By Patrick Cahillane – Life, Executive & Business Coach with One Source International Coaching and Training and Founder of The One Source Personal Development Network
Journaling is a simple yet powerful tool for personal growth and self-discovery. Whether you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, or simply looking for a way to reflect on your experiences, journaling can help you gain clarity and insight into your thoughts and emotions. But with so many different approaches to journaling, how do you know which one is best for you? In this blog post, we’ll explore the best approach to journaling to help you get the most out of this valuable practice.
- Set aside time for journaling
The first step in approaching journaling is to set aside time for it. This could be a few minutes each day, or a longer period of time once a week. The important thing is to make it a regular habit so that you can build a consistent practice and reap the benefits of journaling over time.
- Find a quiet, comfortable space
When you’re ready to start journaling, find a quiet, comfortable space where you won’t be interrupted. This could be a cozy chair in your living room, a peaceful spot in nature, or a quiet corner of your bedroom. Make sure you have everything you need, including your journal, pen or pencil, and any other materials you might want to use, such as stickers or coloured pencils.
- Write without judgment
When you start journaling, it’s important to write without judgment. This means letting your thoughts and emotions flow freely, without worrying about grammar, spelling, or whether what you’re writing makes sense. Simply let the words come out, without censoring yourself or worrying about what others might think.
- Use prompts to get started
If you’re struggling to get started with journaling, using prompts can be a helpful way to get your creative juices flowing. Prompts could be anything from a single word, such as “gratitude,” to a question, such as “What are you afraid of?” You can find prompts online or in books, or come up with your own.
- Focus on the present moment
While it’s natural to reflect on the past or worry about the future, journaling is most effective when you focus on the present moment. This means tuning in to your thoughts and emotions as they arise, and writing about what’s happening in your life right now. By staying present, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your experiences.
- Experiment with different styles
There are many different styles of journaling, from bullet journaling to art journaling to gratitude journaling. Experiment with different styles to find the one that resonates most with you. You might find that you enjoy combining different styles, such as writing and drawing, to create a unique and personalized journaling practice.
- Reflect on your writing
Finally, it’s important to reflect on your writing from time to time. This could mean reading back through your journal entries to see how far you’ve come 🙂