KrAtiV tHiNkinG

Creative Thinking-

There are 5 stages in creative thinking process-

* The Quick-Fire Mind Map Burst

* First Reconstruction and Revision

* Incubation

* Second Reconstruction and Revision

* The Final Stage

The Quick- Fire Mind Map Burst – Begin by drawing a stimulating central image that represents the generic topic of interest. Your image should be placed in the centre of a large blank page, and from it should radiate every idea that comes into your mind on that subject. For about 20 minutes you should let the ideas flow as fast as possible. Having to work at speed unchains your brain from habitual thinking patterns, and encourages new ideas. Many of these new ideas may at first seem absurd, however do not disregard these ideas as they often hold the keys to new perspectives and breaking old habits.

First Reconstruction and Revision – Have a short break, allowing your brain to rest and begin to integrate the ideas generated so far. Then make a new Mind Map, in which you identify the major branches, categorizing, building up hierarchies and finding new associations between your preliminary ideas. It may become noticeable that similar or identical concepts are present in several different places of your Mind Map. These should not be dismissed as unnecessary repetitions as they are fundamentally “different” in that they are attached to different branches. These peripheral repetitions reflect the underlying importance of ideas which are buried deep with your store of knowledge but which actually influence every aspect of your thinking. Following your brain’s flow, the Mind Map explores your current thought in this new centre to replace the old. In due course this new centre will itself be placed by a new and more advanced concept. The Mind Map therefore aids reflects intellectual exploration and growth.

Incubation-Sudden creative realisations often come when the brain is relaxed such as sleeping, day dreaming and running. This is because such states of mind allow the radiant thinking process to spread to the farthest reaches of the brain, increasing the probability of mental breakthroughs.

Second Reconstruction and Revision- After incubation your brain will have a fresh perception on your first and second Mind Maps, so it will be useful to do another quick fire Mind Map burst. During this reconstruction stage you will need to consider all the information gathered and integrated in stages 1, 2 and 3 in orders to make a comprehensive final Mind Map.

The Final Stage- You now need to search for the solution, decision, or realization which was your original creative goal. This often involves linking elements in your Mind Map, leading to major new insights and breakthroughs.

With the introduction of computer based Mind Mapping in the last couple of years, Mind Mapping has become even easier. Mind Mapping software such as Tony Buzan’s iMindMap utilizes the true principles of Mind Mapping and duplicate the non-linear thinking process of the brain, creating an explosion in creativity, innovation and knowledge sharing. Computer based Mind Mapping can be just as effective as traditional Mind Mapping as a creative thinking tool, if not more!