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Sharon Michaels
BellaOnline's Self Development Editor

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Brainstorming and Mind Mapping

Think of your mind as a huge computer. Whatever you place into your memory bank will come back to you with just the touch of the right buttons. The good news, you’re the one pushing the buttons. Here are two creative techniques for tapping into the unlimited power of your creative mind.

Tapping into the power of your mind involves making quiet time to listen to your all-knowing inner voice. Your inner voice has a direct link to the conscious and unconscious parts of your mind.

An important key to tapping into our powerful and creative mind is learning to relax. When you relax and unwind, your brain waves enter a slower more regular pattern known as the Alpha state. This relaxed Alpha state of consciousness is associated with heightened intuition and creativity. Take a few minutes to relax before beginning these activities. You may even want to play some relaxing music in the background as you’re doing your brainstorming and mind mapping.

Here are two powerful techniques for tapping into the unlimited power of your mind.

1. BrainstormingThis is a free flowing technique. Here you’re going to allow your mind to run free and give you uninterrupted and uncensored ideas. Whatever comes to mind as you’re thinking them, write it down no matter if it makes sense or not. This exercise will help activate both the solution-oriented left-brain and creative right-brain.

  • At the top of a large sheet of paper write out a challenge. Make this sentence as specific and detailed as possible. Example: “How many ways can I pay off my car before the end of this year?”

  • Set a timer for 10-15 minutes and as quickly as you can before the timer goes off, list all the possible solutions. Don’t be concerned with handwriting, spelling or neatness – just write.

  • Write down everything as quickly as they come. Keep looking at the challenge sentence and keep writing – no matter what comes to your mind, write it down.

  • There are no correct or incorrect answers because you’re just going for ideas.

  • When the timer goes off stop and put down your pen. Walk away from the paper and get yourself a glass of water or take a walk before you read your ideas. Applaud yourself for a job well done!


  • When you look at everything you’ve written begin to categorize your answers to discover patterns. Rearrange the results and play with the words. Don’t be surprised if the results start you thinking in a whole different direction.


    2. Mind MappingThis in an exercise that uses words and visuals. You’re going to bring out your inner artist. This activity is called free association and encourages you to see the possibilities and use your inner gift of unlimited thinking. You’ll need some different color markers or crayons and a large sheet of paper or poster board. Give yourself time to really do this activity. You may want to block out an hour or more of quiet time.

  • In the middle of the sheet of paper draw a picture of yourself. A stick figure is fine. Write a goal or question you’d like to answer. Example: “What do I want to be doing with my life five years from today?”

  • Begin to draw lines coming out from your picture. Leave room to write or draw on each line. Write the first words that come to mind as you’re drawing each new line.

  • Keep drawing lines and writing out words and/or drawing pictures – let your mind think out of the box.

  • Use all different colors on the different lines. Your sheet will be filled with colorful lines and words. The multi-colors will help your brain “see” themes and patterns.

  • When the sheet is completely filled with colorful lines, pictures and words – you’re finished. Step back and admire. Read your words and look at the drawings to begin discovering patterns of thoughts and ideas.


  • Mind mapping will help stimulate your creativity. Look at your colors, your words and pictures. Do you see patterns? Do you see possibilities and new ideas? Do you feel more solution oriented?

    The key to tapping into the HUGE and unlimited power of your mind is to think out of the box. Enjoy tapping into your creativity and intuition without judging right or wrong. Break the boundaries and color outside the lines. Don’t judge yourself and don’t hold back. Believe the impossible could very well be possible.

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    Here’s a link to my blog: http://www.sharonmichaels.com/powertosucceed


    Listen to Sharon's Radio Show - Women Enjoying Success - on BlogTalk Radio for more personal and professional success strategies - available for your listening 24/7
    Listen to Women Enjoying Success - Sharon Michaels on internet talk radio


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    Content copyright © 2009 by Sharon Michaels. All rights reserved.
    This content was written by Sharon Michaels. If you wish to use this content in any manner, you need written permission. Contact Sharon Michaels for details.

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