Do you ever take time to reflect on the events of the day? Do you think that it might be worthwhile recording what has happened and how it made you react or feel? There is benefit in doing this. It can help clear your mind, it can help you make sense of the impact, it can help you to take a breath and see if there might have been a better way to deal with the issue.

Writing a journal, it doesn’t need to be daily, helps you to reveal your thoughts. It is a piece of writing that is personal and unstructured. It is a tool that helps leasers undertake the reflection process to learn and grow in their leadership roles.

It shouldn’t just be a log of events. You need to uncover the impact of the issue on you. Spend some time thinking deeply about the ‘so what does this mean to me’ and ‘what do I need to do now’ and ‘how could I have done that better’. By writing things down, you get time to analyse your intentions and the outcomes of your actions.

A journal is not just a record that I go angry or frustrated, but explores why I was angry, what the triggers were, and whether I was justified in being angry. 

The writing process becomes a powerful tool through which you can gain a clear view of yourself, behaviours and an explanation for events that occur around you. 

Get yourself a journal, it doesn’t need to be fancy, just a writing book will do. Make the time to write and reflect.

Where to start?

Here are some useful prompts:

• What is on my mind right now?
• What do I need to get off my chest today?
• What feels like a struggle at the moment?
• As of today, what is my vision for my work or live in the next 2 years?
• Record what makes you happy, your successes, and what you enjoy in your role.
• Record your behaviours and thinking habits.

Do you keep a journal?  What benefits have you seen for your self development?

Let me know:  Carol@onedaytraining.co.nz