Health & Wellness

Go through the process to see connections between topics you have never noticed before and new ideas you have yet to discover. Have fun! 
 

How will you set up your map?  

Get creative and choose a method that helps you brainstorm easily and effortlessly. Review examples of how you can set up your mind map and consider the options below.  

• Download an online mind mapping tool, MindMeister, for free through Duke 

• Paper, pen, pencil, colored markers etc.  

• White board or chalk board 

• Picture college 

Ground rules 

1. This is not meant to be perfect or look a certain way  

2. Get rid of all judgement and go where your mind takes you  

3. It might not make sense as you start but keep going 

Let’s Mind Map  

Put yourself in the middle of your map and take 3 minutes brainstorm the first ring of ideas related to you.

This can include things like: 

• Extracurricular activities that were impactful 

• Meaningful experiences 

• Mentors and supporters 

• Specific skills  

• Interests/likes 

• Subjects 

Now take 5 minutes to further build out your first ring of topics. Where does your mind take you? What stands out to you? 
You might think about: 

• Skills you used 

• Likes and dislikes 

• Learning that took place 

• Experiences or roles  

• New curiosities  

Now take 3 minutes to make conclusions and draw connections across the whole map. What patterns and themes do you see? 
Consider: 

• Words that are frequently repeated 

• Broader themes that connect experiences together 

• Many branches leading to a specific topic  

• Big picture connections  

Debrief and Answer 

• What did you discover about yourself?  

• What was a new idea you generated?  

• Now that you competed this exercise, what information do you need to find out?  

• Knowing this information, what are 3 next steps you can commit to?  

For more information on mind mapping and to see it in action watch Mind Mapping Mania