“I want to write, but more than that, I want to bring out all kinds of things that lie buried deep in my heart.”

Anne Frank

The cost of busy

We get so caught up in the business of our lives that often we don’t really know what is going on inside. How are we? Do we have some niggling issues? Or unfulfilled desires?

Take out a pen and paper

Journaling is an effective way to sort through the internal mess and get clear on our goals. You don’t have to ever read the material again, it’s more about the mental process of clearing the mind, setting some goals, and working through half-baked ideas.

I find the process calms the mind, gives me a sense of clarity on my goals, and sets me up for a good day.

A future you can get excited about

I felt stuck down a career path. It didn’t really agree with me or where I thought I should be in life. I was comfortable and “too busy” to take any positive action in a new direction. It all seemed too hard. Why rock the boat?

After reading various recommendations from people I respected, I implemented a morning journal practice. I would write about where I was currently at, and the vision of my desired future self. Things slowly started to change. It’s amazing how new opportunities start to appear when you know what you’re looking for. It’s all a big work in progress with ups and downs, but it beats the hell out of drudging along with your head in the sand.

Reflection

If you don’t already, I challenge you to start a daily morning journal practice. Just do it for five minutes each morning after you get up. You may end up writing for longer as you get excited about your future self.

• What is something you are grateful for?
• What is your desired future self? Describe in as much detail as possible who you would be, what you do, etc.
• What is one thing you could do today to take a step in that direction?

Stick at it and see if you notice any changes.