Someone told me today they were having issues keeping all the “stuff” in their head neat. I recommended one of my favorite tools: FreeMind. It really does free your mind, and it is also free of charge!
Download FreeMind onto your computer, and use it to make a “mind map” of your various projects, concerns, and to-do’s. By clicking, adding, and filling in the map, FreeMind will gradually build a diagram that looks like a talkative octopus.
I personally use FreeMind to organize the 8 or 9 projects floating in my head at any given time. Each project gets tethered to its own node (i.e. line on the mind map), with its own tentacles of ideas and planning points floating behind. This lets me determine whether there is any overlap, if a project should be dropped, or even if I’m overlooking my priorities.
Mind-Mapping can be used for the fine details of one project or a “big picture” of many projects. It’s versatile and forgiving. Download it, play with it, and see how it can best help you get neater.
