One of the most overlooked self-help hacks is journaling. Yes, that’s right – just sitting down with pen and paper, in peace and quiet, writing out your thoughts.
Too good to be true? Introvert dream meets ultimate life hack?
Not really. Journaling delivers on practically anything you ask of it.
So why not use it to transform your week?
For example….
Want to find out why you’re so tense? Free write and see what comes out.
Are you staring at a tough decision, unsure which option is best? Journal out pros and cons, gut feelings and logic, till one choice rises to the top.
Wondering what’s going on inside? Fill up three pages and you’ll find out.
Got an itch to improve, but not sure what to try? Brainstorm possibilities and choose the most inviting one.
And of course, trying to transform your week? Do some guided journaling. You’ll be surprised at what hacks your own brain suggests!
The overlooked secret
You see, the secret to journaling is very simple – you’re providing space for your subconscious to bubble up.
Whether you’re struggling with anxieties, decisions, or life improvement, your brain has ideas for you but needs white space – quiet – to bring them forth.
(In this case, you’re giving it literal white space – a page to write on!)
What do you do next?
So. You’ve decided you’d like your week to be better. You’re not sure how, but you know several things aren’t working.
First, spend some time brainstorming what you’d actually like. What are you going for? More hobby time? More snuggle-the-kids time? More friend meet-ups?
You have to know where you’re going to get there. (Even a vague idea is fine – just pick something to head towards.)
Make micro changes to propel you toward your goals.
Then, examine the past week
Identify places where you did get that friend time, snuggle your little one, or take an hour for yourself.
See? You did take action last week – you just want more of it. To be more intentional about reaching it.
Third, ID what went wrong last time
You’re looking for spots where you intended to sit down and relax, or call a friend for coffee, or play a game with your son, but… something came up. Something derailed your plans.
What was it? Did you find any recurring themes?
That’s something to be aware of as you plan your next week.
Set your intentions, yes. By all means. You have to have a roadmap for where you’re going.
But also, note the speedbumps. “At 1pm I’m so worn out, I can’t read a book with my daughter. I need to recharge first. I could read my own book for an hour, then read hers.”
(Hey – you fit in two things there. Your own hobby time, and quality time with your daughter. See that?)
Or maybe you need to make yourself a special snack, sit down with a fresh cup of tea or coffee and sip while you read a book with her.
You do what works for you. How can you get more of it?
And fourth, be realistic about your plans
Don’t say, “This is the week I spend 30 minutes of quality time with each child every day.” (Unless you’re on vacation.)
It’s more like, “This week I’m taking a step to align my actions with my values. I’m prioritizing time with my kids by reading 15 minutes with the big set and 15 minutes with the little set, once each.”
You see the difference?
In the first example, you set an ideal mother goal. One you had no real intention of meeting. A should. A guilt-inducing goal.
Throw all those out.
We only want the goals that support you, uplift you, and empower you to change where you need it.
The second intention is small, doable – a quick win.
Find a way to stack up quick wins for yourself. We all like winning. Once we find (or create) a way to do it often, we’ll automatically do more of it.
And there you are!
Look at you! You’re transforming your upcoming week. Just with a journal.
Embrace the power of pen and paper to make micro changes that propel you toward your goals.
Is your calendar about to explode? Is your schedule stressing you out every time you look at it?
