Here are five essential mind maps that can help you develop a compelling action plan for improving all aspects of your work and life in 2015.
Goals mind map
Create first-level topics for each of the major roles of your life, and then add your major goals as subtopics. At the next level, divide your goals into smaller steps or subgoals, and then convert topics to tasks to assign time frames and levels of importance to them.
Read more about goal mind maps here.
SWOT analysis mind map
SWOT stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. This four-quadrant planning model is a great way to assess where you’re doing well in your life, where you need to improve and where potential threats and opportunities lie. See my blog post on this topic.
Read more about SWOT mind maps here.
Skill development/continuing education plan mind map
In addition to laying out a plan of the things that you want to do in the coming year, you also need a plan for what you need to learn in order to accomplish those things. A mind map is a great way to plan out the skills that you need to develop and the specific steps you need to take in order to do so. Use your mind map to identify specific places where you can get this continuing education and your timetable for doing so.
Professional networking mind map
No person is an island. That sentiment was expressed by a famous philosopher many years ago, but it’s never been more true than today; no one can accomplish anything completely on their own. We all need friends, colleagues, subject matter experts. No matter what you call them, we need other people to accomplish our goals. Instead of leaving your networking the chance, why not identify people and organizations you want to get involved with in the coming year that can help you to achieve your goals? A mind map is a great place to plan out these new contacts and relationships. Think in terms of key influencers, mentors and peers.
Read more about creating a professional networking mind map here.
Year-end review mind map
What did you accomplish? Where did you grow? What cool projects did you handle? Use it as a benchmark for planning for the next year as well as a way to update your LinkedIn profile.
It’s time to kick butt on the new year. There’s much for you to learn, accomplish and grow. These 5 mind maps will help get you off to a running start!
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