Just google “why journal” and you’ll end up with a boatload of articles on the power of journaling. It’s known to boost your immune system, improve overall health, and help with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD. 

But even if you’re not experiencing serious health and emotional challenges, journaling can still benefit you. Personally I’ve experienced these transformations:

1. Getting unstuck.

Every creative goes through periods where he feels “stuck”. I’ve certainly been there. Plenty of times. Before, I would let the panic set in fast and furiously, but now that I’m more attuned to these cycles, I turn to my toolbox for help.

One of these techniques is to journal every single day. Until I hit a breakthrough. It never fails.

2. Getting organized

For me, this type of journaling involves list-making and checkboxes. As simple as that.

3. Gaining positivity

Each night, I crack open my gratitude journal and write down 3 things I’m grateful. Over time, it’s become a treasured ritual and helps me process the day and end it on a positive note before I drift off to sleep.        

4. Achieving a healthier lifestyle

I’ll admit I’m not great at this one. I started a fitness journal when I was training for a marathon several years ago but that fizzled out as soon as the event was over. But it did keep me honest during my training so it’s definitely worth a go.

5. Problem-solving. Gain clarity.

When I’m wrestling with a problem, I journal about it. Eventually it will lead to some level of clarity Not necessarily an immediate solution, but after battling it out on paper, I usually end up with an action or next step to take. 

6. Visualize the future.

What do you daydream about? One of my go-to prompts for journaling is to imagine my dream future.

Write about a day in your future from the time you wake up and include all the details you can think of. Your morning rituals, the cup holding your steaming coffee… just let the words flow.

Visualizing your desires is a powerful tool to helping you achieve your goals. Don’t get me wrong, visualization doesn’t replace hard work. But what it does is help you focus on your goals and programs your brain to start collecting the resources needed to get closer to achieving them.