How to set goals with mind maps

Why we need mind maps

It's time to replace the word "goals" with a new one. For most people, goals have come to be associated with responsibilities. We put them on and safely forget, and after a few months we begin to scold ourselves for not doing anything. Associative maps help to avoid this, with their help you can take a broader look at all areas of life and determine in which direction we want to move.

How to build a mind map

Write in the center of the page the name of the project or the main topic that you want to think about in a non-linear way (for example, "2018" or "My values"). From the center, draw arrows to several categories.

If you are making plans for the coming year, write down the areas of your life that are important to you. If you're thinking about a creative project, write down the topics that need to be carefully studied. Then, from these basic arrows, draw the following ones and next to them write down everything that comes to your mind. For example, specific ideas for each topic, keywords or reasons why these topics are important to you, or both.

Remember: there are no exact rules for constructing such maps. Do not limit yourself, write down all the associations, even when it seems to you that you have already indicated all the most important things.

How to stay on track

On each section of the map, ask yourself two questions: "Which next step will affect the outcome the most?" and "What small step can I take next week?" So you will gradually move forward.

Also, remember that your goals don't have to be clearly spelled out once and for all. Imagine the result you want to achieve, but at the same time, try to enjoy the process.

Keep your map in plain sight so that it is convenient to return to it every few months and track your progress. And in order not to forget to determine the steps for the next week, keep yourself reminders in the calendar.