The Benefits Of Keeping A Work Journal

JOURNALING ISN’T JUST FOR TEENS. HERE’S WHY KEEPING A CAREER JOURNAL CAN HELP YOU GET AHEAD AT THE OFFICE.

We’ve probably all fallen into this trap. We are so concerned with accomplishing the many tasks on our to-do lists that we forget to stop and look at the big picture. We forget to think about how we can go above and beyond, consider what we’ve accomplished, or even check in with how we’re feeling at work.One of the best ways to make sure you’re regularly reflecting on your career? Keeping a work journal.

Keeping a daily journal on office life and career progress is imperative to keeping track of just that.

Of course, that’s easier said than done. Sitting down and staring at a blank page at the end of a long workday can seem like just another thing to cross off of your to-do list, unless you come prepared.Instead, it may be helpful to write the answers to these five questions daily (or weekly, if you prefer):

• What is one lesson (or lessons, if you have many!) that I learned today?
• Did anyone compliment or comment my work today? What did they say? (Bonus: This makes it easier to remember your accomplishments when you want to ask for a raise or promotion.)
• What is one big thing that I accomplished today?
• Did I do anything above and beyond my basic job description today?
• What is one way that I can go above and beyond tomorrow?

Even if you can only fit this in once a week, this exercise will help you reflect, focus, and consider the big picture of your career.