Historically I have been terrible at journaling, recording my thoughts or taking time to reflect in any formal way. I constantly desire progress, to get better personally and for any organization I work with to improve. However, that rarely took on any formal reflective activity, only fleeting thoughts. Then, when working with a mentor, he laid out the expectation that I journal every day. This was a requirement of working together. I begrudgingly acquiesced. He even checked in, looking at my entries to ensure I was keeping up my part of the bargain.

Now, more than 2 years later, I am absolutely hooked. I mostly reflect on my leadership journey, its challenges and victories. The key to my addiction is that I find great value in reflecting day in and day out on the challenges of the moment. I find that it is during this time that I generate the most action items regarding leadership development. It is uncanny how this brief investment in time provides such benefit for myself and those around me. I seek a quiet moment, typically towards the end of the day to create my entry. Simultaneously I keep my action item list open and add to it as ideas pop up.

For posterity’s sake I will often throw a comment into my journal about what my kids are doing, something they said or we did together. Chances are good these will be some of the most reaffirming items in the journal over the long run.

Begin journaling for yourself and for the good of those around you!