Before we get into why you should keep a journal, let’s look at what it actually is. Journaling is simply you keeping a note of what happens each day in – not surprisingly – a journal. There’s no set amount you should write and what you choose to write about is also up to you. But, you should try to include details about your feelings, thoughts and experiences throughout the day and you should try to do it every day.
Now, I know you are busy and fitting something else into your day may seem like a chore. But, believe me, it really is well worth it. If you make a concerted effort to keep a journal, you will get benefits, both professionally and personally.
The Benefits of Journaling
The biggest benefit you get from journaling is it gives you a chance to reflect on what’s happened in the day, how you felt about it and how you can learn from it. If you do this, you’ll notice a number of improvements, which include:
• developing your problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• becoming more emotionally mature and self-aware
• being able to identify your mistakes and discover ways to prevent the same thing happening in the future
• helping you deal with negative emotions – research shows that people who write down their thoughts and feelings generally feel more positive about the experience later on
• developing your communication skills through regularly expressing your thoughts and feelings
• improving your writing skills as you practise them on a daily basis
• keeping track of your progress towards goals you’ve set for yourself.
That’s a pretty impressive set of benefits from something as simple as writing a journal. So, why not give it a go?
How to Journal
Traditionally journals are paper based. And that’s fine – if you like a fresh new book to write in with a new pen then go for it, especially if it helps you to journal regularly. If you choose this method, it’s worth making a special trip to get a new journal and pen. Choosing a ‘special’ book and pen to write with will give it meaning, but if you don’t have the resources to do that, any old book and pen will do.
If you are a little more tech-savvy, there are lots of free bits of software and, of course, the obligatory apps, you can utilise for your mobile phone, tablet or laptop. You should bear in mind, however, that some people find the act of reflection easier if they write things down. If you’re not sure whether you prefer writing or typing your journal, try both.
Electronic Journaling
The easiest way to start an electronic journal is to simply open a word document and start writing. Then save each day into a folder so you know where they are. If you prefer something a little more high tech, you could use one of the journaling software packages that are available, such as RedNoteBook, My Dear Diary or iDailyDiary which are free too!
You may ask, ‘Why not just write a blog?’ Well, you could do that, but bear in mind that a blog is public. Once you’ve published it, anyone can read it. So, if you choose to do this, be careful what you write about people, especially if you have negative things to say about work colleagues, the people you work for or organisations you are connected to.
Okay, I think that’s enough for this week. Get yourself a paper journal or set up an electronic one and next week we’ll continue to look at how to make it a success. And, if you have any ideas, tips or suggestions, please do let me know.
Written by Shelley Bowers
