As we entered 2019, I set out on a mission to journal everyday for the year; 365 days of writing my thoughts, passions, fears, desires, etc. As I started, my goal was to journal for 40 consecutive days, just enough to make it a habit. After achieving my goal of 40 consecutive days, I was excited and decided to create another goal: 100 consecutive days. This was more of a challenge because sometimes I just didn’t know what to write about. 

 

To help overcome that, I created a simple framework that helped me focus my writing efforts. The point of the framework was to keeping me writing so I wouldn’t be able to say “I don’t know what to journal about.” The simple framework consisted of just a few ideas to start my writing: spiritual thoughts, ideas about leadership, research within my field of work, experiences or thoughts I wanted to share, fears about a challenge I was facing, or just a recap of what happened yesterday. Each of my journal entries can be any combination of these subjects, just depending on what was in my head.

 

In April of 2019, I hit my goal of 100 consecutive days of journaling (you can read about that here). I was shocked; I couldn’t believe that I did it. ONE HUNDRED DAYS. That was incredible. Not only had journaling become a habit but it became something that I looked forward to each day. It was my outlet for sharing some of the crazy that was in my head. Some days it was deep with thought and other days it was light and shallow. It didn’t matter; the point was I was writing each day. 

 

After hitting my 100 day goal, I decided to stretch myself even farther: let’s target 365 days, an entire year. What, 365 consecutive days? That’s crazy! It was defiantly a stretch for me; but, after 100 days, what’s a few more? And, journaling had become part of my daily routine and I was enjoying it. 365 days was within reach! 

I’m happy to report that I have achieved a consecutive 365 days of journaling. 365 days of my life in five small Focus Journal notebooks. Details of my successes, failures, joy, excitement, dreams, passions, fears … you name it, all jotted down in blocked letters with a fine point Sharpie pen. It was one of the best creative releases I’ve ever had. Some days were more challenging than others but overall, it was a great experience. I am so glad I was able to do it. 

 

What’s next for me? Well, I am taking the month of January off from journaling; just for a little refresher. Then, in February, I’ll pick it back up. But this time, rather than journaling daily, I am going to focus on a more in-depth, weekly journal. This will allow me to write with a heightened focus and really hone in on my creativity. I’m really looking forward to this new chapter of my journaling life.