One of the tools that use to help me unleash my creativity are mindmaps.  They allow me full expression of my thoughts and help me to remember ideas.  Even new ideas are able to recognized when I connect relationships between ideas that are on each mindmap.

When creating mindmaps, begin with a central idea and then expand on it.  You can create different branches, like a tree that comes from its roots and into the trunk, then to the branches.  Expand and spread out.  Look at the relationships between branches.  And have fun expressing yourself.

Mindmaps come in different forms and yet all have that commonality.  There are computer programs, such as the iMindMap program from Tony Buzan, MindJet, XMind or FreeMind (as open source software).  Each have their own unique features that will work for different individuals.  Many people will simply create mindmaps by the freehand method.  That is typically what I do.

Here are example of mindmaps:

The first one above was a freehand one I created a few years ago.  And so is the next one.

Next are various examples from the web, some created by software and others via freehand.

As you can see, the creation of mindmaps is simply up to each person.  There are no set rules.  And that is one the most amazing regarding mindmaps, they come from your own mind and helps to get your point across to others as well as helping you learn more.  The more you create mindmaps, the more creative you’ll become.  Eventually, your mind will expand and will see interconnections all over the place, as I have.  Relationships will abound beyond the paper and into the real world.

Our brains are designed that way.  The problem with learning in the past is that we’ve become too mechanist in our thinking.  We have unlearned the natural way and into a less than stellar way.  We are not pieces or elements.  Mindmaps will allow to you to once again learn the way you’re supposed to and become a true creator.

Unleash your thinking and creativity!

Bob