There are many ways to self-evaluate, inspire, and coach yourself along your career path, and the tools or products to facilitate the process are abundant today. What I want to highlight, however, isn’t so much another book or seminar series that usually contain phrases such as ‘…for dummies’ or ‘your way to…’. Rather, I want to suggest to you a time-tested habit of journaling, specifically in the context of your career.
Why journaling?
1. It is a window into yourself that allows you express your thoughts and emotions. As you write it, you able to process what’s on your mind and heart.
2. It is an honest record of your personal journey in multiple aspects: experiences. mental, psychological, emotional, and spiritual growth.
3. It develops your communication skills, especially your writing.
4. It a manual for self-development and road map for long term success. The best part is that you get to write it.
5. All it takes is pen and paper. And yourself.
How to keep it relevant and consistent
A common obstacle to consistent journaling is the fact that it gets boring and that it takes time. Depending your personal taste for writing, just the thought of writing about your work and career can be rather unappealing. Well, here are a few suggestions to make your career journaling easy.
1. Write it at work: Yup, you read that correctly. The key is to jot down thoughts and reflections as they happen in the moment. Keep a little spiral notebook in your drawer or create a Word document you can add onto whenever you get pockets of downtime. You can simply write yourself habit-building reminders or inspiring words of encouragement. You can vent when no one else is willing or has the time to hear you out. Take advantage of the moment and the context you are in.
2. Keep it short: You don’t have to write essays and novels. Just put down specific experiences or thoughts that you don’t want to forget. For example, when my manager shares some great insight or wisdom in passing, I take note of it and record it in my journal as soon as I return to my desk. One of my entries is as short as “Don’t come with questions. Come with answers.” These little bits and pieces of wisdom and reflections add up. Before you know it, you will have a library of advice, insights, and experiences to draw from.
3. Keep it relevant: Remember, you don’t have to pour your soul into this and write about every little life event. The idea is to keep it relevant to your career development and self reflection as an evolving professional. Hone your thoughts. Keep it focused.
4. Get creative: Pen and notebook is so last decade. Try journaling on your computer. Or use index cards (another great way to force yourself to hone your thoughts into brief phrases and sentences) and create a ‘deck of career wisdom.’ Use post-it notes throughout the day and tape them all into a scrapbook. Don’t let the format constrain you from making this a fun experience for you.
What to do with it
The simple answer is: use it! Utilize the time of writing entries to collect your thoughts and emotions. Talk to yourself and be your own mentor. Sharpen your critical thinking and communication skills. Revisit your entries time to time to reflect back on how you have grown as a professional. Take note of old wisdom and apply them in new contexts.
Remember, self-development and effective mentorship is not a result of a product you consume or attend once. It is a steady journey that starts with solid habits and discipline. What are you waiting for? Get started!
