Journaling is a remarkable way to supercharge your self-development efforts. When your thoughts are still in your mind, they can be challenging to analyze objectively.
Getting things out of your head and down on paper provides a different perspective.
With journaling, you gain the ability to see things from a third-person view versus a first-person perspective. Thinking tends to be very sequential; one thought leads to the next, which leads to the next. We get caught in a linear track and miss out on the bird's-eye view of the whole thought process.
Three Great Benefits of Journaling
- Solve complex challenges. When you write the issue on paper, the solution for a tough challenge often suddenly becomes apparent. The ability to re-examine the case from a third-person perspective can make all the difference.
- Increase clarity. Many things become more apparent when you can get them down in writing. One of the best times to lean on your journal is when you're filled with uncertainty about what action to take.
- Validate your progress. Sometimes we feel like we need to be spinning our wheels and making genuine progress. When you're feeling this way, go back and review your old journal entries. You’ll be amazed at how much progress you've made since then. And you’ll also probably realize that you're taking huge strides right now, too!
How to Start a Journal
You might envision creating a journal in one of those blank books you can pick up in the bookstore. You can follow these tips to build a daily journaling habit.
- Start with two minutes.
If you’re having trouble setting aside time to journal, start with two minutes. Pull out your notebook and write for two minutes. If, after two minutes, you feel inspired to keep writing, then keep writing.
- Build up over time.
Over time, set aside more time (at least 5-10 minutes) for your daily journal practice. This way, you give yourself time to answer the journal prompts thoughtfully and work towards your success.
- Set aside a regular time to journal.
Whether you journal in the morning or evening is less critical. What’s more important is to set aside a consistent period during the day when you commit to pulling out your journal.
- Practice self-compassion.
Forgive yourself if you miss one day of journaling. It’s okay if you forget to journal one day! At the same time, be aware that sometimes we avoid the things we need most.
- Keep your journal with you.
Please just carry your journal with you so you can quickly grab it when you want to write down something.
You can start your journal today. It's an activity that has little to no cost but provides numerous benefits. Start journaling today and watch your self-development take on a new perspective. You’ll see your clarity increase and have a much better sense of just how much progress you are making in your life.
If you want a guide, you can get a FREE copy of my journal workbook called 7-day Journaling Notebook to Unleash Your Potential. It provides suggested topics on what to write for the day to organize your thoughts and journal. If you want more information and issues, please email me at enduringthebadge@gmail.com.
