Posted by Richard White @RWhiteAuthor
As an author we know that some of our writing comes from what started as a
Journal. Sometimes it was a journal we were using to write down the things we
deal with in life. A gratitude journal or something similar. Before we knew it
those journals transformed into something good, then something great; A book.
who knew we had it in us. Today I would like to share the acronym Journaling.
If you are struggling and need some coaching in life. here is something, you may want to try.
Keeping a journal can be useful for many different reasons, including as a life coaching exercise. Daily journaling facilitates reflection and can spark useful brainstorming about how to better strive toward your goals. Coaches can help ensure that their clients’ journaling is helpful by providing some guidance.
To guide your client in effective journaling, use can use the handy JOURNAL acronym (Coach Federation, 2013):
- J – Judgement-free
Encourage your clients to write whatever is in their heart. This journal is personal, private, and a safe space to express their thoughts and feelings. - O – Observation
Journaling is an excellent opportunity for clients to step into an observer role. Instruct your clients to write down things that happen to them and spend some time thinking about how they interpret them. - U – Understanding
Piggybacking off of observation, what we observe can help us reach understanding about ourselves. How we perceive what happens to us is more important than what actually happens to us, and observing how we think can help us understand our own thought patterns, which can lead to effective management of our thoughts and behaviors. - R – Revelation
This process can often lead to revelations about our desires, our dreams, our goals, and aspirations. Journaling can help us get in touch with our core selves. - N – Needs Assessment
Keeping a daily journal makes it easier to notice problems and potential solutions, as the simple act of writing something down can make it seem simpler and clearer. Keeping everything bottled up can be extremely harmful, and just putting pen to paper can sometimes be all that is needed to release some pressure. - A – Awareness
Writing down your experiences helps your client to take a wider perspective on his or her life, as well as reminding them of problem areas and things they have to be grateful for. Raising awareness of these areas is the first step towards making the necessary changes and appreciating what they have. - L – Life
Quality Journaling is known to be an effective way to de-stress and decrease anxiety. Just a few minutes a day can have a major impact on health and happiness.
Start a Gratitude Journal
A gratitude journal is, quite simply, a tool to keep track of the good things in life. No matter how difficult and defeating life can sometimes feel, there is always something to feel grateful for. So start yours today.