“[Journaling] – It’s like whispering to one’s self and listening at the same time”
Mina Murray
All of us (yes, that includes you) have daily routines we follow to get through the day which allows us to make room in our brains to process the more complicated thoughts/situations in our lives – like our goals. But often, the physical and mental toll of a work day or assigned homework or project can leave us yearning for the off-button. This overwhelming feeling can lead to a shift in focus from striving for the goals we set for ourselves, to simply trying to “make it through the day”. The problem with trying to make it through the day every day is that we subconsciously fall into a cycle of existence and un-fulfillment.
The solution?
Journaling – and no it’s not just for women. The benefits of journaling apply to everyone and here are just a few:
- Become more accountable for your goals – When you tell your friend that you plan on getting the latest technology, don’t you feel more obligated to do so? After all, you’ve already set the expectation that you’re going to and don’t want to be the type of person whose word is not trusted. Well, the same concept applies to yourself. When you write your goals down you’re basically telling yourself what you plan to accomplish and revisiting your promise to yourself will naturally make you feel more inclined to work towards those goals so you can prove your achievements to yourself.
- Let out all your frustrations, whenever you want – We deal with a lot in a day, regardless of our situations. Instead of letting these frustrations build up and multiply in our minds, journaling allows you to take a few minutes to express your feelings about a situation. More importantly, by journaling you assess the magnitude of the situation before allowing it to consume your thoughts for the rest of the day. In doing so, the result is you feeling less overwhelmed and better equipped to handle the day-to-day battles we all face in life.
- Never forget your accomplishments – Give yourself credit for working hard! With a journal, it’s easy to write down your achievements, no matter how small or large. It’s easy to forget what you’ve achieved in life so far when you’re so focused on your present and future. By having access to your list of achievements, you can easily remind yourself just how awesome you are in times where life might seem a little down.
Consistent journaling helps shed light on your good habits and achievements while exposing your tendencies that could use some tweaking. It brings your subconscious thoughts to the forefront and helps you adjust your mentality towards life. If you haven’t tried it yet, because you’ve never put a lot of thought into it or because you’re worried what others might think, quit holding yourself back; it might just change your life.
I’m always working to be a better version of myself & hope my tips can help you on your journey. I’d love to hear back from you on your thoughts/ journey – comment below!
POTENCIA 