MindMapping for New Years Resolutions

With the new year coming it's time to think about how this year went by and what 2016 can bring.

It's time to do the annual mental report that we always do about what went wrong. We are specialists in doing mental lists of what goals we set and failed to accomplish.
Just for a change, this time we could focus on the unplanned things that happened and made this year very special.

The reason why I'm making this post is to propose that this year we use the MindMap technique to do our self assessment.

A MindMap is a diagram used to visually organise information.
Generally you have a single concept that has branches around it.

You can download a free Software that can help you do a very professional MindMap or you can keep it simple and just sketch it on a piece of paper.

Apparently, 60% - 65%, of the population are  visual learners. So being able to see objectives and goals in the right place and in the right order makes this technique more powerful than a normal new years resolution list.

MindMapping can be applied to:

• Social
• Spiritual
• Physical health
• Family and relationship
• Career and business
• Personal development
• Finance 

You can also use it to make a self assessment to see where you are and where you want to go. Just keep in mind to be honest and that there is no perfect MindMap.

MindMap Crash Course 

STEP 1

When I'm doing a MindMap I always start with the "Me" (myself).

STEP 2

Question: What makes me be me?

So I create four different branches: health, hobby, job and relationships.

STEP 3

You can start branching randomly or pick one single concept and start working on it.

You can then start writing what you achieved or what you want to achieve or both.

In my research about this topic I read that you can divide a topic in "Be", "Do" and "Have". I decided not to do this because I like it simple so it is more easy to visualise. It is really up to you. There are no rules.

Just start branching anything you want. You can add:

• Thoughts
• Goals
• Desires
• Facts
• Emotions

If there is a specific topic that affects you just make it your main concept and focus on it.

TIP: Use colours, drawings or anything that helps you make a better decision.

I start with the "Hobby" concept:

I write things that I would like to do and later I can group them in "Goals", "Wish list" and so on!

Later you can think about how to make "wishes" come true. Build a plan or book a time on your schedule to make sure you make it happen. But for now just work in the MindMap, think about it and visualise it.

If something in the MindMap needs a lot of motivation to be done it is because you really don't want to do it and you can't understand how much positive impact it will have in your life.

If you want a 2015 vs 2016 MindMap:

For your 2016 new year resolution keep in mind.

• Where you want to be 
• What you want to feel
• Who you want to become

Here are some ideas of possible MindMaps for new years resolution:

Template 1: The Manager

Template 2: The Sun Shines

Template 3: The Future Matters

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For the ones that don't like to read long texts here you have tips how to create a MindMap:

• You need to be honest
• There are no rules 
• Focus in what matters to you
• Use colours, drawings to catch your eye and help you visualise better
• Keep it short and simple