Mind Map Tactics: Tips & Examples For Memory, Creativity & Focus

[@AnthonyMetivierMMM]

Want more mind mapping tactics? Get our your memory journal and check this out next: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKPElHqerrCGaqs

[@StarKInvestor]

I just discovered you and I’m so grateful….game changer ….thank you

[@AnthonyMetivierMMM]

Thanks for your kind words. Anything in particular that you're studying at the moment?

[@StarKInvestor]

I’ve always struggled with my memory….I just turned 50…I love reading but barely retain. I highlight words and phrases but that doesn’t really help. So started watching your videos on memory palaces.

[@StarKInvestor]

Melissa Stark is my name

[@AnthonyMetivierMMM]

Highlighting often isn't worth the time. Give this technique a try instead: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3q0g5ynhqt-h7s

[@Storykate]

I was so lucky to interview Tony when he was alive! Your explanation is amazing , helped me to revisit my journey of mind mapping which started 20 years ago

[@AnthonyMetivierMMM]

Wonderful! What did you talk about? Is it recorded?

[@dk2703]

On the one hand I feel you deserve many more views and subscriptions - for sure. And then on the other hand I am somewhat glad that it doesn't go viral and mainstream as things usually do nowadays (social media, tiktoks etc.) Respect from Poland, a Mind Palace practitioner since 2015.

[@AnthonyMetivierMMM]

I’m sure that focusing on what actually works will always keep it limited. Snippetized content just isn’t my thing, and not for lack of imagination, I don’t believe. Thanks for your kind words and support and keep those MPs humming! 🙏

[@RuthEllis-kd7dw]

I am just LOVING your videos! ☺️🤗😉

[@AnthonyMetivierMMM]

Thanks so much for your kind words and for checking them out. Looking forward to your thoughts going forward!

[@SnakeAndTurtleQigong]

The mine maps that I have created over the last few years have been invaluable and keeping me focused and directed along particular life paths that are healthiest for me. In a world of infinite possibility, it’s nice to have a visual reminder hanging on the wall of how our small daily actions are all leading toward a thought out goal. Strategy and tactics and inspiration all combined into A colorful explosion on the wall.😁

[@AnthonyMetivierMMM]

Color reveals intention!

[@scottwatters2276]

Will use this for studying/preparing for the NREMT exam-Thanks

[@AnthonyMetivierMMM]

🙏

[@JodaLundh]

Thank you for being you Anthony❤️🙏

[@AnthonyMetivierMMM]

🙏

[@samuelcariaga548]

Your Ted Talk have 2,5 millions view, wow! Congratulations 🍾🎈🎉 🧠 🗺

[@AnthonyMetivierMMM]

Is it that hight? Good thing I mind mapped it! Thanks so much for giving it a view. How are things going with your learning and memory projects lately?

[@samuelcariaga548]

@@AnthonyMetivierMMM great, always memory palace to learn new words, I was reading Augustine of Hippo “Confessions”, and he used memory palace too. Much love Dr. from Chile 🇨🇱.

[@AnthonyMetivierMMM]

Confessions is indeed great reading. Magnetic Love right back at you from the MMM Headquarters!

[@TheOz91]

Dr Metivier, not sure if you'll be reading this, but I recently found your channel and a couple of your videos recently and I think I'm going to come here a lot more often. I want to explore how to learn better and how to do things better, and I don't know why I didn't discover the powerful tool of mindmapping--among others--6 or 7 years ago when I was a fresh young student. Now with Covid and struggling with finding a new job (and something that actually relates to the field I graduated with), I guess I want to explore bettering myself and how I do things, especially that I have ADHD thus having problems with working memory, attention, and executive function. I have done a few mind maps to learn how it is from other creators, too, and it does seem to be superbly powerful tool to help offfload the jumble of mess that is my mind. Now I should remind myself to pick up multi-colored pens and watch more of your videos.

[@AnthonyMetivierMMM]

Thanks for saying hello. My mind is a helpless jumble without all of this stuff too. Thankfully I got into it thoroughly, which is the key. I couldn’t have succeeded without them. Enjoy the channel and talk soon!

[@knw-seeker6836]

This was a great video of mind maps plus demonstration

[@AnthonyMetivierMMM]

🙏

[@carolinafuentes994]

Thank you for this video! I feel blessed that i found your channel.

[@AnthonyMetivierMMM]

Welcome and thanks so much for letting me know. Anything in particular you're currently learning and want fully accessible in your memory?

[@carolinafuentes994]

@@AnthonyMetivierMMM ​ @Anthony Metivier i started with loci and poems, mnemonic for numbers, and i play the violin so i'm trying to memorize notes. I would love to start saving history and politic facts from Mexico. I want to learn everything but one step at the time right?

[@AnthonyMetivierMMM]

Great goals! Learning to take things one step at a time is the equivalent of learning everything. Keep going with it and I'm sure you'll soon see why, especially when you start to understand the nature of information and principles like incompleteness and recursion. The now is already full and complete with 'everything,' and this is scientifically demonstrable, including our urge to know all things that aren't here yet. As Leibniz says, everything possible has an urge to exist.

[@salvatoremarino4477]

visualization tricks and more

[@AnthonyMetivierMMM]

Focus on visualisation fundamentals and tricks won’t be needed.

[@salvatoremarino4477]

i hope this is as good as i want and expect it to be

[@AnthonyMetivierMMM]

🙏

[@richardfredlund3802]

@Anthony Metivier, thank you for yet another thought provoking and inspiring perspective. At min 27:47 if your 25 x 25 .. meant an aspiration to conquer mathematics. Just email for some free tuition. I can spare a few hours in return for the great inspiration and education, that I've already received from watching your videos.

[@AnthonyMetivierMMM]

Thanks so much for that suggestion. I'd love to be better at math, but... I don't know exactly what I would do with such skills. Have you done much mind mapping?

[@richardfredlund3802]

@@AnthonyMetivierMMM yeah ... i'm not going to argue it would necessarily improve your life much...except in the sense that learning a bit about art might increase your appreciation of art in general, and possibly you're enjoyment of it. I have experimented with mind mapping. Actually I used them in revising for some of my maths exams. I also invented a way of writing out some of my proofs, which is very like mind mapping. (and to be fair ... they are some of the very few maths notes i can go back to much later and still understand.) The basic idea is quite simple. Each step in a mathematical argument, usually will depend on things that you have stated earlier. Instead of writing 'from eq 1 and eq2 ... then x y z' ... i draw connecting lines, so the whole thing becomes like an upside down tree. The conclusion of the argument being the base. This makes it much easier to re read later, if trying to reconstruct the argument. It also has an aesthetic quality to it which I like. Yeah I very much agree with you that pen and paper is the way to go. I don't find any of the computerised approaches to mind mapping very appealing. B.t.w. Still on the maths theme there is a maths youtube called blackpenredpen, who is very excellent, and he uses multiple colors to help clarify the steps as you go along. One big parallel I see between mathematics and mnemonics is that as you often say memory techniques are like a 'real life' magic. I think this can sometimes be the case with maths. The magic is this, you start with a problem or a statement to be proved. Initially you look at it, and it seems impossible. Then in the best of cases, a really simple and elegant line of reasoning, leads you to the solution (or proof of the statement), and all of a sudden it goes from being impossible to almost obvious. In some sense the original statement has been transformed.

[@AnthonyMetivierMMM]

Yes, I know enough about math to see it as "real magic," to be sure. But I'm afraid that if my appreciation for art grows any stronger, I'll probably explode! ;-) Thanks for mentioning blackpenredpen. I'll check it out. Do you know my friend Robert Ahdoot? He teaches math on the beach. Here's his TEDx: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGfcZYprfcqlrLM He's got a segment in the MMM Masterclass too.

[@richardfredlund3802]

@@AnthonyMetivierMMM thank you for the link, I will definitely look into it. B.t.w I'm not claiming to be all that at maths myself, I knew enough to manage a PhD in computer science, but I know many people are much more knowledgeable than myself.

[@richardfredlund3802]

oh b.t.w. on the subject of the title.. 'conquering maths anxiety' ...many years ago my girlfriend at the time was really terrified of maths. So bad she couldn't do even basic stuff. I realised that any direct 'maths' would trigger an anxiety response so we did a memory game. Together we came up with mnemonics for various numbers and placed them round the room. we also used visual mnemonic for the digits 1 to 9. I never said what is '7 times 6' just asked where did we put the golf club and the yoyo... that sort of thing. only after she was proficient at it (which only took about half an hour) , did I point out that she was in fact doing times tables. (her confidence really improved after that and she even managed to complete a degree in the end).

[@mohammedelgamal5685]

perfect 👌

[@AnthonyMetivierMMM]

🙏

[@5minutecalms]

Can you show us exactly how you do it?

[@AnthonyMetivierMMM]

Sure: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXXNpXR3j8iqbM0

[@jorgegeneral3757]

iLoved the video! Super inspiring and informative. Just a quick tip: using hand gestures intentionally could enhance your delivery (Toastmasters helped me!).

[@AnthonyMetivierMMM]

🙏

[@Mohamed-es2tr]

I noticed that when I read a book I find that I can remember everything in it. Even I get full grades in the MCQ in the end of the chapter. But I can't recall that book and I can't write my own version of that book from scratch. And that makes me unable to remember the information when I need it besides I forget the book by time and the solution I thought about is 2 versions of mind maps. 1) the back bone: Which is a table of content that I create to fit me and contain more data than the original table of content and they are organized as directories and subdirectories linked together with vertical and horizontal lines from top left to bottom right. Like a CLI software represents a computer directories 2) A map: This one is closer to a mind map than the back bone because it takes more directions and angles and dimensions and moves more freely. But it is more like a city map or country map than a mind map

[@AnthonyMetivierMMM]

Thanks for this. I’m confused though. Do you need to rewrite a book from scratch?

[@taj334]

Hi Anthony, i am currently studying for the german law bar exam. Instead of learning a lot of precedents as the anglo american law system we requires, we need to study a lot of abstract principles which relate to another. The german law system is primarily based on a hierarchy of norms, so it forces you to abstract from higher norms (Das Grundgesetz = constitution) to lower norms and remember many principles and their interconnection with each other. I think that mind maps are the best way to understand the systems, but my problem is that i need collapsable branches in order to make a mind map of basically everything. That is why i need a computer software. I know you are not a fan mind map software as such, since they do not bilt a strong the mind-hand connection. Would you recommend any mind mapping software? Tonys Ayoa software isn't really available any more.

[@AnthonyMetivierMMM]

Das Grudgesetz ist schwer. Ich bin einverstanden, aber so ist es auch hier und hin. Das gesagt, I don't recommend any mind mapping software and the brand change and lack of availability of this software from the market suggests a certain something about it. Although I've seen lots of mind maps generated by the software, I really can't see how the same outcomes can be achieved. Two things: It's not really helpful to focus on this or that law being more "abstract" than any other law. Finding things abstract is a choice that reveals limits in the practitioner's use of memory systems. For help on this, please see: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnO8c6hjht6mqsU Next, I haven't gone to law school myself, certainly not in a German country. But if I were going to go, I would bring the best of my Memory Palaces to the task. Derren Brown used them for his law degree, and I believe he had some kind of interest in German law... or at least he had also learned German. In any case, if Memory Palaces were good enough for him to get a degree in law, they'd be more than enough for me. I wouldn't have been able to learn German without them, that's for use.

[@johnpark8297]

Thank you Anthony a really helpful explanation on mind mapping. I have a podcast series that I want to mind map it is 8 episodes each one containing multiple details I would like to get into long term memory. Would you suggest a map outlining the 8 plus 8 separate maps with the points from each episode that I wish to memorise? I suspect a single map would be overloaded.

[@AnthonyMetivierMMM]

Thanks, John. The one thing I haven’t done much of with mind mapping is note taking, and that’s for a few reasons. 1) It strikes me as too slow 2) How would I know what the central theme is in advance of listening to an entire episode, let alone several? Now, I realize that you didn’t mention note taking from the 8 episodes, but I start there because I would personally take notes as we discussed in Read with Momentum. Then, if I wanted to memorize key details, I would use that note taking strategy to find central themes. Then I would impose the mind map “clock” rule of maximum 12 stations discussed in this video. But if I had extracted my notes the MMM way, I would probably use well-formed Memory Palaces and save mind mapping for developing any presentation I wanted to give or article/video I wanted to produce. Normally, I only use mind maps to produce ideas, connections and to help order an organic flow of ideas. The only alternative process I have is the CAMP MIST formula, found in the FAQ section, which amounted to a LOT of mind maps. But it was the fastest way I could find to deal with such information. There is one other mind map variation I have in mind and have tried a few times. But it’s still half-baked and not tested enough to even speak of. But when I’m drawn to a “Metivier’s Razor” test of it, I’m sure something interesting will come of the concept. It may even lead the way to what I would consider a legit software application for both mind maps and Memory Palaces. But for that to be explored, we’d need both more initial exploration and an investor… generally my critical thinking skills tell me that if something like this hasn’t been done before at scale, there’s usually a reason. In all things, I hope this helps out and thanks as ever for your continued interest and support! 🙏

[@johnpark8297]

Hi Anthony thank you for the detailed response. I started with the first episode and it was a bit slow and the branch ended up with too much information. I will use the Read with Momentum note taking strategy and incorporate the key points into memory palaces. I’ll also check out the FAQ on the CAMP MIST formula. As always thanks for your continued engagement and excellent content, looking forward to the release of Flyboy :-)

[@AnthonyMetivierMMM]

That sounds like a plan. I'm hoping to get this book project out soon. There's still what looks like 100 hours of editing the audiobook... next time I'll think twice before moving so far away from where I can get to a professional studio with a producer... the one plan I Treasure Mapped probably could have used a mind map too! ;-)

[@simplyapleb9027]

I was hoping to mention something brief I think you touched up on @anthony that the mind maps ought to be, in some sense, AESTHETIC(imagery). This could very well be a key player in unlocking your brain in a 'pun' colorful way. Perhaps while listening to baroque on the way, we may access an artistic AND analytical side as well... Thoughts?

[@AnthonyMetivierMMM]

Great idea and worth experimenting with. I listen to music a lot, but usually not when using either mind mapping or memory techniques. But all kinds of music can bring many layers of associative power, to be sure, and sound is a favorite mnemonic of mine, even when not listening while encoding.

[@shant486]

Awesome Video! but i got to ask do you ever blink?

[@AnthonyMetivierMMM]

Established mnemonists get the reference. But now I gotta ask: Would it make the information any better and lead to better outcomes for learners around the world if I did?

[@rstritmatter]

Hello Anthony, Congratulations on a truly impressive series of videos. You're an impressive educator. I look forward to going back and watching as many as possible in the coming weeks. I wonder if you have any thoughts about the way in which during the 17-19th centuries the ancient fourth part of rhetoric was removed from the standard curriculum of teaching rhetoric? Perhaps you've already covered this in one of your other videos - if so, a link would be great, if not, don't you think that's a subject worthy of further inquiry? Why did this happen? What were the implications?

[@AnthonyMetivierMMM]

Thanks for your kind words and interest. One place to look is Ong’s book on Ramus. Ramus’ influence on education and removing images in favor of tables and diagrams was arguably immense and possibly the core of text “replacing” oral transmission and thus memory. I generally avoid the topic because it quickly devolves into conspiracy theories against “the system.” Those things certainly make people feel good, but the amount of nuance needed to make a compelling argument is beyond the focus of this channel. That focus is on using memory techniques as a positive behaviour. You’ll certainly find some experiments in criticism in my back catalog, and perhaps see why I ultimately find it ultimately useless, even if that kind of thing gets more views. I prefer to promote individual responsibility rather than create narratives that help people feel better about “forces” they think are against them or techniques that are being “withheld.” The truth is that these techniques have never been more accessible for the benefit of a mass amount of people. And the only interesting question (for me) is what stops people from using them now. Finally, we don’t know just how well people used memory techniques when they were more widely taught. But one place to look is Berger on music mnemonics. According to her, it certainly worked, but a ton of teachers seem to be quite frustrated by the uptake of their students. It sounds a lot like the present of education, which is telling in very useful ways. Thanks again and talk soon!

[@monicaperiade]

What will be a good tool for drawing while mind mapping , please?

[@AnthonyMetivierMMM]

I use only colored pens on paper myself.

[@monicaperiade]

@@AnthonyMetivierMMM thank you

[@salvatoremarino4477]

like.. does it reference books about memory building and exorcises .. give examples of exorcise and tricks

[@AnthonyMetivierMMM]

Books yes, tricks no. Only fundamentals. 🙏

[@mohammedelgamal5685]

My friend, you are really creative. I love mind maps, and I love summarizing books with them, but I find it very difficult to find keywords, what can I do for this? 😞

[@AnthonyMetivierMMM]

Thank you so much. What have you tried so far in terms of practicing the identification of keywords that make sense to you? I'm not aware of a manual for this because it's a deeply personal process and one that requires your intimate awareness of the goal and its context. That said, there's a whole article on finding the main point on my blog. If you search my name and "main point" it should come up.

[@esidarasun8151]

How do you get past the main topic, or the first level of the mind map?

[@AnthonyMetivierMMM]

I'm not sure what you mean. But if I take a guess at what you might mean, two things I do: 1) Combine mind maps with Memory Palaces (not really the same as having another level, but allows for dimensionality of various kinds). 2) Start new a Mind Map. Cramming everything into one is not how I use this technique, even if others teach it that way. That approach never worked well for me.

[@esidarasun8151]

I'm talking about mind maps, not mind palaces, whatever they are What do you do if you write down the main topic, and ... can't get any further? Or there's a couple of connections from the main topic to one or two points, but nothing more? Everyone talks about how to lay out a mind map. No one seems to be able to explain how come up with ideas and connections to actually put into the mind map

[@esidarasun8151]

@@AnthonyMetivierMMM I'm not sure what a mind palace is. I'm just trying to do a basic mind map. What do you do when you write down the main topic in the middle of your page, and can't get any further?

[@AnthonyMetivierMMM]

I'd have to know more about what you're trying to accomplish to answer in a meaningful way. But if it helps for now, I have many mind maps that are short. They don't have to be extensive in order to be useful.

[@esidarasun8151]

@@AnthonyMetivierMMM I'm trying to make a mind map. When I try, it rarely goes beyond the topic written in the middle of the page. If I get beyond that, it's one or two things, and nothing else. I want to know how to add to it.

[@jobmunneeram1891]

Hey there can you do a video on dyslexia and ways you can improve

[@AnthonyMetivierMMM]

Thanks for asking about this. I'm afraid I'm not familiar enough or qualified to address the topic. However, I have had quite a few students take my programs and report that they've seen improvements. Please let me know if you have any questions and I'll get back to you a.s.a.p.

[@larahporter8123]

The beautiful thing about mind mapping is that only you can understand your own mind notes, so to lend the maps to others is futile!! They have to do their own work 😂.

[@AnthonyMetivierMMM]

True.

[@richardsrensen4219]

hi what do you think should i buy Mind Map Mastery as a kindle ?.

[@AnthonyMetivierMMM]

You only live once.

[@whatithinkabout]

Will there be a time when Flyboy and your other fictional works be available at online bookstores?

[@AnthonyMetivierMMM]

Possibly, but I haven’t decided. Is there a reason you don’t get the ones I publish on my own directly from me?

[@whatithinkabout]

@@AnthonyMetivierMMM Just simple finances. I'm hoping that when the books are published elsewhere they can eventually be obtained at a library.

[@AnthonyMetivierMMM]

You could ask your librarian to get in touch with me. Maybe I can arrange something for them.

[@whatithinkabout]

@@AnthonyMetivierMMM I just requested with them earlier to get your other books and crossed my fingers. I suppose there's no rule I can't ask them about this, too.

[@AnthonyMetivierMMM]

Some librarians are very supportive of indie authors like me, so it's worth a shot.

[@salvatoremarino4477]

using mrmory house or palace type tricks

[@AnthonyMetivierMMM]

Give the Memory Palace/Mind Map variation in this video a try.

[@cliveadams7629]

I had a memory palace once but I got lost and wandered outside when the door shut behind me. Damned if I hadn't forgotten the key. Never mind. Thing that always amazes me is why, if mind maps are so great, no one ever uses them to encapsulate and express the concepts and processes of mind maps but instead choose to talk about them same as everyone else does. There's a message there.

[@AnthonyMetivierMMM]

I'm not sure what you mean, but the whole point is to accept and explore the constraint. There are only so many types of sonnet until variation makes the form not a sonnet anymore and it has become something else.

[@richardsrensen4219]

wow i am not very visual do you think this is a technique for me ?

[@AnthonyMetivierMMM]

I'm not very visual either, which is why I use this technique.

[@corriedebeer799]

Anthony you may take this as insult but I do believe you could have been an incredible cult leader if your character allowed it.

[@AnthonyMetivierMMM]

I’ve always taken steps to prevent any such thing in this gullible world. Even before my TEDx went mini-viral, the amount of requests to play guru have been astonishing. The MMM is anti-cult and anti-guru, as am I. Long live the self-directed self. 🙏

[@Arachknighttt]

Hello

[@ashparti5589]

What happens if you have 20 items to remember

[@AnthonyMetivierMMM]

Genchi Genbutsu is the ultimate answer.

[@ngoakereandrenkosi8532]

I want to draw a mind map rainforest is destroyed

[@AnthonyMetivierMMM]

Isn't it the case that any paper we buy has always already done the damage? Perhaps you could use the paper that has already been gathered to mind map your way to alternative solutions rather than avoiding using tools that have already been created.

[@tinamn35]

Love your videos, just if you could just a little bit slow down talking, too fast. We foreigners understand, but need to process information quickly too.😄😆🫣😉

[@AnthonyMetivierMMM]

🙏