One of my favorite ways to set goals, track goals, and map out my plans for the coming year is through journaling. I journal on paper and digitally. I use paper for mind mapping ideas and putting action plans for my goals in print. I’ve read that the mind thinks through things more logically and thoroughly when you put things on paper first. In my experience, this is true.
I use digital apps like OneNote and Evernote for capturing ideas, pictures, audios, and more when I’m online or away from my desk. The combined approach creates a good system for ensuring my good ideas get recorded until I have time to prioritize them into an actionable goal.
This time of year is a great time to do some personal reflection on what has gone well over the past 12 months, what hasn’t, and what you’d like to change going forward. So create lists, draw diagrams, and even doodle a bit if it helps! Clear your mind and give your brain a rest. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the ideas and insights that begin to flow when you make time for this exercise.
I had a success coach tell me once that we don’t need anyone to tell us what to do next – we already know! The answers are already inside each of us. To find them, we just have to stop and listen to what our experiences and our instincts are trying to tell us. Journaling helps you get to the heart of what you are trying to sort out. From there, you can consult with your trusted advisors to reason through your options, if needed. But getting it out of your head and onto paper is the most logical and best place to begin this process.
This week’s feature article shares some tips and ideas on how to get started journaling for your personal and professional benefit. Be sure to check out some of my personal journaling tools and strategies highlighted in this post. And remember to connect with us on our Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn pages, where we are sharing tips to help you proactively launch 2017! I wish you a productive finish to 2016!
Supporting your administrative success,
Julie
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