“I write constantly, but only in my journals. I have three of them: one for travel, one for home, and one I write in before bed…”  Cameron Diaz

Journal writing is a very effective tool that can improve your life and overall wellbeing. It creates a medium for you to objectively look at the results of your life.

With effective journal writing, you write down your feelings and thoughts about a situation, a person, an event, whatever you are experiencing at that time, you are writing from your emotional viewpoint.

Journaling is a compelling tool when you review past entries. You are able to see the situation or event from a much more objective point of view and can then grasp valuable insights about yourself, others, or the situation in general.

Journal writing is a powerful performance gauge.  It makes it easy to see how fast you are progressing towards a goal.  Challenges and weaknesses are easily revealed, allowing needed adjustments to be made.

There are many different types of journals, and each has its own purpose and effectiveness. Below is a list of popular journals themes and how they provide support in achieving a goal.

Fitness Journal – When you write about your weight loss goals, and any exercise you accomplished, you stay more attentive of where you are in terms of your progress, and where you may be able to make adjustments to your fitness goals, thus keeping an active lifestyle.

Self-Analysis Journal – A self-analysis journal is used for personal reflection and problem solving. You begin by writing down any fears, self-limiting thoughts and beliefs, and any problems or issues you are experiencing. Then  replace those damaging thoughts and beliefs in your journal with motivating and encouraging ideas.

Gratitude Journal – Writing a gratitude journal conditions you to be more aware of the good and positive aspects for your life.  Write down all that you are thankful for each day.  This helps you to keep a positive outlook on life.

Goal Journal – Goals are achieved more frequently when they are written down and when there is an effective tool for tracking your progress. A goal journal helps you take note of out your progress and helps to keep motivation high.

Benefits of Journal Writing and Note Taking

Questions:

1)      How does journal writing help you to track the progress of your goals?

2)      What is the power of reinforcement?

Application:

1)      Go and buy a journal.  Get something that is better than a simple notebook, something that you will respect and want to take good care of.

2)      Decide what purpose you want your journal to fulfill for you right now.  Is it to help you make more money, find a new job, or start your own business?  Keep your journal centralized around a theme.  If you would like a journal to record daily events, then create one just for that purpose too.

3)      Write in your journal everyday, at least.  Keep the journal close to you throughout the day, and write down any inspiring ideas or thoughts may come to you.

4)      Review your prior entries every month.  Look to see if there are any clear patterns of thought being displayed within your entries.  Look to see if they could be limiting beliefs or ideas that are keeping you from making more money.

5)      Keep up the journal writing process until you purpose for the journal is fulfilled.

“Keep a diary, and someday it’ll keep you.” Mae West