Journaling is a process to enhance your journey of the pursuit of excellence. Here's a list of unexpected ways writing will improve your life.
The journey of excellence is one of constant self-improvement, and I like many have been on a path taking a close look at my own heart for some time, working towards balancing my emotions and logic. I have been paying close attention to my need for a high level of activity, which often leads me to take on too much. Recently, I've come to realize that excellence is more a matter of balance than volume. The journey continues as I actively and honestly look inside myself, writing my thoughts.
Practise journaling
Countless people enjoy journaling; for others, there may be some reluctance due to a lack of understanding of the benefits. Journaling is thinking on paper and is an essential step in our pursuit of excellence. Writing our thoughts down helps us measure our goals and become more reflective. How can we hope to become our best without taking the time for self-reflection?
Writing down your thoughts…
When I first began to write down my thoughts, I struggled to find the time to do it. Then I noticed that my determination to get all of the words correct slowed my momentum and my joy for writing. I found myself examining the grammar and punctuation; I wanted perfection, but then I realized that excellence of expression means giving yourself the freedom to not worry about technicalities. Journaling became much more comfortable and less frustrating once I began to write in a free flow manner, writing whatever came to mind.10 Shocking Ways Journaling will Enhance your Life
We are sharing Thai Nguyen's suggested 10 Benefits of Journaling:
1 | Stretching Your IQ
Research indicates that "One of the best single measures of overall intelligence as measured by intelligence tests is vocabulary." When most write we are inclined to explore different words and phrases, which ultimately increase vocabulary.
2 | Evoking Mindfulness
Journaling your feelings and thoughts helps you move past upset and anxiety – increasing your mindfulness. When it comes to increasing mindfulness, many experience a strong connection to inner peace and happiness.
3 | Achieving Goals
When we start Journaling, we will notice patterns of our future goals and dreams. Writing them down is the first step to achieving them.
4 | Emotional Intelligence
Emotional Intelligence is the ability to perceive and manage your emotions, and that of others. When we write down our feelings, we are effectively processing those emotions, leading to increased self-awareness.
5 | Boosting Memory and Comprehension
Nguyen shares, "There's a unique relationship between the hand and brain, sparked by the composition of thoughts and ideas. Words are representations of ideas; the formation of letters and causes the mind to compose or re-compose ideas while Journaling."
6 | Strengthen Your Self-Discipline
Sculpting out the time to write takes self-discipline, especially considering the hectic lives most live. The more you discipline yourself, the easier it will become.
7 | Improve Communication Skills
Journaling is a form of written communication and if you can strive to increase your writing, your communication skills will also enhance.
8 | Healing
Nguyen explains that "expressive writing is a route to healing — emotionally, physically, and psychologically." Furthermore, Journaling allows us to process our emotions, which helps lower stress and anxiety.
9 | Spark Your Creativity
As I mentioned before, when you can start Journaling in a free flow manner - writing whatever comes to mind – you will start to see thoughts and ideas you never knew you had. Writing this way will help spark creativity.
10 | Self-Confidence
Nguyen advises, "Journaling about a positive experience allows your brain to relive it. And reaffirms your abilities when the ugly head of self-doubt appears. The release of endorphins and dopamine will boost your self-esteem and mood."
As you work to incorporate journaling into your life, practise, patience, and consistency are crucial in forming new habits. I recommend you begin writing three times per week, first thing in the morning or last thing at the end of the day. Enjoy your writing journey and be sure to check out many more motivational blogs here.
This article was originally published on August 12, 2017, and has been updated (June 2020).
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