By Kim Ades
Journaling to get you the things you want? I know. It sounds flaky. Like one of those peace, love, and rock- and- roll ideas from the 60s. But the funny thing is that it works! It even has a solid explanation to support the rationale behind the power of journaling, and is being
used by tens of thousands of people across the world. In fact, many of the most successful people in the world are avid journalors - Oprah is a great example!
So how can journaling actually get you the things you want? Here’s how it works…
There is a basic principle in the theory of thought management that states WHAT YOU FOCUS ON GROWS. The problem with that principle is that most people have no conscious idea of what they are focusing on. It happens so fast, so naturally, so instinctively, and at such a subconscious level, that unless we slow it down and deliberately examine our thinking, it takes place without our awareness. The result is that most of us are growing things randomly, without any consideration for the things that we are really trying to expand, experience, or have in our lives. We are reactive and have a tendency to focus on what’s in front of us, even if what’s in front of us is not at all what we really want.
When something bad happens, we give it our full attention. We moan and groan, and form ideas about why that bad thing happened and continue our lives with a set of destructive beliefs about why bad things happen. Those destructive beliefs end up playing a dominating role in our interactions and experiences, and color the lens through which we see life. We learn to operate with a negative film over our perspective of the world.
Here’s where journaling steps in. The journaling process allows you to slow down your thinking and SEE your beliefs in writing. Journaling allows you to put down what’s in your head, giving you the opportunity to examine your thoughts and beliefs and become aware of what you are focusing on. Once you become conscious of what you are focusing on, you can begin to choose what you want to focus on with much more purpose and intention. This process enables you to distinguish between the dark film you are wearing and the real desires, hopes and wishes of your life. It’s a mind blowing process for self-awareness, and can have a huge effect on turning the tide of your life. When it’s done with a coach, the impact is even deeper and more profound.
I typically use this expression to guide my clients when they ask me how they should journal:
“DUMP, DUMP, AND THEN DUMP THE DUMP.”
The translation is that a journal is an ideal place to rid oneself of all the negative, repetitive, and gnawing thoughts, no matter how small or inconsequential, that consume the mind and take away from enjoying all the wonderful things that life has to offer. When something is on your mind or something is bothering you, write it down. When you think that you are done, keep writing and completely free yourself of the burden of the negative thoughts invading your mind. After you are entirely done and feel like you have fully been able to release the worries, fears, insecurities, and stresses related to that issue, write down the following words, “It’s time to turn myself around ” and begin to journal about how you would rather things be in your life.
WHAT YOU FOCUS ON GROWS. Imagine focusing more on what you want? Imagine noticing how many things are already right in the world. Imagine thriving in your current well-being and spending more and more of your thinking hours appreciating all the wealth in your life? Imagine your mood! Imagine the skip in your step! Imagine your glow! Imagine all the cool and awesome things that come your way when you radiate! Imagine getting all those things you really, truly want!
The article “Journaling to Get You the Things You Want” was originally posted on the blog for the International Coach Academy on August 12, 2011.
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