Journaling for Joy and a Job
Why should you journal? Because it works!
The word journal, when used as a verb, has become a synonym for writing. Writing down your dreams, your goals, and your aspirations make it more likely that they will happen. From I will exercise more to I will run my own company someday; you are more likely to achieve your goal if you write it down. By hand, no technology!
Why? Well, studies show that when you write something down, you are more likely to remember it. If you’ve ever made a list, forgotten to bring it to the supermarket, and then remembered most of it anyway, that is a good example that it was helpful to write it down. This is because your mind engages with the muscles you are using to write down its thoughts, making a subconscious, yet specific, decision to shape the path towards achieving the ideas written.
Committing your goal to paper triggers your brain that this is something important, something worthy of thought and effort. It provides clarity and perspective. Your mind responds and results follow. It makes sense that if you remember your idea better, you will think about it more, refine it, keep working at it, and eventually succeed.
It may seem daunting to start this process, but it’s simple, really. There are no rules. It doesn’t have to be in a beautiful journal with a pen; a plain-ruled notebook, pencil, OR loose paper, works too. There are lots of stories of inventions and ideas originally being sketched on a napkin or the back of an envelope. The key is in the act of physically committing the words to some sort of writing material.
Writing something down is a simple but powerful form of manifestation however you end up using it. This can be a significant tool, especially during your job search. Knowing that your goal is a job in finance or at a particular dream company, your journaling activity can help you figure out your next steps and provide accountability. Or you might figure out what your career goal is by exploring your desires through writing. Writing can also be a form of emotional release, which can help you manage the stressful side of job searches. Beyond the immediate job query, there are potential long-term benefits - you might record an idea that grows into a path to entrepreneurship. Imagine that!
So what’s stopping you? Find some paper, pick up a pen, and start journaling.
Steps to better journaling
1. Buy a journal, notebook, or ream of paper, and some nice pens or sharp pencils. Buy what you can afford and what you like. Pick out what you find beautiful and what makes you happy.
2. Start writing. This may seem obvious, but it really is a step. Don’t wait until you think you know what to write. Schedule a time, a little each day, or once or twice a week, and stick to your schedule. Sit down, start thinking, and then write what comes to mind. I personally like to use the Pomodoro technique and for fun, I use my red tomato timer.
3. Don’t limit yourself, free flow, especially at first. Record your thoughts, positive and negative, any idea or concern, pros and cons. Nothing is off limits, or too wild for your journal. A prompt is a good way to start out or deal with writer’s block. There are journals that come with writing prompts, or you can find some good ones online. Think big, dream big, journal it all!
4. Review what you write which might be the most important concluding step. Look for patterns or commonalities to help you clarify what you really desire. Use your writings to create actionable to do lists and follow-up tasks. For example, your writing might give you ideas for a new industry or career path that you need to research.
My favorite journals are found at Barnes & Nobles. They have a great collection, offering something for everyone.
Smiles, Leah
Why should you journal? Because it works!
The word journal, when used as a verb, has become a synonym for writing. Writing down your dreams, your goals, and your aspirations make it more likely that they will happen. From I will exercise more to I will run my own company someday; you are more likely to achieve your goal if you write it down. By hand, no technology!
Why? Well, studies show that when you write something down, you are more likely to remember it. If you’ve ever made a list, forgotten to bring it to the supermarket, and then remembered most of it anyway, that is a good example that it was helpful to write it down. This is because your mind engages with the muscles you are using to write down its thoughts, making a subconscious, yet specific, decision to shape the path towards achieving the ideas written.
Committing your goal to paper triggers your brain that this is something important, something worthy of thought and effort. It provides clarity and perspective. Your mind responds and results follow. It makes sense that if you remember your idea better, you will think about it more, refine it, keep working at it, and eventually succeed.
It may seem daunting to start this process, but it’s simple, really. There are no rules. It doesn’t have to be in a beautiful journal with a pen; a plain-ruled notebook, pencil, OR loose paper, works too. There are lots of stories of inventions and ideas originally being sketched on a napkin or the back of an envelope. The key is in the act of physically committing the words to some sort of writing material.
Writing something down is a simple but powerful form of manifestation however you end up using it. This can be a significant tool, especially during your job search. Knowing that your goal is a job in finance or at a particular dream company, your journaling activity can help you figure out your next steps and provide accountability. Or you might figure out what your career goal is by exploring your desires through writing. Writing can also be a form of emotional release, which can help you manage the stressful side of job searches. Beyond the immediate job query, there are potential long-term benefits - you might record an idea that grows into a path to entrepreneurship. Imagine that!
So what’s stopping you? Find some paper, pick up a pen, and start journaling.
Steps to better journaling
1. Buy a journal, notebook, or ream of paper, and some nice pens or sharp pencils. Buy what you can afford and what you like. Pick out what you find beautiful and what makes you happy.
2. Start writing. This may seem obvious, but it really is a step. Don’t wait until you think you know what to write. Schedule a time, a little each day, or once or twice a week, and stick to your schedule. Sit down, start thinking, and then write what comes to mind. I personally like to use the Pomodoro technique and for fun, I use my red tomato timer.
3. Don’t limit yourself, free flow, especially at first. Record your thoughts, positive and negative, any idea or concern, pros and cons. Nothing is off limits, or too wild for your journal. A prompt is a good way to start out or deal with writer’s block. There are journals that come with writing prompts, or you can find some good ones online. Think big, dream big, journal it all!
4. Review what you write which might be the most important concluding step. Look for patterns or commonalities to help you clarify what you really desire. Use your writings to create actionable to do lists and follow-up tasks. For example, your writing might give you ideas for a new industry or career path that you need to research.
My favorite journals are found at Barnes & Nobles. They have a great collection, offering something for everyone.
Smiles, Leah
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