The practical magic of journaling

Have you ever journaled? Have you ever enjoyed the release that can come from just writing your thoughts down? Or even better yet experienced the breakthroughs that can come when you suddenly get clarity through writing with yourself?

???? I would like to boldly claim that if you did a little bit of what I call "self-coaching journaling" you would be happier, more productive, better at leading and more successful. ????

Just think of how wise you are when it comes to helping someone else with how to make their dreams come true? Or how clearly you can see what will help when your friend at another organisation is struggling?

Yet, often when it comes to your own life and leadership that kind of clarity and wisdom seems harder to access. We think and think... or so we think.... but we often struggle to unlock that inner brilliance.

Why journal? Why not just think?

Can’t you just think your way to clarity and answers? Why spend time journaling?

A study published by the National Science Foundation from 2005 stated that the average human has about 12,000 - 60,000 thoughts per day, whereof 80% are negative and 95% are almost identical to the day prior.

We get stuck in familiar thinking loops, and since our thoughts impact the quality of our lives and what we believe is possible, thinking the same thoughts keeps us stuck in the status quo.

In my experience it is much harder to upgrade our thoughts if we just try to think our way there. You can definitely hold questions in your mind and contemplate answers without actually writing anything down, but most of us will find our mind struggles to stay disciplined and focused after the first couple of questions. Our mind is so used to thinking in certain patterns that very quickly it will fall into a familiar thinking loop, and you will miss out on the benefit of new thoughts.

This is why I have been so excited about introducing my clients to self-coaching journaling. And given the results, I decided to create a whole book, Journaling Worth Doing, dedicated to this.

A little journaling goes a really long way. Even 3 minutes can often shift, bring clarity and inspire in whatever direction you require.

? ??

A good universal question to journal on is:

What do I most need to know right now?

Or:

What is the learning opportunity here?

???

But since most people feel a little blank on how to coach themselves via journaling, I highly recommend getting a copy of the new Journaling Worth Doing. It is an incredibly practical companion that will have you remember how wise you really are.

There are 25+ Journaling Guides for all kinds of scenarios; like when you want to feel in your power regarding a challenging situation, or when you want to feel more solid about the value you add, or when you want to be clear about decisions to make and so much more.

Get your copy of Journaling Worth Doing here.

Btw - the book comes with some powerful free bonus material.

And of course, now is a great time to breathe,

Noomi