I’ve been using mind mapping for a very long time, and used it successfully for many uses in my career and personal life. Since adding the use of mind mapping software to my paper maps, it’s been much easier for me to solve more complex problems than on just paper. (In fact, I’m working on an ebook or two about complex problem solving.)

In fact, mind mapping is now part of my daily work routine. As someone who works online (i.e., a web worker and aspiring Digital Nomad), it’s very very easy for me to surf websites and get sidetracked from work. Using a “personal dashboard” mind map helps keep me on track. Using audible timers per task helps remind me that I’ve alloted only so much time to a project.

Mind maps are not just for solving complex math or technical problems. I’ve figured out career paths, solved personal problems between myself and another person and much more. Mind maps are merely a tool, but because of the visual approach, it’s far easier to get a whole picture about something, then narrow down to details when necessary.

If you’re looking to get started with mind mapping, there are a lot of resources available. Don’t forget to check back here as I’m hoping to post more about problem solving with mind maps, as it applies to web working, freelancing, learning, creativity and productivity.

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WikiHow had an excellent, indepth article about how to think like Leonardo da Vinci. The following list is an interpretation of that article, as well as a afterthought to What Leonardo da Vinci Taught Me About Freelancing, with a few more points thrown in.

1. Consume information. Absorb all forms: print, radio/ audio, images, TV/ movies/ video, verbal.
2. Listen to different types of music, even those you do not normally enjoy.
3. Listen to the sound of different languages.
4. Track your thoughts, whether to write in a journal, draw, or blog.
5. Assume more than one point of view, for the sake of argument, then determine which one suits you best.
6. Capture the sensations you experience, including writing about them or illustrating them. Illustration can include drawings/ paintings, diagrams, photographs, screensnaps, screencasts, video.
7. Ask questions, compare unrelated topics and see if you can’t find parallels or intersections. To accomplish this, record tidbits of information about each topic, either in list or mind map form. (Give preference to the latter, because it more closely resembles human brain thinking patterns, and can help you absorb information far more quickly than a linear list.)
8. Imagine. Imagine conversations with great minds. Imagine finding the solution to great questions.
9. Be physically active. This is the counterpoint to thinking, but being physically active is just as important as being mentally active.

No, there’s nothing wrong with your eyes. The mind map snapshot above is intentionally blurred because it represents a very personal problem solving session. Okay, so what’s the point in showing the map then? Well, take a look at the mind map’s node colors first, and we’ll get back to the map in a moment. It’s easier to “see” the colors without them being obscured by text, and they are part of the key to problem solving using mind maps.

Problem Solving
At some point in your life, you’ve possibly encountered a problem, either personal or at work, that you need to think about extensively to solve. If you’re like most people faced with a difficult problem, you either try to (1) ignore it; (2) solve it in your head; or (3) make a list of “pros” and “cons” for various options. This might be sufficient to solve the problem, but there’s an option (4): mind mapping, is a much more effective way to explore your options.

By the very nature of the mind mapping process, and because of the visual elements, both your logical and creative sides are stimulated, and you might come up with solutions that you had not previously considered.

The Color Scheme
For example, in the mind map above, the central element (pinkish map node) has five main branches. Each main branch represents a problem-solving option/ solution. Each of the main branches in the mind map has sub-branches exploring pros and cons of the option.

Going with a traditional coloring scheme (at least for North America), I’ve used red to indicate a negative/ unacceptable side effect and green to represent a positive/ acceptable side effect. Pinks and purples represent various shades of “caution”, and light greens and blues represent positives that are not as significant as a dark green. Note that the main node of a solution/ option branch can take on any of the colors indicated. Just because it has sub-nodes that are dark green does not make the solution a good one because any important negatives will play a role in reducing the option’s validity.

I chose red/green color scheme because it was easiest for me to work with. The scheme you use should suit your needs. E.g., factor in red-green color blindness, if you suffer from that affliction. Or if you prefer oranges and blues, that’s fine too.

The Result
The net result is that not only have I mapped out my problem-solving options, but I have a fairly clear view of which ones are most acceptable, simply by looking at the node colors. Any main branch with lots of green and blue sub-nodes is a potential solution. However, you have to decide what color a main branch node should be, from the sum of its parts.

Now, just by looking at the (blurred) mind map up top, can you pick out which branch represents the best option for solving my problem? It’s the one on the bottom right.