Some people shy away from the desire to be “successful” at their career. A lot of the time there are fears around failure and mishap, pride and arrogance, discipline and distraction. Before we talk about the benefits of journaling for success, we have to define what success really looks like.
Envision your Ideal Future
In a world that is persistently reminding us to be in the moment, it’s important to remember that there is nothing wrong with planning for your future. In fact it’s essential to have a vision for your life because that can give you a sense of purpose. It can support you through the hard times and the slumps.
The problem is when your future self takes precedence over your present health and well being. Killing yourself for a career that you have no interest in is very different from applying all your strength and energy to something you love and dream about every day. In fact, it’s best to continuously consider where your passion lies so that you don’t fall victim to the trap of “hard work for hard work’s sake”. Make sure you are working towards something that represents you as a person. Then move with conviction and determination towards that goal.
As much as we love the stories of people who quit their 80-hour-a-week jobs to live out in the woods, the idea is not to have to come to that. If you are working yourself to the bone, and let’s face it, that will be the case sometimes, you’d better be doing exactly what you love and value. By revisiting your vision for the future again and again, you are reminding yourself what is important to you. You are making sure each step is towards something that will bring you true joy.
Create a Vision Page
To begin your discovery, I recommend creating a vision page in your journal. It is similar to the vision board, but it takes up much less space. Your vision page should be simple, but pleasing to look at. It should include inspiring images related to your aspirations. If success means getting your law degree, or becoming a dancer, or finishing your doctorate in history, use an image that encompasses that success. If it means owning your own home, then cut out or draw a house that appeals to you. The idea is that this page not only represents your inner desires, but also encourages you to move forward.
If you are against the vision page, then another option is to write a letter to your future self, congratulating yourself on the certain dreams that you are now working towards. This letter is not the kind that you leave in your journal and forget about. It’s one that you should return to every now and then to reinvoke that passion.:
Journaling Prompts For Your “Vision” of Success
1. What sorts of things did you include in your vision page/letter? Why are these important to you?
2. What drives you in your continued education and career?
3. Does success have to be accompanied with a big paycheck for you? What are the other sources for your life-satisfaction?
4. What are you willing to sacrifice to make your success a reality? What are you not willing to sacrifice?
Simplify Your Life
The minimalist era is probably the healthiest thing to come out of this century so far. When you want to design your future, you can’t be distracted by the heaps of mementos and toys closing in around you. You need a clear writing space and a clear working space. You also need a clear mind space.
The mental purge is as important as the physical one. You really cannot expect to succeed when your attention is spread too thinly between too many passions. Masters of their craft know how to tune in to their work and tune out of everything else. Relinquish your grip on games and apps that distract you. Limit your interactions with social media and entertainment sites. Learn to be at peace with not knowing exactly what’s happening out in the world, and you will gain confidence to move at your own pace and perfect your craft in your own time and space.
Make Space
Set yourself up for journaling success by making space for your projects. Prioritize tasks by clearing time on your schedule for them. Wherever possible, allocate certain tasks to other teammates and coworkers so that you can take on greater aspects of the job. If this is a solo project, then ask for support from your loved ones and roommates with chores and house rules so that you can work with a relaxed mind, unfettered by outside obligations.
Journaling Prompts to Prepare For Success
1. Design an ideal daily and weekly (and monthly if you can) schedule. Use a day planner or bullet journal to plot out what tasks and goals you need to finish each day. What are your priorities and what are your distractions? What will happen if these two things get mixed up?
2. How do you feel in a messy office? In a messy home? How will purging your material world help to keep you focused? How will clearing up mental space keep you focused?
3. What happens to other obligations and relationships when you prioritize success at work or school? How should you express your needs to your loved ones and how can you maintain a healthy family and social life?
Actually Manage your Time
Sometimes we confuse making a schedule with keeping one. We confuse making a plan with following through. Every single person is capable of keeping a disciplined time table that will bring them personal satisfaction and a feeling of success. Once you have a clear idea of what success looks like for you, you need to commit to yourself.
This is never about inflicting pain for the sake of progress. It is always about the natural desire to be of service to the world as only we can. It is about returning again and again to the habits that empower and encourage you. Whenever you notice yourself slipping away from the task at hand, gently remind yourself what will be of most benefit in this moment.
Sometimes, rest is necessary to recharge our batteries. I suggest creating a manageable time table that includes time for relaxation and entertainment so that you don’t feel like you are forcing those pleasures out of your life. Wherever possible, try to multitask your pleasures also, i.e. listen to audiobooks while exercising, or play video games as part of your family time.
When it’s time to work, work for a solid 30 minutes and then take a 10 minute break. If that’s too easy, or if you’re in the flow state, extend the time for uninterrupted work, but never disregard your need for down time. Refer to your planner every now again and record how long you worked on a project so that you get an idea of how productive you can be even in short bursts like this. You’ll find that the more aware you are of your work habits and your productivity level, the less likely you are to be confused about why something did or did not get done.
Journal Prompts for Productivity
- How long does it take you to get ready before you settle down to work each day? Include making breakfast/exercise/family chores/meetings etc. What exactly goes into your preparation phase each day and where are you losing time? Find three solutions to streamline your schedule.
- How long do you find your attention span lasts on average? What are your regular distractions and what solutions exist for you? If your attention lasts less than a half hour, how are you able to get it back? How can you format your work period to keep things interesting to you? I.e. work on two tasks at a time and switch between them, work in a group setting, incorporate physical activity, or creativity into your day.
Learn to Learn from the Greats
There is a difference between being inspired by the masters and actually taking their advice. Read the books of great entrepreneurs, take their masterclasses, really absorb their words and put their lessons into practice. You’ll find that those who are truly successful are the ones who have found a solution to real problems, big or small. Their methods can introduce you to innovative thinking. Your job is never to reinvent Facebook or Amazon, your job is to find solutions to a problem that you see, and you can increase your chances for success by journaling about the ones who came before you.
Journaling Prompts to Learn From Success
- Who are your idols/mentors and what can you read/learn about them? Write about their work and its influence on you.
- How does taking time to learn improve your ability to create later on?
Don’t be afraid to take time to learn. It’s good to work for other people. I worked for others for 20 years. They paid me to learn.
Vera Wang
Take Risks
Success is a lousy teacher. It seduces smart people into thinking they can’t lose.
Bill Gates
This graphic has been popping up all over the internet, and for good reason. It depicts the gradual progression out into the world with whatever product or idea you’ve created. It shows the setbacks and the learning curves we each must overcome on our personal journey. Notice the core values of setting goals and finding purpose because those aspects help you maintain the drive it takes to outlast failure and despair.
Building up your charisma and your confidence requires a lot of trial and error, a lot of failure and reflection. Use your journal like your personal consultant, your confidant. Relay what works and what doesn’t, brainstorm new avenues to get yourself seen and heard, and keep track of the different chances you’ve been taking and how it all goes for you.
Be Honest With Yourself
Remember, unless you learn what you are doing wrong, you won’t be able to adjust your process and your presentation. You have to be willing to adapt to the changing markets and tastes, and at the same time you need to stay true to your core values. So reflect on each risk and every challenge, including the emotions and thoughts that come up for you.
The risk you take may be monetary, or it may mean putting yourself out there before you know how you’ll be received. Whatever that risk is, if you aren’t willing to step into this space, then you need to explore what’s holding you back. Fear is a natural step towards progress, but if it’s crippling you, then take smaller steps out of your comfort zone. Some people can just go for things fully the first time, others need a gentler path.
The more conscious you become of your process, the more freedom you gain to branch out. Your journal is your soothsayer. It is your guardian angel. There is nothing standing in the way of your success except ignorance and indifference. Value your vision and the benefit you believe you can bring to the world. Make your success real by journaling about it, by envisioning it again and again, trying new things and acquiring new perspectives. All along the way, trust in your ability to succeed. Trust in your personal journey.
Journaling Prompts for Success:
- What are some of your fears around taking risks? Where can you find courage and what helps you to step into those fears?
- What do you want to remind yourself if and when you do face failure or rejection?
- What are your strengths, gifts and talents and how do you use them to feel successful in your everyday life? How can you use them to create greater success in your future?