gnef,
1. Just read the book slowly page by page.
2. Work on 1 thing at a time. Get a feel for that one thing before moving on to the next thing. You don't have to do it to your satisfaction; just get a good idea of how that step works.
3. When specific questions come up, post'em on the DF. That way you'll get clear answers & better yet, answers to stuff you are presently working on. For real stuff.
4. Then move on to the next step. Do the same w/ getting a feeling.
5. Start right away to learn mind mapping. I'd buy Nancy Margulies (sp?) book because she makes it very elementary & has lots of drawings as well as teaching how to draw. It's a better book than Tony Buzan's. You can look at Buzan's book in the bookstore. There is something about time/space w/ MMing that helps activate material.
6. Do it in LAYERS...little here little there. Layers makes everything go fast.
So, all you need to do for the next 2 weeks is read about previewing. Practice it w/ a book, articles, a chapter in history, newspapers. Mind Map your understanding of it out. Use lots of color. Get a feel for previewing. Carry it over into your school subjects.
good luck! 
