How maintaining a journal can help achieve goals?
You have dreamt extensively of your short term and long term goals.
- You want to lose weight
- You want to write better
- You want to earn more
- You want to become confident
In other words, you want to become and feel successful as per the norms.
Everybody has goals. How many of us strive to achieve it?
“A goal without a plan is just a wish.” ― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, writer and pioneering aviator
Many wish to become successful. Only a few achieve success faster.
Is there any short cut?
NO!
Then what is this article going to be about?
Journaling is a popular art many success stories have preached. Though many methods exist in maintaining a journal, let’s quickly go through why journaling might help you plan your goals better!
Improves self-discipline
Throughout my childhood, I have seen my grandfather spend time writing down his thoughts at the end of the day. It has been his practice for several years. That’s what motivated me too!
Setting out time to work on your journal helps you to focus on your life.
Many of us don’t think about how we spend our day. We never retrospect our lives.
This habit of thinking back on our day or what we have in store for the day helps us regulate our thoughts and makes us focussed.
Achieve goals
Many people would still be skeptical about how journaling can improve your plans.
Now imagine constructing your dream home without a blueprint. You know that it has to be spacious. You know you need a garden and all that. But do you know exactly what goes where? Will we be able to achieve this dream home by directly starting with bricks and mortar?
NO!
History has shown the importance of writing down what you want and how you are planning to achieve it.
Writing your goals on paper sends “important signals” to the brain.
Your reticular system connects with your brain to identify the tools or opportunities needed and will pave the path to achieve the goals.
Seems gibberish?
Well, that’s the power of the brain!
The more details you add to this blueprint more likely you pave the way for success.
Healing
When you are upset you are likely to call your friend and talk to them for hours. The refreshing feeling you get after the call shows that you are emotionally healed.
Writing has also been a popular option to vent out your thoughts and frustrations.
When we translate our emotions into writing we “see” what is pulling us down. It relieves you from the mental blockages and clears your mind!
As expected, studies also show that journaling helps reduce stress, tension, anxiety, and improve your sleep!
Improves creativity
Your journal is your space where no one can judge you for who you are.
It helps open up your thoughts and mind to pen down the deep thoughts and desires.
This is how creative artists like scriptwriters, lyricist, bloggers, authors find ideas that inspire them.
Connect with your self
Out of all the benefits, this is the reason why I love journaling.
I have been journaling for quite a few years now. What I have experienced is peace and clarity in times of turbulence.
When I read through my old journal I’m amazed how much I have grown and learned through every situation. It teaches me what I have lost to become who I am. Who has stayed with me and what I have learned. Journaling has helped me learn from my life!
Journal has become my personal space to look back to learn and grow from mistakes. It has helped me make peace with myself and focus my thoughts better.
You don’t need to be a writer or new fad follower to have a journal. Whatever your goals are — to be happy, healthy, manage stress — write them down in your journal. It takes only a few minutes. It needs a bit of patience and practice. I’m sure it will be worth it.
