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A simple action to mapping your next project
Are you wondering what a simple action may be for mapping your next project? Do you enjoy mapping out all the actions that need to happen to launch your next big project?
A simple action is mapping your next project is by creating it in a mind map. You may be asking what is the difference in planning a project with a mind map verse just winging it or brainstorming a list. With mind mapping your project it changes the way your brain thinks as it moves it into a creative and visual activity. You’re able to create a mind map with software or on paper. I like to create on paper and let my mind wander.
Where to begin
Mind mapping is simply putting your thoughts on paper but in a different form. Begin by writing your project name in the middle of the paper and circle it. I’m a little pen obsessed so I like to make mine very colorful. Just throwing it out there.
Off of your middle circle create spokes to an exhaustive list of all the actions needed to launch your project. The items close to the middle circle are big actions.
Off of all the big actions, start to break down all the small action steps that need to take place in order to bring all those big actions to completion.
If needed add another layer with even smaller action steps.
All the things that you can think of, get it all out of your head and onto the paper.
Do you feel good about your map? Do you feel like you have an exhausting list of actions? Do you need a few more minutes for anything else to pop in? I’ll get up and wander about the house to think about it and most of the time some need ideas will come to me.
Make your mind map a project
How do you create your project plans? Do you put it in a spreadsheet or into your project management software?
I use Clickup and love this software therefore if you’ve not started with project management software you should check it out.
It’s already a feature-rich platform, but they continue to add amazing new features all the time! Plus, they have a free forever plan that is enough, but the low-cost subscription has additional marvelous features.
Any software application is really a personal preference, I’ve used several and this one works well for me and quickly became my favorite. Although I will say the only drawback I’ve found is the lack of flying unicorns.
Here is my referral link, no pressure to use this. But if you do, it’ll not cost you anything additional, and I’ll get points to use towards my subscription. Yippee!
Create Your Action Plan
You have the project and all the action steps that need to happen. It’s time to create the plan.
Using the best guess give your action steps an estimate of time to completion. Okay, just like your revenue goals, now double that estimate. It’s always better to plan for the unexpected instead of planning to little time and having it throw off your whole day.
Umm and yes I know about Parkinson’s law that work expands to fill the time allotted for its completion.
However, I’d like to point out that we tend to underestimate how long it will take to complete an action if we’ve not done it regularly. It’s better to double the time you think it will take in your project plan.
Aim to get it done in a shorter amount of time if you exceed move to another task or take a walk that’s a good option too.
Mind map your gratitudes
I’d like to mention that mind mapping isn’t just for project creation it can be for writing out your gratitudes every day too.
Rachel Hollis has a daily practice that she explains in her book Girl Stop Apologizing. Are you new to Rachel here is her shop page with the Start Today Journal.
She talks about this on her podcast 72: This Daily Practice Changed My Life and My Business.
What are you grateful for today?
Quick Wrap Up
Mind mapping allows your brain to be creative and think visually.
Create a mind map with the project circled in the middle of the paper
Off of the middle circle create all the big actions that need to get done
From the big actions create small actions that need to get done
Schedule these actions in your calendar or project management software
Here are links to a few great articles on mind mapping that you may want to check out.
The Mind Map Technique: How To Set More Productive Goals
Unlock Your Ideas With Mind Mapping In Just 3 Minutes
Do you need help planning your next big project or do you need someone to step in and manage your project? Miss Task creates project plans for your next big thing.