We increase our odds of success by 42% when we write down our goals. –Marie Forleo citing the scientific research in her new book Everything Is Figureoutable.
If our ultimate goal is to live with eudaimonia (being our best self), then it seems to me that we should at least consider journaling on THAT goal on a daily basis. This is why I encourage you all to join me in our ‘Carpe Diem’ journaling process each day, in which we:
This “to be” list is a great structure to get you writing your big-picture identity goals daily. However, you don’t have to journal our way, find out what works for you and just do it. Ryan Holiday, in “Stillness is the Key”, tells us that this practice just may be the most important thing you do all day. Here’s how he puts it:
“Anne [Frank] used her journal to reflect: ‘How noble and good everyone could be’ she wrote, ‘if at the end of the day they were to review their own behavior and weigh up the rights and wrongs. They would automatically try to do better at the start of each new day, and after a while, would certainly accomplish a great deal.’ …
That is what journaling is all about. It’s spiritual windshield wipers, as the writer Julia Cameron once put it. It’s a few minutes reflection that both demands and creates stillness. It’s a break from the world. A framework for the day ahead. A coping mechanism for troubles of the hours just past. A revving up of your creative juices, for relaxing and clearing.
Once, twice, three times a day. Whatever. Find what works for you.
Just know that it may turn out to be the most important thing you do all day.”
However you do it, here’s to flipping on the spiritual windshield wipers and spending a few minutes in reflection that both demands and creates stillness. TODAY.
Do you have a journaling practice? What does it look like?
