"Self-awareness involves deep personal honesty. It comes from asking and answering hard questions." ~ Stephen Covey

Journaling provides the opportunity to document this personal honesty. The writing is a safe space to develop self-awareness through analysis of our answers. The answers will include clear action steps. Some will be terrifying.

Starting a journal is easy. Consistency is hard. Implementing the self-imposed actions is brutal.

You may duck actions items during the Monday meeting. However, a journal delivers a boatload of actions you own. Taking the next step to validate your start-up idea; yours. Telling Dad you want to change your major, again; yours. Telling your partner the relationship is over; yep, yours. Convincing your Mom it is time to consider assisted living is all yours.

What change or action have you taken as a result of journaling?

How has your journaling practice enhanced your self-awareness?

What specific action, derived from journaling, are you avoiding?

A new problem rarely requires an immediate solution. Our big problems stew for a while because they are uncomfortable to address head-on. Taking time to work through an issue delivers perspective. Your journaling practice becomes the regular forum to noodle through the way forward and clarify your position. Besides, a journal is far cheaper than buying drinks at the local pub to counsel with the bartender.

How does journaling contribute goodness to your life?

What actionable conclusions are you struggling to implement; why?