Journaling is an ancient practice that dates back to the 10th century. Many successful people, including presidents, have kept a journal to document their journey. There is powering journaling that can’t be duplicated through other avenues of communication.
Many women, like me, started journaling when they were young girls by keeping a diary. Journaling was an excellent way to process thoughts, fears, and feelings in a safe space. Writing doesn’t have to be eloquent to be purposeful.
Writing engages the left brain which is logical and rational and frees up the right brain to be creative, intuitive and tap into emotions. This process can be beneficial to provide solutions to challenges you are facing.
Capturing daily activities creates several benefits:
Clarity– Writing can be therapeutic when it comes to processing thoughts and feelings. If you feel jumbled and don’t know what the next step is in your business, journaling can bring about clarity. Entrepreneurs can get stuck in the procrastination trap when they lose clarity of their goals or feel lack of direction.
Confidence – Journaling about your successes leaves a trail of accomplishments. Writing out your achievements creates a track record you can refer back to in times of doubt. Building a business can be hard on your self-esteem, being intentional about capturing large and small milestones can be a powerful confidence booster.
Communication – Exploring negative feelings or painful emotions through journaling can improve communication skills. By acknowledging energy sucking emotions, you take their power away so you can look at a challenge rationally and develop strategies for overcoming. Rehearsing difficult conversations beforehand can increase the probability of a positive outcome.
Create Emotional Well Being– Documenting your life experiences allows you to know yourself more intimately. You can see patterns of what makes you happy, sad or stressed out. You will be able to identify toxic situations and people that drain your energy. Raising your awareness can help you create a solid personal growth plan.
Construct a happy life– By identifying the people and activities that please you, you can choose to eliminate the people and things that bring you stress. Seeing patterns in your life can help you develop routines and rhythms that are in alignment with your core values.
Life is short. Journaling regularly can help put life in perspective. Getting to know yourself on a deeper level will bring about life satisfaction, help you achieve goals more easily and live a purpose-filled life.
If you don’t already journal, here are some simple tips I use to make it a part of my daily routine:
Schedule time– I set aside time at the end of each day to capture my experiences. I prefer to journal in the evening when the house is quiet, so I can take my time without feeling rushed. Setting regular time will help create a habit of journaling.
Have a special place– I have an oversized chair that overlooks the valley. I like to sit and look out at nature while I journal. Grounding myself with the earth evokes my creativity when I write. Nature helps me get back into my body so I can be fully present. I also like to burn a candle or infuser with my favorite scents to calm my mind and allow me to concentrate.
What to write– I include a time of reflection each day. I note what I did well and what I could do better moving forward. I replay challenges I faced and brainstorm possible solutions. I spend time thinking about my personal growth and actions I’m taking. I also document any insights from podcasts I’ve listened to or books I’ve read that day. I evaluate my daily routine to see if I need to make adjustments.
Creating intentional living strategies like journaling can have a powerful impact on your daily productivity. Journaling can help you uncover areas that are keeping you stuck like toxic relationships and time wasters. It can also provide a platform for brainstorming and goal tracking.
Before you embark on your journaling exercises, determine what you wish to gain from the activity. Having a goal in mind will help you structure the how and when so you can get the biggest impact from your efforts. Take control of your life by setting aside at least 20 minutes a day to journal, you’ll be surprised at the difference it will make.
Meet The Author:
Anza Goodbar is a certified coach, trainer, and speaker who is passionate about helping women kick ass in their lives and business by accepting themselves unconditionally so they can create a wildly happy life. She lives in Denver and loves hiking, hanging with her family, and ballroom dancing.
Connect with her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/anzagoodbar/ for more tips on empowerment, self-acceptance and overcoming self-sabotaging behaviors.
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