Keith JonesDecember 2, 2015

Journaling is a powerful exercise that requires only a few resources to practice. All you need is You and something to record your thoughts. I journal each morning and write about everything from things I want to accomplish for the week, setting personal and professional goals and about my deepest thoughts and feelings.

Within 30 minutes of waking up each morning, I go through my Miracle Morning practice of silence, affirmations, visualization, exercise, reading and scribing. This routine sets me up for an awesome day; with scribing being a key component of me connecting deeply with myself in an honest way. What I put on paper is not as important as how truthful I am about it. I list all the tasks I want to complete for the day so by bedtime I can say I am happy with how I performed my waking hours. I document my meals throughout the day to ensure I keep my commitment to optimal health. And I detail my intimate thoughts and feelings about where I am in my life practically and what I am feeling emotionally.

Journaling helps me track my progress and holds me accountable to my goals. Did I complete the project? Am I happy at this moment? If not, why? Have I created a story about myself or someone that is not loving, compassionate or empathetic? Did I honor myself or let myself and others down? How do I feel about myself? Am I on track or am I underachieving? Am I treating others with love and an forgiving heart or am I judging them? What am I most proud of myself for? Am I being of service to others? What am I committed to today that truly contributes to me living my purpose to make a difference in the world?

What makes journaling different than simply thinking deeply is that once the thoughts are written they become real and alive. My documented words are commitments, declarations and courageous expressions of vulnerability. It is as if I am sharing myself with another person even if I am the only one who will ever read it. And when I do this daily and follow up on fulfilled or unfulfilled commitments from the day before, I create powerful accountability with myself. There is no hiding out because I am watching when no one else is.

For years, I made little promises to myself to complete tasks and be a better person. Since I didn’t always share these goals with people, no one else knew if I did them or not because I never told anyone what I was up to. And if I did share a goal with someone, I could either avoid them or make excuses for why it didn’t happen. But when journaling is accompanied with daily follow-up, it’s impossible for me to lie to myself. I can’t look away.

I find journaling in the morning to be essential for me to be my personal best. I encourage you to do it this way too. It allows you to design your entire day before life shows up with obligations and distractions. Even if it’s solely with your positive attitude and intentions, you minimize the chances of being at the mercy of how the day unfolds. You create instead of react. From the healthy foods you will eat to how you will lovingly treat yourself and others throughout the day, you control it all. Simply write it all down and live into your purpose for the day.

Since adding journaling to my morning routine, I am more focused than ever. What I produce daily is incredible. And most importantly I am living in a more connected and honest way with myself. This has expanded my capacity to love. I encourage you to journal daily. It keeps you honest and on track with being your personal best.

Keith