Journaling. A valuable tool for self-reflection and personal growth

My journey began in 2017 when a colleague shared her experience with personal journaling. She described it as a sanctuary where she could be completely honest with herself, free from judgement.

Today, revisiting my entry dated 16 May 2017, titled “What am I Avoiding?”, in it i listed several things including completing a board paper, having difficult conversations with the sales team, attending coaching sessions and speaking to a colleague due to fear of ridicule.
I had  just gone through a challenging performance discussion with my supervisor. As the saying goes, the rest is history. Looking back, I realize that the simple act of writing honestly about my fears became the first step towards overcoming them.
I am currently reading “The Wealth Money Can’t Buy” by Robin Sharma. In the chapter on Growth, he includes a memoir titled “It’s Wise to Keep a Journal” and notes that ; “It promotes wise behavior”.

This simple sentence resonated deeply because I have experienced its benefits. journaling helped me identify practical action points ,over time it has naturally evolved into goal setting. Many of the insights gained have shaped my journey to becoming the coach and the leader I am today.

Benefits of Journaling

• Clarifies Thoughts: Writing down your aspirations, dreams, frustrations, disappointments, and intentions helps clarify your thoughts. The process of thinking and writing embeds these reflections more deeply, making it easier to act on them.
• Acts as a catalyst for personal growth and change. By writing about your thoughts and feelings, you gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your motivations. This self-awareness can lead to positive changes in your life, such as improved relationships, greater self-confidence and increased productivity.
• It also bolsters emotional intelligence. Writing in a trusted private space allows you to be honest about your true self, both strengths and weaknesses. Over time, you will notice recurring patterns in your thoughts, behaviours and relationships, which become opportunities for growth.
• Journaling nurtures gratitude. In a world often fixated on negativity and pessimism, it reminds us to appreciate the positive aspects of life. As Max Ehrmann wisely wrote in Desiderata: “With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.” By recording your blessings, no matter how small, you cultivate gratitude and shift your perspective towards abundance rather than scarcity.
• Finally, journaling promotes healing. Robin Sharma emphasises that ” writing about your hurts in a journal provides a safe space to process through them to a release”.
• Begin with a single page and write honestly. Consistency is key.

Years from now, you may look back and realise that the life you enjoy today began with a simple question scribbled on a blank page: “What am I avoiding?”

By Francisca Korir.