Write It Down Wednesday! Why Journaling is So Effective

"It's not my job to entertain anyone in my diary."

 

I've been journaling my entire life. In middle school, I would plan out my outfits for the week and write them in my planner so that I didn't repeat any outfits. I write literally everything down. It proves to be effective for me. 

 

When some think of the word "journal", one may be led to assume that you have to be a bonafide writer or either a mushy introvert that just hides behind their words. Both can be far from the truth. 

 

Journaling has very real mental and physical health benefits for those who do it. 

 

In the book, The Power of Habit, Charles Duhigg describes a term called keystone habits. Keystone habits are small changes or habits that people introduce into their routines that unintentionally carry over into other aspects of their lives. 

For example, you may start exercising once a week, which in return encourages you to start eating better and drinking more water. As you add those habits, you may stop smoking or drinking alcohol. 

 

Once you acquire a keystone habit your entire life will shift. Keystone habits create a positive chain reaction in your life. The better it gets, the better it gets. 

 

Journaling is one of the most powerful keystone habits that you can acquire. 

Here are a few reasons why journaling is so effective.

Journaling sparks your creativity.

Successful people think about the way that they think. They intentionally direct their subconscious mind while they are sleeping by journaling before bed. 

Journaling helps you to tap into higher realms of clarity, learning, and creativity. 

 

Journaling helps you to manifest your goals quickly.

As you focus on your written goals daily, they will become imprinted in your subconscious mind. Once the seed is planted, it has no choice but to manifest. Reading your goals daily allows you to direct your energy on the goals that you are tying to accomplish, as opposed to lower level concerns. 

 

Journaling is a beautiful and power facilitator of self-discovery. 

Not only will you have better clarity on what you want and do not want in life, you will be better able to identify what needs to be removed and replaced. In your journal you are creating your future self and life. You deserve to be happy. Journaling helps you to figure out how to obtain happiness. 

 

Journaling helps you to retain important information. 

Most people forget what they read and hear. When you journal, you retain the information far better. The simple act of writing something down increases your brain development and memory. 

 

Journaling increases your gratitude. 

When you write what you are grateful for, you continue to attract more things and experiences to be grateful for. This in return allows you to shift your mentality from scarcity thinking to abundance thinking. 

Gratitude is the most powerful force. There is always something to be thankful for. 

 

Journaling unfolds the writer in you. 

Writers write. Point blank period. My three books are a result of two years of journaling. One day I decided to just type up everything that I had written into a word document. There were about five journals full of information that I had been researching and thinking over the years. The topics and sources of information came from:

• personal discussions
• church sermons and bible study notes
• documentaries
• youtube videos
• interviews
• audiobooks
• podcasts
• song lyrics
• pretty much anything that caught my attention and resonated with my spirit

Once I finished typing all of the notes from my journals, I had enough information to write three books! I self published all three on the same day, 11.11.16. 

 

 

Do you think journaling would be a good keystone habit for you? Here are a few tips to help you get started"

Get used to the pen again.

Seeing your goals written in your own handwriting has a powerful effect on your subconscious mind. 

 

Keep it private and secure.

In order to be completely effective, its imperative to maintain secrecy. You must feel free to write the things that you wouldn't even share with your best friend. 

 

Pray for clarity and inspirations.

Taking 10-15 minutes to meditate 

 

Start by using journaling prompts. 

 

Spark your creativity by asking yourself some thought provoking questions or prompts such as:

My perfect life is...

What does an ideal relationship look like for me?

My favorite ____________

 

Most importantly, do what works for YOU!

 

Good vibes,

 

Ebony <3