The Benefits of Journaling

It will come as a surprise to precisely no one that here at The Head Plan we love nothing more than opening a brand new page in our journals every day and writing down our goals, plans, achievements and dreams. That’s because we know just how powerful journaling practice can be and we want each and every one of you to be able to tap into that magic too. 

It’s the very reason we provided you with a guided journaling experience in The Head Plan Journal. We know there’s power in those pages, and that the first day of your best life starts the moment you turn the page. 

Journaling is the secret to getting clarity on your hopes, goals and dreams, believing you can achieve anything, and making it all happen. It can help you tackle stress, prioritise what’s important, and increase your productivity and performance too! 

But don’t just take our word for it...  

What the science says 

Journaling has been scientifically proven to reduce stress, improve cognitive function and help you reach your goals. 

In fact, Scientists found the simple act of writing out our goals activates the brain’s reticular activating system (RAS), the part responsible for sorting through what’s important, meaning when you get your goal on paper your brain is literally trained to focus on it. 

Freewriting when we encounter a problem is also known to help us problem solve and tackle limiting blocks that can hold us back from our best too, while – here’s the big one – writing out your goals AND making concrete plans for their attainment (like you will find in The Head Plan Journal ) makes you ten times more likely to achieve them, according to Harvard Business School.

Journaling has even been shown to be beneficial for your physical health. Studies have linked a reduction in symptoms of conditions such as asthma and arthritis with a regular journaling practice and research also shows journaling can strengthen your immune system too. 

If you’ve got big dreams - which we know you do - journaling is your not-so-secret weapon to success. Here’s why... 

You’ll laser-focus on your goals  

Take a second to let this one sink in: You are 42 per cent more likely to achieve your goals if you write them down and review them on a regular basis. 

Putting pen to paper encourages you to strategize, it motivates you to make a plan of action, and it sends a signal to your brain that this is something important. Plus, it gives you a handy spot where you can review them on the regular. 

Journaling isn’t just about setting goals, it’s about achieving them too, so write down a handful of things you really want to make happen. Just by writing them down and making a plan, you’re already almost halfway there. 

You’ll make the most out of every day 

You know that popular quote ‘Live each day as if it’s your last’? We prefer ‘live each day with intention’ and that’s exactly what you’re doing when you journal every day.  

You’re prioritising and setting clear intentions not just occasionally, but every single day and amazing things happen when you do. You create a life that’s in alignment with your goals, you make time for the things that matter, and you put your energy to the very best use. 

Ever heard the phrase ‘run the day, don’t let the day run you’? That’s exactly what happens when you put pen to paper each day. You take control. And every time you complete a task you’re moving one step closer to your goals.  

Take heed of Jack Canfield’s advice. He says if you want to achieve anything you should jot down three steps you can take daily to get closer to your goals. So what are you waiting for?! 

You’ll get clarity 

Whether it’s jotting down your goals, writing out your thoughts when you’re unsure of something or making a plan for the day ahead, there’s something magical about getting it all out on paper. 

When you write something out, everything becomes so much clearer. You gain clarity about what you truly want in life and are more likely to know the steps you need to take in order to get it. If it’s a problem that’s bugging you, getting your thoughts down can help you problem solve and move forward. 

When you’re armed with pen and paper those little life obstacles are easier to navigate and don’t seem quite so daunting, so next time you’re unsure of something, try writing out everything and anything that comes to mind. It’ll make a difference -we promise!  

You’ll have a record of your achievements 

We want you to know you’re amazing and that you can achieve anything you put your mind to. It’s the very reason we included the ‘Today I am Most Proud Of’ Section in The Head Plan Journal. 

Journaling your achievements not only reminds you how far you’ve come, it also spurs you on to achieve more. Anytime you need a confidence boost or a jolt of motivation, make time to flip back through those magical pages and reminisce about all that you’ve achieved so far.  

And when you do? You’ll feel like Beyonce at the Superbowl/ Michelle Obama making a speech/ Emma Stone accepting an Oscar. You get the picture.  

You’ll reflect and grow 

You know that old adage ‘what gets measured, gets managed?’ Well, get this, people who regularly review their goals are 33 per cent more likely to achieve them. Yes, for a third of goal-setters, simply reflecting on their goals and reviewing the progress they made was the secret ingredient in making those dreams a reality. 

Using your journal to reflect allows you to stay focused on what you really want, spot opportunities that move you forward and plan your next steps. 

Achieving what you really want in life is supposed to be difficult? Nope. Achieving your goals doesn’t have to be a struggle and using your journal to reflect can help you to work smarter not harder. 

Whether it’s filling out your weekly reflection in The Head Plan Journal or reading through your goals at night, taking the time to reflect is what will keep you on track.    

Make it happen! 

The first day of your best life starts with one simple decision. The decision to open your journal and begin prioritising your hopes and dreams. There’s something magical about putting pen to paper. And anyone can do it! Yes, that includes you. 

So, go on, write it down and make it happen.