Day 12 shows how a journal can be powerful as a tool for goals and resolutions. Do you use a journal?
When it comes to keeping your resolutions and achieving your goals, sometimes you have to have a few tricks up your sleeve. The drudgery of day to day life can sometimes threaten to push the milestones you’ve set for yourself to the backburner. It is easy to forget your purpose. Anything that can keep your objective at the forefront of your mind is a good thing. For those who like to write, a journal can be a powerful tool for goals and resolutions. In today’s post, I’d like to show you how it works and the benefits journaling can have on your progress.
Your Journal
Your journal can be any tool that allows you to record your thoughts. You may wish to do so electronically on your computer with a word processing program or even by finding an app or website that lets you keep your musings in one easy-to-find place. Many of us prefer using technology because we have incorporated it into so many other areas of our lives. It is also easy to retrieve and involves less wasted paper. Others may like to return to the more traditional paper method of journal keeping. Writing with a pen and paper can be a therapeutic act in and of itself. It does not matter what type of journal you choose, as long as you are comfortable with it.
The Purpose
The reason behind journaling is simple. It allows you to bring your thoughts to the forefront and to keep your reasons or you why behind your resolutions close at hand. Writing down your feelings with regard to your goals helps you to sort things out. You can read back over your words and discover patterns or motivations. This resource also provides you a tangible record. This is useful in tracking your progress, also in holding yourself accountable, providing motivation and making sense of your thoughts. There are loads of benefits to keeping a journal in conjunction with your goals and resolutions.
The Process
Journaling is an activity that should be ongoing. You want to consider making it a part of your regular routine so that you can get the most out of the activity. Writing sporadically can be somewhat beneficial in getting your thoughts out of your head, but having only a handful of entries does not allow you the full benefit of noting patterns and making other discoveries.
Create Time
Create time to write in your journal. Add it to your calendar so that you won’t forget. Many people prefer to write in the morning so that they can plan their day and set the mood for what is to come. Perhaps night time writing might work better for you as a way to process all that has occurred throughout the day. Whatever you do try to make it a habit. Also, consider setting up an environment that is relaxing and that signals to your brain it is time to write. Perhaps sitting in a window nook with a cup of tea might be nice or enjoying the morning quiet at the dining room table before the rest of the house wakes up is your thing.
No matter how you decide to journal, I recommend giving it a try. Your process and implementation should be personal and meaningful to you. I predict you will discover some incredibly powerful benefits to journaling your resolutions and goals.
Why Do We Make Resolutions – Day 1
The Importance of Setting Goals – Day 2
Value of a Support System – Day 3
Motivation is Key to Progress – Day 4
Measure Your Progress – Day 5
How to Make Resolutions Stick – Day 6
Are You Making Smart Goals – Day 7
How Habits and Routines Can Help You Stick to Your Resolutions – Day 8
Don’t Go It Alone – The Value of a Support System – Day 9
Motivation Is Key – Keeping Your “Why” Front and Center – Day 10
The Value of Measuring Your Progress Along the Way – Day 11
P.S. If you are interested in using a journal you can check-out our “The Daily Dose of Optimism Journal” offer. Learn more here.