Using Mindmapping as a Writer: 5 Reasons Why Mindmapping Helps You More Than Outlining

Once you discover mindmapping — and really give it time and an opportunity to become your new default — you will wonder why you ever used an outline (at least once you got out of high school where outlines may have been required). I am not anti-outline just like I’m not anti-Compaq computers (the old luggable kind like I used to own). It’s just that once you know there is something better, why go back to a less-effective and -efficient tool?

Here are five reasons why mindmapping will serve you well in your writing.

1. When you are working with a partner on a project, a mindmap lends itself to collaboration more than an outline does. This is true whether you are working side by side or virtually. Generally, if you are working virtually, you will want to test out one of the web-based/cloud-based solutions for mindmapping (and there are many).
2. Mindmapping helps you make connections that you would be less likely to make if you were just making a list or outlining. Just as your brain makes linkages between and among ideas — often when you are not even trying — viewing a mindmap provides that opportunity as well. If you are writing a book or article and just can’t seem to make some elusive connection, see if a mindmap will help. Create your mindmap and then spend some time just looking at it.
3. Most mindmaps can fit on one sheet of paper. So rather than shuffling through reams of outlines, you can consolidate your thoughts — even for a whole book — on one page. You are certainly welcome to have many pages, but it is not necessary.
4. Mindmaps can be adapted to be playful or serious, depending on your needs. Let your mindmaps reflect your writing personality and style. Adapt them when you are working on different projects. You’re not turning in your mindmaps to anyone (unless you have an editor who wants to see that aspect of a work in progress). Your mindmap helps you to write more fluently and cohesively.
5. Mindmaps are an excellent way to get unstuck. When you hit a writing wall, get out a fresh paper or the mindmap for the project you’re working on and start extending it and seeing the connections that are there, and you will get unstuck. It works for me every time.

If you haven’t tried mindmapping yet, I hope you will. Even if you think outlining works great for you, live it up! Try a mindmap (or two or three or twelve). It can’t hurt. I think you’ll become a believer, like me!

 

Meggin McIntosh, the PhD of Productivity, is an award-winning professor who now works with academics who prefer overjoyed to overwhelmed. She is a former university professor and administrator and currently a coach, author, and workshop leader. People who are overwhelmed and would prefer to be overjoyed instead, are the people I’m fortunate enough to connect with.