While the world still benefits from reading the journal young Holocaust victim Anne Frank wrote while hiding with her family during World War II, many forget that Anne also benefited — just from writing it. During unstable times, it gave her comfort, offered routine and gave her an outlet to express her ideas, feelings and dreams. For similar reasons and quite a bit more, journaling for business is a rapidly growing idea, encouraged by business coaches and leaders everywhere and espoused in business publications like Forbes Magazine and The Harvard Business Review. The benefits of journaling are myriad and impact not only your personal growth path but your bottom line as well.
Focus and Clarity
The demands of work are often overwhelming and jumping hurdles all day can leave even the most successful business leader drained and a bit confused. Journaling the day’s events for as little as ten minutes a day can help you process information and gain clarity to make next steps. It also helps you stay on track; when you notice you’re writing about projects and plans that aren’t on your week’s agenda, it’s time to direct your focus to those things that are.
Discovery and Self-Awareness
The self-aware leader is a trusted leader, unhindered by blind spots or inaccurate perceptions. According to The Harvard Business Review, business journal writers often discover helpful truth about themselves like one who noted that his writings revealed a pessimistic tone he hadn’t realized himself. Using this knowledge, he was able to practice more optimism, increasing the power of his business relationships. Keeping a journal can also help you discover both weak and strong business practices, helping you make needed changes in your strategy.
Patience and Productivity
If heavy time constraints are often a challenge for you and your patience level, the business journal can come to the rescue again. By reviewing the time frames of past achievements and projects, you gain a reality check, helping you stay patient until the time comes to finally reap your reward. Another benefit of tracking your progress? The reminder gives you the encouraging boost you need time and time again to keep doing what you’re doing and working hard.