Take control of life in 2013 by compiling thoughts and goals into one central, accessible space. This simple step increases the likelihood of success by giving goal-setters a place to refine their ambitions.
One way to catalog and organize goals is to use a mind map. Lucidchart has just improved their mind mapping tool with collapsible branches, which means that it is easier than ever to keep thoughts organized.
A mind map starts with a central theme and branches out into subtopics. Each subtopic can then be broken down into smaller sections with greater detail. For example, if one's goal is to lose weight, make the central topic “Lose weight.” Subtopics could include “Cut down on drinking/smoking”, “Dine out less frequently”, and “Try one new vegetarian dish per week.”
Mind maps are also ideal for achieving professional goals. Eliza Wright, PR representative at Lucidchart, said, "Mind maps make sense not only for solidifying goals, but for tracking progress over time. To make a greater impact at work, you can use feedback from your peers and supervisors to shape your central topic and subtopics, then do some research on how to meet those objectives.”
All of this information can be housed and neatly organized within the mind map itself. Because of their visual nature, mind maps enable the goal setter to see and digest crucial information at a glance.
When considering diagramming programs, Lucidchart is an outstanding choice. The benefits of using an online diagramming tool are numerous, and include advantages like:
Greater security - Traditional mind mapping programs require a download and installation. With Lucidchart, there is no need to worry about malicious software or viruses, because no downloading is required.
Faster diagramming - Use hot keys to speed up the diagramming process. Hot keys are simple, intuitive keyboard shortcuts that enable mind map creation in just seconds. Mind map branches are collapsible for enhanced readability.
Peace of mind - Each document hosted on Lucidchart is backed up to multiple secure data centers, so there are no worries about backing up or losing data. Lucidchart also maintains robust revision histories, so reverting to an earlier mind map version is always possible.
On-the-go access - Lucidchart is built on open web standards, which means that diagrams are accessible from any location, on any browser, with any device. An Internet connection is the only requirement.
Try Lucidchart for mind mapping today, and see how their latest features make diagram creation both speedy and easy.
Source: sfgate.com
The Windows Phone mind map app Concept Mapper, made by SpiveyWorks, has integrated with Microsoft's SkyDrive cloud storage service so that users can backup and restore mind maps between their phone and the cloud.
SpiveyWorks Concept Mapper app is a Windows Phone mind map app. Concept Mapper was one of the first apps to be launched on the Windows Store in 2011 and has been updated a couple of times each year with new functionality. The app gives users a flexible tool to create mind maps, lists, hierarchies and mesh structures and save that information as a single image to email or post to corporate networks. The free-form nature of the app lets users structure information quickly and how they need it. For example, users make color coded to-do lists, group related items in tag clouds when brainstorming or create mind maps of corporate hierarchies.
Until now there has only been a way to export Concept Mapper creations as an image. There was not a good way to do a complete backup of all the app's files. With the latest Concept Mapper update, available in the Windows Storage, SkyDrive integration has been added to let users select individual mind map files to copy from the phone to SkyDrive or from SkyDrive to the phone. This acts as a full backup solution as well as letting users share their mind maps with other users who can access the same SkyDrive folder. Concept Mapper stores its files as XML so once on SkyDrive any tool that can access XML data can import or dissect information inside the files.
SpiveyWorks has several YouTube videos demonstrating the different features of Concept Mapper for Windows Phone, including how to create a to-do list with your voice. Other videos demonstrate how to make an organizational chart and how to make color-coded lists. Each video runs about two minutes.
SpiveyWorks Corporation is a small business based in Charlotte, NC that designs apps to empower individuals in their daily lives on whatever device they happen to be using.
Product or service names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.
For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/prwebmind-map-app/windows-phone/prweb10347010.htm
Starting a business can feel like you're speeding down a winding road without breaks, that is, if you don't have a detailed blueprint. For startup founders and entrepreneurs, brewing up a brilliant idea is just the beginning of a long journey.
After brainstorming comes extensive research, planning and ceaseless decision making. Further down the line comes the execution of your business plan. Organizational and collaboration tool MindMeister has been a huge lifesaver for nearly 1.5 million users since its launch in 2007.
The collaborative online mind mapping software was voted the winner in the productivity category in Mashable's Innovation Index this year — a new program that celebrates tech, digital and social innovations that have redefined the world for so many.
MindMeister is an online mind mapping software that works like an extension of your brain. Think of it as a digital catch basin for your team's best ideas — team members can contribute to business plans within the tool. Creative minds can piece together the big plan section by section. After the initial steps are laid out, they can be tweaked and assigned. But the app has uses cases far beyond business. If you're planning a vacation, creating a budget or even studying for an exam, MindMeister can help you organize and visualize your big thoughts and little details in a coherent way.
Source: Mashable