It’s easy to get down on ourselves. It’s easy to start believing that everything we do, say, and are is wrong.

It’s easy to second-guess our decisions and to believe that the better choice was the one that we did NOT make.

However I have discovered that if you want to stop thinking you suck and build trust in yourself, then you should be doing this one thing.

You should be journaling.

Journaling provides Clarity

I have a lot running through my head. I have a lot of ideas and thoughts running through my mind. Nothing provides me more clarity than to see those thoughts and ideas out on paper.

Those thoughts that can quickly bring me to the downward spiral become more tangible and more real.

Often when I see the thoughts on paper, the path becomes clearer rather than going down the rabbit hole into the miry pit.

Journaling provides a venue to be honest and raw with yourself. Once you are able to do this, then your mind will become clear and you will be able to receive the answers that you need.

Journaling Leaves Clues and provides patterns

Most of us are going around the same mountains over and over again. They may look different on the surface but they are the same mountains of: low confidence, low self worth, settling, struggling, etc.

When you journal you begin to see the clues and patterns not only for failure but for success

As a Fitness Trainer, I tell people “You can’t change what you don’t track.” Once you begin to track your behaviors you will begin to see clues and patterns which will give you an upper hand when it comes to decision making. Something changes when you begin to acknowledge these patterns and clues.

You become proactive instead of reactive.

Journaling reminds you of past wins and what you have already accomplished

Sometimes when I am feeling down on myself for not being where I think I should be, I revisit old journal entries or my “What I want to do” lists.

I recently went through a period where I was down on myself about not being further along in my career.

I came across a list I made two years ago entitled: What I would do if I wasn’t afraid.

I have accomplished most of the things on the list and many of the projects are either off the ground or in development.

It reminds you that you CAN accomplish your goals and this helps to build your confidence.

Journaling reminds you that life is a journey and not a destination

When I look back on some of my old journal entries, I cringe.

It’s so embarrassing to see my mindset, what I was doing, and what I was focusing on.

The fact that I cringe indicates that I have grown and that I am moving forward.

It also helps me not to forget where I came from and that I didn’t always have the insight I have now.

Some of the things that I was concerned about or wanted would have led to my destruction and I am glad that things did not work out but I would have forgotten where I used to be if I did not have a written record.

Journaling provides you with you material to help others

We love biographies and biopics because they let us in (somewhat) on the behind the scenes journey of others. We see the peaks, the valleys, the triumphs, the losses, and everything in between. It confirms that our heroes are indeed human.

Be your own autobiographer and keep a written record of your journey. Not only will it inspire you but having a record of your journey that you can reflect on, will help others because you can point to old stories and situations that you may have forgotten about to teach life lessons.

Tips for Getting Started with Journaling

  1. You don’t have to get fancy or you can be fancy: A regular Composition book will do! However, sometimes people feel more motivated if they have a fun journal to write in. Find what works for you.
  2. Set the mood: Sometimes I like to listen to music when I journal and sometimes I like it quiet. Depends on my mood. Some people like aromatherapy while they journal. Find what works for you.
  3. Pick a time of day and Write for 10 minutes: I don’t care what you write about. Just set the timer on your phone and write for 10 minutes about whatever you want to write about. Most people waste too much time trying to decide what to write about…just put some words down on paper. What happened today? How did you feel about it?
  4. Start crafting your master plan in your journal: Where do you want to be 6 months from now? 12 months from now? What do you want? Write it down….no matter how ridiculous it seems. It’s there for a reason.
  5. Be Consistent: Write every day if you can. Do a 30 day Journal Challenge. I’ve had my clients do this and the amount of clarity they gain is amazing. If you’re interested in doing this, then e-mail me: geneva@fiercelyfitlifestyle.com

Journaling will help bring all of those thoughts in your head into living color on the page and help you realize that you really don’t suck!