One of the most effective ways to keep yourself on track, improve your own outlook, and actually identify and fix problems is by logging thoughts. I tend to do this digitally, in Evernote. Here’s one of the templates I tend to use.
If you are driven to constantly improve yourself, it’s immensely easier when you log and reflect upon your progress over time. As much as I like journaling by hand, I find it’s much easier to keep up with it when it is digital. I’m going to give handwritten journaling another solid try again soon, but for those who aren’t ready to commit to a physical journal, it can be easier when you aren’t staring at a blank document.
I use Evernote (you can use whatever software you want – OneNote, Word, Journey, or basically any note taking, word processing, or journaling application you want. The important thing is that it’s accessible and easy to flip through your past. Every morning, I open up a new note in Evernote (I have a category for my Daily Log) and paste my template into it (I keep the template in its category where I keep other writing templates as well).
I try not to spend a lot of time on it – only about 10-15 minutes in the morning, and 15-20 minutes in the evening. When I remember to keep it updated throughout the day, that time is considerably less. It takes more time to sit and remember everything at the end of the day than it does keeping it updated throughout. You don’t need to answer everything, every single day. You can also add more reminders and questions if there are habits or goals you are trying to achieve. Many of the line items are pulled from various apps (like Google Health tracking my steps).
Also note there are several sections:
My Daily Journal Template:
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Focus 1: Lose weight
Focus 2: Do More, Create More
Focus 3: Make Life Better
Continual: These are the daily habits I want to try to commit to. These should generally stay the same unless I am building new habits into my daily life.
- Wake up earlier.
- Make regular, healthy choices.
- Be active daily. Take a walk. Stretch.
- Eat out less, only eat out socially.
- Control what I consume.
- Make friends.
- Listen empathetically. Reflect.
- Do something creative every day.
- Blog more.
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Lifehack: Eat spicy, acidic foods right before bed to make this interesting. (Probably not a good idea)
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Qualities are developed as I go through my experiences, failures, and wins.
Always be the character I want to be.
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Failure isn’t proof of inadequacy, it’s an incredible learning experience.
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Will You Use It?
Journaling is an ancient practice, and not a frivolous new-age fad. Even so, it’s not easy to start and stick with, especially at first. I recommend building a habit and block off a little time every morning and night for it. My method won’t work for everyone. Heck, it doesn’t always work for me, but if I want, I can always just start with a blank slate, or delete the questions I don’t want to answer, or use a different template that day. Keep in mind, my template will only be effective if you make it your own.
Hopefully this was helpful! Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
