I’ve recently started using mind mapping software for managing ideas.

Mind maps are graphical representations of outlines. The advantage over a traditional outline is that you can connect related topics. It’s also easier for some visually oriented people to review.

Like I said, I use it plan ideas. I start with the idea name as the center node (topics are called nodes) and create nodes for tasks and concepts that will guide the project. The resulting mind map helps me figure out where to start work.

It’s also handy for brainstorming. The mind map becomes a record of ideas and questions. Later when I’m ready to develop the idea, it’s a clear representation of what I was thinking. To me, it’s clearer than traditional notes. Keep Reading…

The human brain is said to be the most advanced and capable machine. After all, it’s humans who created super computers, isn’t it? That said, your brain needs a bit of oiling if you want to keep it healthy and deliver a better performance. Here are five tips to increase brain power: Keep Reading…

Technology is great…but I sure do like pen and paper – as I mentioned to one of our readers who asked me what I use to keep track of things.  For one thing, I remember things better when I write them down by hand; it’s as if my hand keeps memories of each of its motions and my mind is better able to recall these motions later as the words sink deeper in my brain.  I must think of each item I write down before setting my pen to paper and so I make better decisions using this increasingly old-fashioned way.  On a computer screen everything can be erased, so my brain doesn’t retain the words the same way – it’s all temporary and it all sits in shallower spots in my mind. Keep Reading…

Like in any other trade, there are certain methods and tricks a blogger could follow to blog more productively and efficiently. Here are six quick nuggets of blogging advice to increase your writing output.

1. Writing tools

Since 70-80% of blogging is creating content, a blogger needs to know how he could write in less time without compromising on quality. Hence, making use of some power writing tools is suggested.

2. Control Email Usage

Most of the bloggers frankly confess to being addicted to email. We’ve covered managing email overload before and those tips should help.

3. Write Every Day

Write every day. No, you don’t need to publish every day – but write every day. That helps you stay in the flow and also, it ensures that you have an oversupply of articles. Check out this nice article by Daily Writing Tips on how to write everyday.

4. Delegate When Possible

Your blog is your baby but if it’s getting too overwhelming to manage it, it’s time you bring in other people. That’d be good for your blog as well.

5. Avoid Information Overload

Bloggers need to consume more information than the average internet surfer. It’s a part of what they do. And hence, they need to take extra care to avoid getting buried under information overload. Check these tips to avoid information overload.

6. Enjoy the Process

Lastly, blogging is fun only when you enjoy doing it. If you worry too much about things like traffic, reputation, competition and all, it won’t be fun anymore. And then, no matter what you try, it’d be really hard to execute tasks productively. Keep Reading…

“Something’s wrong with your keyboard,” a friend borrowing my laptop would say. “When I type, all that comes out is gibberish!”

“Nothing’s wrong with my keyboard,” I would reply with a grin. “It’s the layout on your keyboard that’s wrong!” Keep Reading…

The Internet went down this morning at the home office. If I were in a deadline situation, I would have packed the laptop into the car and headed for the nearest caffeinated wifi hot spot. But I was under no pressure this morning and had hope the Internet downtime would be brief.

Under these circumstances, this is how I stay productive when the Internet is down: Keep Reading…

According to the United States Census Bureau survey, Americans spend more than 100 hours a year commuting to work. Australians don’t fare much better, as the average daily commute time ranges from 22 minutes up to 35 minutes. And if the infamous opening scene from Office Space is any indication, most workers don’t enjoy weaving in and out of traffic (or being crammed into a public transportation, as the case may be). Keep Reading…

A start page, or “startpage”,  is meant to give you access to all those sites and tools you start your day with, on a single page. Startpages ensure that you don’t have to open several tabs and windows for email, news, important websites etc. You’ve got everything right there in one view.

If you haven’t tried a startpage yet, you could get started with one of the following and see if it makes you more productive. Keep Reading…

In an earlier article, I touched upon productive kitchen gadget #1, which was the microplane. In my house, we love kitchen gadgets. There are so many products out there that have sprung up in recent years that can really add to your productivity in the kitchen. It is in this series that I will highlight a lot of these gadgets that can simply make your kitchen life a whole lot easier and more productive.

In this post, the kitchen gadget that I would like to feature is the enameled lemon squeezer. Keep Reading…