7 Lessons — Journal The Right Way
Be a better version of yourself.
Journaling has nothing to do with New Year’s resolutions.
It is a habit that could be self-taught.
The only thing stopping you might be your mindset.
You need to believe that it is beneficial for you to be able to stick to this habit.
How to Journal
Benjamin Hardy, PhD shares in his article how to journal correctly so it is not a hurdle but a catalyst. He elaborates 15 lessons to help you organically improve different aspects of your life. You can read the full article here: 15 Ways To Use Your Journal To Become Absolutely Unstoppable
Here is my take on it:
- There is no right or wrong way to journal. Develop your style. Each day, your journal does not have to be the same. Write every day the way you feel that day.
- Don’t write as if someone else is going to read. Write like the words are never going to see the light again. Be truthful words. Don’t sugarcoat your words.
- Don’t feel obliged to come back and read your journal (unless you really want to)
- Give at least 5 minutes to journal every day. Twice a day would be best.
- This one is a luxury for busy working parents. Give yourself a specific environment to sit and write.
- Realising that you are not your past, present or future self. You are a constantly changing being who is striving to improve yourself.
- This one is my favourite. Meditate or pray before you journal. Praying is talking to the Almighty, your friend you can confide in, your Father in heaven that you rely on. Praying in itself brings in you this peace that a higher being is looking over you, knowing your needs and understanding what you are going through. With this, you inherently enter a mental state of gratitude, thankfulness and contentment.
Ask Yourself
He also shares some good reflection questions regarding to ask yourself:
What were/ are my wins or goals …
- now?
- in the last 90 days?
- for the next 12 months?
- for the next 3 years?
You don't have to do these every day but can add to these special pages in when you are ready. You can even schedule yourself to visit and review them at the start of every month to track your progress and inspire you to keep going.
Self-awareness
Another set of reflection questions that can help elevate your self-awareness (my take):
- How I am different to what I was before?
- Important experiences that I had today?
- What did I learn today?
- In what situation did you see God working in your life?
- How can today’s experiences help me be a better version of myself for tomorrow?
- What is helping me in my journey towards my goals?
Answering these questions at least once a week could work in my situation. However, I see merit in this exercise being done more frequently as it will help you subconsciously be aware of different situations and experiences during the day and will enable you to be more self-aware at all times.
Benefits of Journaling
Journaling and working on the reflection questions can benefit you in all the different aspects of your life. Be it your short and long-term goals; be it your physical and mental health; your relationship with your creator, yourself and the loved ones around you.
If you struggle with stress, anxiety and depression, you should get into the habit of journaling ASAP, as studies have shown that writing about your traumatic experiences can significantly help improve physical and psychological health.
If you do not journal, maybe this will inspire you to do so and be a better version of yourself for tomorrow.
Enjoy!
