Write Your Big Bold Idea Into Life

Journaling is something that I always just did. I started this practice in grade school. My first dairy was the size of my palm with an attached tab which wrapped from the back to the front housing a tiny lock. Under this lock and key my words were safe. Or so I thought until my father found my “dairy”. He didn’t like what he read and so, one day I came home from school to find him burning it. I regret the loss of those documented experiences to this day – but it hasn’t deterred me from keeping one.

Since those early days, journaling has become a daily practice. I’ve experienced the mediative power of it. By using my words to map out days, visualize dreams and jot down ideas – I see how thoughts and words have given clarity to how I’ve lived my life. All the journals that I’ve written I’ve kept. I’m often asked if I reread them – and I do. They contain great ideas – either my own or those by others, quotes, dreams and progress made (or not).
My practice of journaling has evolved over the decades. As an adult, unlike those grade school days when my pages were filled with feelings and childlike thoughts, my journal is my most powerful tool. It keeps me focused, and provides a check and balance keeping me on track.

There are a lot of things that compete for my attention. It’s often hard to stay on task which leaves me feeling like I’ve achieved nothing by the end of a day. I use my journaling time to set goals with purpose. I’ve learned to make a list of three things that I need to get done daily. Unlike a “to do” list, these are those tasks that will propel my idea, business or life forward. For example, invoicing a client is what I call a housekeeping task. But, connecting with a potential client is what I call a “highly leveraged activity” (HLA). I make my HLA list at the end of each day in preparation for the next day. In this way, I know the direction my tomorrow needs to head before it begins. I use this list to refer to throughout the day when I feel like I’m losing focus. It also feels good to check-off my HLAs as they are completed.

I heard the term HLA years ago from a retired real estate mogul when I asked him what his key to success was. He shared that every day he wrote down three things that he needed to do to move his business forward. His “to do” list including personal and leisure activities had to wait until the HLAs were completed. The day wasn’t done until they were.

By journaling your HLAs daily you’ll be able to track and create momentum to move your idea(s) into reality. This tool will keep you on track and focused on what matters. Those actions that will yield the greatest results – for your life. By journaling your day you’ll see your progress. It’s the difference between working in your business versus in your business.

WHAT I DO KNOW…

We’re all writers. A journey begins with a single step. A journal starts with a single word. Your journal is yours. There is no fixed formula on how to keep one. But I do know that it will put you in the practice of capturing those ideas and life events that you can refer back to for inspiration and encouragement.
Your journal has the power to be your number one cheerleader

OUTCOME

Dream big. Dream bigger. In November 19, 2021 I journaled that I wanted to grow my retreat business and create a space in nature for people to be still. Within 10-days I found and purchased a lot on Long Island where individuals can be still. What does that look like? I honestly don’t know but I constantly have my journal in my hand as I think about what to do next. As I think of an idea, I jot it down: forest bathing, nature walks, sunsets and sunrises, sauna and outdoor shower, or hugging a tree. How do I want my guests to feel? Peaceful, still, connected. My journal is my trusted confidant as my dream becomes reality.

BUT DON’T TAKE MY WORD FOR IT…

Jim Rohn inspires me to continue with the practice of journaling. This blog published in Success talks more to Why You Should Keep a Journal.
Journals have certainly evolved since I began. I’m always trying new journals and formats. The Bullet Journal has a great selection and Instagram account if you’re needing inspiration.

*I believe Ivan Sutherland knows it best … the power of writing it down. He is an American computer scientist and Internet pioneer, widely regarded as a pioneer of computer graphics. I’d like to see one of his journals. I imagine it might be filled with sketches of his ideas.

WHY WE’RE HERE

Blogs produced by the Big Bold Idea include information on how we help to elevate you so that the world will follow… you. We are here to elevate reputations and define legacies through a process entitled Artic-e-late which is designed to articulate your brand and/or idea and elevate it. Through our retreat “space” at Lakewood, we offer a working journal entitled Stepping Out that includes prompts to experience stillness and put your next Big Bold Idea into words.