Monday, September 8, 2014

Keep a Journal for Better Brain Health

Studies show that our brains tend to process over 60 thousand different thoughts every 24 hours. The problem is we tend to keep thinking the same thoughts over and over, day after day. Keeping a journal aids in the process of getting the thoughts out of our head and onto paper. This process can be a very healthy and rewarding habit.
  
Of all the things I have done in my life, I would pick journaling as my most favorite and productive success habit. This is the 35th year a row that I have kept a separate journal to look back at and relive all of life's experiences and lessons from the prior year. What I have found over time is that even my biggest trials and tribulations were a catalyst to move me to even a better future. In the midst of sometimes insurmountable odds I would journal, after writing down the event I was able to see clearer a better direction that I would have never even thought of at the time.
   
It is basic human nature for our brain to continue to grow and experience more of life. Many times in the daily duties of work, finances, raising a family, chores, and life's duties we can feel as though we're all on a tread mill. Every year I re-read my entire journal and reflect on the lessons learned, celebrations has, and accomplishments completed. Often it is humbling how many experiences I had forgot about but the impact of these moments is instantly remembered by the journal entry. I believe that if you want to create a successful life journaling can give your brain the ability to focus on what you truly want and have already accomplished.

It is our inherent nature and intuitive desire to stretch ourselves in all areas of life as humans. We all want to learn and expand our mental capacities and create more connection with what is most innately important to each of us. Whatever our individual values are they will be reflected in our own unique expression. Capturing our thoughts, dreams, and desires along with our fears, and frustrations can be the best mirror to success.
   
If you are someone that has never tried journaling before just remember it's YOUR journal and there are no wrong or right ways.

Here are some of the ways that I approach journaling for SUCCESS:

1.  Make it a habit . Keep your journal by your bedside so that it is near you. I like journaling best at night to capture my day or week. Many times I have an inspiration in the middle of the night that I record

2.  Journal at least once a week to be able to have better clarity of your life experiences

3.  At the beginning of your journal have a separate goal and your values page so when you open your journal you can read what's most important first and add to your goal list

4.  Simplify your goals down into three categories

a.     Be goals. Things you want to become!
b.     Have goals. Things you want to have!
c.     Do goals. Things you want to do!

5.  Create a phrase or code of conduct of how you will live your life.

6.  Make it a powerful affirmation and read it every time you open your journal

7.  When journaling make entry's based upon what's most important to you (Family, Financial, Friends, Fun, Career, Travel, Spiritual, Physical Contribution, ect)

8.  Take your Journal with you when you travel. Sometimes the most insightful entry's come when you're out of your normal routine

9.  Reread your entire journal each season and definitely at the end of the year. Looking back always gives a great reflection on the future you want to create.

SMART learning lesson:


Buy a Journal and keep it by your bed. Write your goals down at beginning of journal and look at every day for one week to create a healthy habit.


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