How a Daily Journaling Habit Can Help Your Career

You’ve probably heard how journaling can help with your mental health and well-being, no matter whether that involves writing down what you’re grateful for or your reflections at the end of the day. It can also help you become a better leader. Keeping a journal is one of the most effective ways to reflect on your daily experiences and make stronger, more nuanced decisions.

One caveat: If the word “journaling” evokes visions of a loopy self-help seminar or an embossed diary under lock and key, it’s time to shake off those stereotypes. Writing down your thoughts is a powerful tool for growth — whether you lead a team of three or 300. Here’s why.

The benefits of journaling

According to Impraise founder Bas Kohnke, today’s leaders need to master five soft skills: active listening, self-compassion, empathy, vulnerability, and honesty. A journal is a private — and inherently candid — space where you can explore and strengthen these skills.

As a leader, your unique perspective is both a creative and competitive advantage. It’s the secret sauce that can change the entire trajectory of your organization. But a frenzied schedule can drown out your most valuable insights, Nancy J. Adler — the S. Bronfman Chair in Management at McGill University — said in a Harvard Business…