Did you know that journaling can have life-changing benefits? While it may seem like a trend, journaling has stood the test of time, for good reason. It’s more than just putting pen to paper. It’s a powerful self-development tool that I’ve recently started encouraging all the leaders I coach to embrace.
What is Journaling?
Journaling is the practice of consistently documenting your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. For leaders operating in high-stakes environments, it offers a vital mental reset. It allows you to track patterns and reflect on key moments—without relying solely on memory, which is often skewed or incomplete.
More than that, studies have shown that regular journaling can lead to measurable health benefits, including reduced stress and lower blood pressure. It’s a simple habit that can produce profound shifts in your leadership presence and personal well-being.
How to Get Started
Getting started doesn’t require a fancy leather-bound book (unless that motivates you). Here’s a simple guide:
🔹 Choose Your Medium
Buy a journal that inspires you or go digital. Personally, I use the Notes app on my iPhone—it’s always accessible, which makes consistency easier.
🟠 Set a Daily Goal
Commit to journaling for 10–20 minutes each day. That’s what the experts recommend, and it’s enough time to process your thoughts without becoming a burden.
🔹 Be Honest and Specific
Don’t write for anyone else. This is for you. Be direct about what you’re feeling, what you’re observing, and where you feel stuck or empowered.
What to Look for After Two Weeks
After journaling regularly for two weeks, go back and read your entries. Look for trends:
- How are you showing up for your team?
- Are you responding or reacting to challenges?
- Are you becoming more coach-like and less directive?
- What triggers stress—and what helps you resolve it?
Every day brings new pressures, especially in leadership roles. Journaling won’t eliminate those pressures, but it will help you face them with greater clarity, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness.
If you’re serious about growing as a thought leader, journaling might just be your secret weapon.
