Have you ever talked to a person who likes to make mind maps? They will probably tell you one of the three lies I am about to debunk. Mind mapping is something you can also use. You just have to understand what you can really expect from him. That’s what this article is about.

Mind maps are useful for everything

The further I got into the world of mind maps and visual thinking, the deeper the rabbit hole seemed to be. There was simply no end to the things you could do with mind maps. The applications seemed endless. Now I know this to be true. But that doesn’t mean that mind maps are useful for everything! This is why.

As you know (or may not know), mind maps are simply another way of looking at the same information. By doing this, by changing your perspective and view, you can create other angles, ideas, and perspectives. The mind map simply allows you to see information in a different context.

Does this mean that you need to create mental maps in every situation? I do not think!

I’ve seen people create a mind map of a person’s name and phone number…on a small piece of paper! This is so incredibly impractical! Just type the name, use something like a dash or minus sign, and write the phone number next to it. Don’t overdo things! Mind maps should make your life easier, not complicate it.

The same thing happens when people create a to-do list. They put all kinds of tasks on a mind map, directly below the main topic or title of the map. The result, a hub called To-Do and a bunch of top-notch tasks… Impractical. A mind map becomes a handy tool when you have at least a second level in your map. If you don’t have second-level nodes, use bulleted lists.

Mind maps can be useful in many situations, but they are not practical in all situations.

Mind maps are useful for everyone

Mind maps CAN be useful for many people. That is, when people know how to use mind maps and when not to use them. I have come across many people who do not need the mind mapping system because they are already visualizing their information using their own handy system. They already let their left and right brains work together.

Hey, if it works for them and they don’t really need mind maps…don’t push them to do mind maps. Mind maps are just one of many techniques to create an overview of your situation. So many people… so many flavors.

Also, when you have to deal with information but don’t really need to memorize it or be creative with it, mind maps may not be the ideal tool.

The next time you think about using a mind map, think about this article. It will help you use mind maps when you need to use them!