face. My brain knows exactly what it has to do to stay on track for the week.
While you don’t need to mind map everything, do mind map the most important things that need to get done in your life. Just think of how much easier it is for your brain to keep you on track by freeing up all that memory space!.
Are you list writer or a mind mapper and how’s that working for you?
Sources: http://litemind.com/what-is-mind-mapping/