The Power of Keeping One Journal Every Year
Four worthwhile reasons why you should keep a journal
When I die, I want my kids to read my journals. But since neither dying nor kids happened yet, they’re just my personal collection.
I keep journals as time capsules for my thoughts, experiences, and growth. I visit them whenever I face breakthroughs and even when I feel lost. They reveal the hues of my self-reflection — from the tender shades of naivety to the deeper, introspective tones of experience.
Now, I know what some of you might be thinking: Keeping a journal requires a lot of effort and consistency.
Yes, I won’t deny it. But let me tell you this.
If you’re anything like me, someone who tends to overthink stuff, and if you’re on this journey of becoming a better version of yourself, then this effort will be worthwhile.
Here’s why.
1. Cherish the present moment.
I always hear this quote: Count your blessings.
But when life happens, we forget. Not that we take things for granted on purpose, but our thoughts could get crowded up there.
It’s like looking at photographs. Those fleeting moments we made permanent by simply pressing the shutter button? It’s a way for us to cherish that moment. But the feelings we get when looking at those pictures? They change, they fade.
Over time, we forget exactly what we thought and felt in those precious moments. But when you write those down in a journal, it’s locked away forever.
So when you face adversities in your life, and you’re struggling to find the “silver lining,” revisit your journal. You’ll be reminded of your blessings exactly how you felt that day you received them.
2. Make the most out of your thoughts.
I can’t count how often I’ve stayed up all night, reliving the past and imagining the future. If you have a hyperactive brain, it would take several more twists and turns to quiet down your thoughts. Iykyk.
Do yourself a favor — turn overthinking into writing. Writing down your thoughts brings clarity that creates a tangible structure. Instead of mental torture, you can turn that into an action plan instead.
For example, if you’re feeling frustrated about your current circumstances, your brain might be telling you to change your approach to achieve your goal. Remember — our emotions are action signals.
Don’t be a prisoner of your own thoughts. Write them down and regain control.
3. Track progress and achievements.
This is my second favorite reason why I continue keeping journals. I like to see results. But when results seem delayed, I take comfort in seeing progress.
I create habit trackers so I can visually measure my progress through consistency. Some efforts failed, but some still shaped who I am today. The important takeaway is to always strive for progress.
Over the years, you’ll remember how you ticked off your past financial goals and career goals. You’ll also see progress in the way you talk to yourself. So, if you cringe at your past self — congratulations! That means you’ve outgrown, and you’ve become better.
4. Find proof of breaking limiting beliefs.
In one journal entry in 2018, I wrote a rant about my frustrations about my career. I said:
I’ll never get out of this job. I’ll be sitting in front of my computer doing routine work. Because I’m mediocre.
Cringe.
This is my favorite reason why I continue to journal. Every time I see journal entries that make me cringe, I feel like I’ve won. Seeing how your self-talk and mindset evolve with experience is a wonder.
Five years since that entry, I’ve resigned from that job. I still sit in front of my computer that isn’t routine work. And I continuously brainwash myself that I’m a champion.
See yourself break your own limiting beliefs from an outsider’s view. Extrapolate that to your future endeavors. If you did it before, you can do it again.
Journals might seem like a chore, but trust me, they’re worth it.
From cherishing your best moments to getting a grip on your thoughts, tracking your progress, and proving your doubts wrong — journals are like that secret ingredient that makes self-improvement taste even better.
So why not give it a shot? Your future self might thank you for it ❤
