One way to distinguish the good from the great is the great ones truly understand themselves at a deeper level. They possess a heightened awareness of their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, all of which motivate them into action. This elevated consciousness also allows them to navigate challenges and make sound decisions.
Self: Introspection, Reflection & Awareness
The ability to acknowledge, understand and galvanize the Self usually requires a three-level deep dive:
Self Introspection (more of a mental journey) – Look inwards; holistically learn what lives within, and grow as a result of all you learn.
Self-Reflection (more active and intentional) – Analytically engage with your thoughts and emotions; ask ‘Why’ so you can know the reasons behind your feelings and behaviours, and have a critical dialogue to examine your motivations, beliefs, and responses.
Self-Awareness (the outcome) – Deliberately focus on the details learned about your personality and behaviours; willfully base actions on your core beliefs and values, and limit emotional reactions by replacing them with respectful communication.
Enhancing your self-awareness means living life in the present moment interspersed with daily periods of self-reflection. Self-reflection can take many forms, but one of the most profound and powerful tools for self-reflection is journaling. It’s a simple, yet transformative practice that allows you to impact your personal growth and heighten your leadership skills.
What is Journaling?
Journaling, at the base level, involves putting pen to paper or fingers to keyboard to record your thoughts, feelings, observations and experiences. These daily (or regular) reflections serve many purposes from personal contemplation to professional strategizing. Levelling up, a leadership journal can act as more than a simple diary. It can be a great whiteboard of creativity, a blackboard for problem-solving, and a canvas for laying down the tactical plan of the vision/mission you have in mind.
The beauty here is that at either level, journaling can be started by anyone at any point in their journey – no special skills are required!
Why is Journaling Powerful?
Journaling isn’t just about chronicling your day. It’s likely the safest space to articulate your deepest thoughts and profound experiences. It is an invaluable self-improvement activity that significantly elevates your ability to convey complex thoughts and ideas clearly and succinctly to yourself. Journaling can also act as a pseudo time machine allowing you to review your personal and professional evolution. The ability to use it as a recollection tool will help you illuminate how involved, effective, attentive and/or creative you were or could be moving forward. This will boost your life skills and leadership abilities.
Here are some specific benefits of Journaling regularly:
- Enhanced Self-Awareness:. You discover your triggers, understand your emotions, and recognize areas for improvement.
- Improved Emotional Management: Journaling provides a safe space to express your emotions, both positive and negative. Writing down your frustrations, anxieties, and fears can be cathartic, allowing you to process them in a healthy way.
- Goal Setting and Tracking: A journal becomes a roadmap for your aspirations. You can define your goals, map out strategies to achieve them and track your progress along the way. Seeing your progress in writing is a powerful motivator and keeps you focused on your aspirations.
- Spark Creativity: Journaling provides an outlet for your creative side. Experiment with different writing styles, explore freewriting techniques and allow your thoughts to flow freely. You might be surprised by the depth of your imagination and the ideas that emerge.
How to Make Journaling a Habit?
Starting a new habit can be challenging. Here are some tips to help you make journaling a regular part of your life:
- Keep it simple: Often people struggle with how to start with journaling. So keep it simple and begin by asking yourself at the end of each day, “If I could relive today, what would I change?” This simple prompt, practised consistently in your journal, can help you cultivate self-awareness. You begin to identify patterns in your thoughts, actions, and reactions. With time, you can move on to more questions and ideas as you deem fit.
- Start Small, Be Consistent: Don’t overwhelm yourself. Begin with just a few minutes of journaling each day. Consistency is key. Even a few minutes of daily reflection can yield significant results over time.
- Find Your Journaling Style: There’s no right or wrong way to journal. Experiment with bullet journaling, gratitude journaling, or simply freewriting your thoughts. Choose a format that resonates with you.
- Create a Relaxing Environment: Find a quiet space free from distractions. Light a candle, play calming music, or sip a cup of tea – personalize your journaling experience to create a sense of calm and focus.
- Write Freely: Your journal is a private space. When journaling, practice self-compassion and leave your inner critic at the door. Focus on what you want to express rather than how you’re expressing it. Grammar and spelling don’t matter—what’s important is the act of writing itself.
Private or Public Source Tool?
Journals are often guarded as private tools for the authors’ eyes only. And although that is a natural and fair instinct to have, it is important to remember journaling is more than a closed book of ideas. But rather it has the power to be an open lab of life-changing inventions that can impact everyone. Consider sharing your insights, formulas and blueprints as needed within your circle of influence. If you are still worried about others reading what you have journaled, consider using a password-protected digital journal or housing it in a secure location.
Ready to create a breakthrough?
All you need is a pen and paper or digital device to embark on your journey of self-discovery and growth. Start today and stay committed and you will see positive outcomes in no time. Your future Self will thank you!