One Simple Trick to Make Your Day Ten Times Better
The first thing I do each morning is make my wife a cup of espresso because she needs it to live but can’t make it herself. Next, I meditate. And, the third thing I do is journal. I guess that makes journaling the third most important activity for maintaining my existence. Here’s why you should pick up the practice of journaling.
Set Your Intentions for the Day
I usually write for about 20 minutes each morning. I devote part of that time to outlining what I want to achieve for the day. I also think and write about what I need to do to achieve those goals. My list usually includes mundane tasks, like writing a review or buying more hemorrhoid cream, as well as how I want to conduct myself, such as not raising my voice or keeping my pants on until the sun sets.
Think about What You Are Grateful for
The Five Minute Journal uses positive psychology to start your day off happy. When you focus on the good in your life, you tend to feel better and improve your mental well-being. Even if you don’t buy this journal, take some of your journaling time to think about how grateful you are to be alive (unless you’re a ghost or a zombie) and how grateful you are to have the people who are in your life.
Practice Affirmations
Regardless of how you feel about Scott Adams, the creator of Dilbert, he had some interesting insights into daily affirmations on The Tim Ferriss Show podcast. Basically, he talked about how he thought daily affirmations were a sham until he tried it out for himself and was blown away. You may be able to change your future by envisioning it in detail. It doesn’t hurt to give it a try as you journal.
Work Out Thoughts that Are Weighing Heavily upon You
It’s hard to have a productive day when you have a bunch of mental baggage weighing you down. So, unload it before you even get started. You will find that as you write about what is running through your head, you will look at it from a different perspective and perhaps find some answers or plans of action to tackle any issues you might have.
Write about Whatever You Want: I Really Don’t Care
You don’t have to write about any of the stuff I mentioned. You can use the time to write platonic love letters to me, whatever helps you get your day started off on the right foot.
Do you have experience with journaling? Mind telling us about it? Comment below!
