You’ve heard all the arguments for the importance of journaling, but you aren’t convinced. In addition, you don’t have the time, hate to write, and/or don’t think you will have anything to say, even if you are the only one reading it.
Take heart, there are many ways of journaling. If the idea of writing three pages every morning gives you the ‘heebee jeebees’, micro-journaling may be just the thing to break that barrier. Here are 3 simple but effective ways to try.
The 4G method
The 4G stands for Grateful, Good, Glitch, and Goal. Write one word, phrase, or sentence for each of these areas. Write one thing you are grateful for, one good thing from your day, one glitch you experienced, and the goal you are focusing on.
The GLAD method
GLAD is the acronym for Grateful, Learning, Actions, and Direct Focus. In a word or two, write what you are grateful for, what you are learning, what actions you intend to take, and where you are planning to direct or focus your attention.
The +/-/next method
I heard about this method from Anne-Laure Le Conff at Ness Labs.com. It’s as simple as it sounds. Draw 3 columns and label them as above. Write the good things in the plus column, the things that didn’t go so well in the minus column, and what you plan to do next in the last column.
I’m committed to my 3 pages in the morning, and I tend to use these micro-forms for my end-of-the-day wrap-up. It’s a great way to maintain focus, track successes, and see what needs attention, all in a few minutes.
I have found these methods very helpful as guides to my end-of-day review. Try these methods, and you might learn to love journaling.