Is Your Thinking Linear? Try Mind Mapping
Is your thinking linear? Do you solve problems in sequential order or do you jump from one element of the solution to another? Both lead to solutions, except one of them leads to a more unique solution in potentially shorter period of time.
One method is mind mapping. Although mind maps have been created since antiquity, it is a British author, Tony Buzan who claims to have invented the modern version. This new version uses colors, symbols, and images for each element and all elements spring from the the center idea like branches of a tree. This method requires deep thinking and careful drawing of the connecting elements. The size of the branches depends on their importance. People who like mind mapping even take notes in this fashion. For those of you who would like to use this method, but are not very artistic, there are various software applications that create these maps. Here is one.
Image from Mind Tools
I personally prefer a much simpler version. I start with the issue I am trying to solve and then write as many elements connected to that issue as a I can. This is done very fast - the main purpose is to let the unconscious mind drive the process. As I do this, the connections between the elements surface and the solution to the issue I am trying to solve emerges out all these connections. More often than not I was surprised to find that the solution resulting from this process was very different than one expected from a logical analysis. This is the power of the unconscious: it brings to the surface ideas and solutions we never knew we had.
What interesting solutions did you arrive to when using mind mapping?
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