The Benefits of Keeping a Journal

To journal or not to journal - it's a matter of personal growth really. Each of my mentors swear by  keeping a journal. My former boss kept a journal. Most leaders I have reported to within my career who were worth anything maintained a journal. The president of the United States keeps a journal. 

I keep a journal - not because of all those I named above does, but because I believe - and receive - the benefits of consistently adding to my journal. There are a thousand different ways to keep a journal. Some people keep a spiritual journal. Others keep a simple diary of events. Some people write in the morning. Others write at night. Some people write inside a paper journal. Others use their computer. Some folks maintain one journal for all aspects of their lives, while others, like myself, maintain several journals based on themes.

What is important to remember is that it's not about what you journal or how, it's about that you journal. I am so passionate about personal growth that I include the fact I maintain a journal as a leadership skill set. Indeed, and here's why:

• Capture & Process previous events. This is what my former boss did. He would invest in ruled hardbound ledgers with about 300 pages each. In a calendar year he may fill up to four of these things. He took his journal to every meeting, wrote in it at every tele-conference call, and capture notes during one on one discussions. It was amazing how much he could recall, factually, at any given time within a year on almost any topic he was involved with. 
• Clarify my own thinking. I maintain a leadership journal. In it I capture lessons gleaned from others, tactics, and experiences. In it I ask important questions, record significant lessons, and receive inspiration  In short, my leadership journal contains anything that remotely relates to leadership and how I can grow or improve my skills as a leader. 
• A record to reflect on. Reflection is another leadership skill that is vital to grow. Reflection creates clarity, promotes decision making, and allows me to review and improve. Journaling helps me stay focused on what I reflect on.
• It serves as my leadership bible. I don't just write in my journal for archive sake, I review it and use it often. When coaching or mentoring others, I refer to my journal for insights and guidance. 

I am one of those types that retain more if i write down. Consequently, I have notes and books everywhere. Others use software or blogs to record journal entries. The key is to find a methodology that works for you. Buy remaining consistent at your journal, you will see your own benefits and begin to grow. If you do not know what to journal about, try starting with something you are passionate about - a cause, an event, an activity, or even a hobby. 

You are only limited by your own imagination.

Question: Do you keep a journal? If so, on what topic(s)? Please share.