Using Mind Mapping software to better visualize your plans and goals.

As I mentioned in my previous post, I am getting started on writing a fairly long guide to improving one's home office productivity.

There will be about eight or nine chapters, each of which will have a number of different sections and sub-sections.

In the past, when planning the structure of a new book or course, I have used either pen and paper, or a Word document for this planning and structure stage.

Recently I changed that and started using Mind Mapping software. The one I use is MindJet, although there are plenty of other choices out there.

You may want to try one of them. It makes a big difference. It makes it easier to visualize and organize each project, and much easier to add and edit your entries.

I also use MindJet for planning and managing large consulting projects with my clients. I simply invest some time up front in typing up the various stages and tasks involved, and then check in daily to mark my progress and see what I have to tackle next.

Mind mapping is also great for managing group projects, so everyone can see who is responsible for what, and also track everyone's progress.

Here is my unfinished Mind Map for the Home Office Productivity guide. (I'll probably spend another few hours on the mind map before I get started on writing the first chapter. I know that the better I plan the entire guide now, the faster I'll be able to write it when I get started.)