I write a lot and talk a lot about how important journaling is in my life. I mention my journal quite a bit. I do this for one primary reason; it has been one of the single most impactful practices I have applied to my life. In short, journaling delivers results.
Ever read a biography of the historical greats? They journaled! Doesn’t matter if they lived thousands of years ago, or are crushing it right now, the greats all have something in common: they wrote down what worked and didn’t and used it to level-up their life. Quit writing important things down on scraps of paper you will lose or forget about. Invest in yourself. Invest in your future! Get a notebook that is worthy of the life you want to live.
I have received quite a few questions about what exact journal I prefer using. While I don’t believe there is a wrong tool to use, I do have my personal preference. So here it is: My journal of choice is: extra large, soft cover, Moleskine Carnet ligne’ lined 192 paged journal measuring 7 and 1/2 inches by 9 and 3/4 inches.
Reasons I love it because it’s:
- a head-turner.
- durable leather.
- built with a pocket in back for storage.
- built with a book mark ribbon to mark your place.
- built with plenty of room. (I use about two a year)
- the perfect size for portability.
- just made so perfectly!
- the perfect place to get creative.
- a great way to stay organized and recall information I need.
The only drawback is that it does not have a left side margin, so I take a ruler and a purple Pilot pen and create one for every right-sided pages. For some reason the back doesn’t matter to me if it has a left margin or not.
How I use it:
- If something is important enough to be written down, it goes in my journal. Period.
- I write down phone numbers, names, people I meet, books people mention, podcast episodes, good Netflix shows
- I record all of the ideas I have. All. The good, the crazy, and especially the ones I know I won’t be able to start right away.
- I record plans for trips, travel, presentations, etc.
- I record workouts, things I want to buy, and the books I read.
- I write down my successes, my failures, and what I have not taken action on.
- I reflect about how to do things better.
- I plan my blog posts, podcasts, and upcoming talks and books.
- I plot home improvements, magic moments with my families and things I am proud of.
- I brainstorm where I want to go professionally and personally
- I use it as an accountability partner.
- I list all of the books I read in a year.
- I write down things I want. (And I notice after writing them down, I want them less.)
- and so much more.
This journal costs under $20 and is one of the best investments I make in myself each year. My journal is worth millions to me.
Occasionally, I will go back and review previous entries from this year and journals from long ago. It’s awesome to see how I have improved… or haven’t.
Then bottom line is: if it is important enough to be written down, it goes in my journal. If I plan it, it is more likely to happen, and I won’t forget it.
I fill my journals up. I consume them. The are seriously among my favorite “things” in life.
Here is the link to order the exact journal I use. Kelly’s Moleskine Notebook!
Kelly Croy
Inspirational Speaker & Performance Artist
www.KellyCroy.com
1-800-831-4825
Should I hire a coach? You can accomplish much with the right coach. I would be honored to work with you. (If you are interested in working with me as your coach this year, or would like to inquire about the process or investment, please send me an email.)