Yesterday I called Shane. He saw me speak a few years ago in North Dakota. Shane is interested in starting a speaking career. I gave him some advice about creating a problem-solving brand. It was a fun conversation.
One thing that I recommended to Shawn was that he start keeping a journal so he can capture special moments in his talks, perhaps when he says something that goes over well with an audience or when something goes wrong that he wants to remember to avoid. He told me that would be no problem because he journals regularly.
Here’s the kicker: I brought up the subject of journaling because I just started doing it a few weeks ago! I spend at least 10 minutes every day, whether I feel like it or not, writing down what has happened to me or what I’m feeling or what my goals are. There is no right or wrong method or entry when it comes to keeping a journal. That’s one thing that is refreshing about it.
Given an ever popular “do over” one thing I would have done way before now is journaling. I’ve written many articles and books, etc. but it’s not the same as spending a few moments every day putting your thoughts into words. Because of my profession I have had thousands of unusual experiences. I would love to be able to peruse through a few now and learn from them. Well, I will have many more and this time they will be more than just a fleeting experience.
Try it. Keeping a journal helps with stress, makes you a better problem solver and after a bit–feels good. I’m digging it now. (I journal using www.penzu.com. It’s an inexpensive on-line journaling service. You get a virtual journal that looks like the hard-copy version with a cover a paper with lines. I like it.)
If you keep a journal I’d love some advice or just tell me how’s it has helped you. I’m still new at it.
‘till next time.
Richard
