One of the great ways to capture knowledge, brainstorm or think creatively is to use a Mind Map. Studies show that this approach is very similar to the way brain processes information and so it is a natural way to expand ideas. Here is how it works:

Start at the centre of a space (be it paper or a software solution) and keep adding branches. As more concepts are introduced categorise them appropriately based on what you have on the map. After a while you may realise that the concepts you have added belong to a different set of categories. Rearrange the map appropriately as more concepts are added. The following is an example of animals divided into a number of basic categories.

Notice that the more colourful the mind map, the easier it is to remember.  The main branches are drawn thicker to enhance their importance.  The first level branches are called BOI or Basic Ordering Ideas.

You can use mind mapping to plan your future, think of what to do next and to draw up your mission statement. Since the mind mapping processes encourages you to be creative when thinking of concepts, you can come up with many more ideas this way than using traditional methods such as list making.