Why Do You Journal? (Part 1) - 2/12/07
TOP FIVE REASONS TO JOURNAL
by
Lael Johnson
Keeping a journal during the coaching process is one of the most simple and effective aids a client can use. Below you will find five reasons why I encourage my clients to use a journal during their coaching time. I hope that you will be motivated to commit your creative pursuits to a journal.
REINFORCES SELF-ESTEEM: When artists share their work, they share some part of themselves to their audience. For some artists, performing or displaying their art comes easily. They have confidence, courage and the requisite skill to handle both success and rejection of their art. When an artist moves into that place, the focus switches to what’s happening inside the artist, rather than what’s happening to the art. It takes time to separate personal issues from past experience, creativity and business issues. Journaling facilitates this change in between coaching sessions.
AIDS IN PROBLEM-SOLVING: A journal provides space to work out problems in detail. The client can spell out the situation, examine the pros and cons, percolate over the material and come to a final informed decision. The client can also discover information gaps, ask questions and share concerns, that may also lead to further research…
(Continue to Part 2 on Wednesday)
Journaling shows me things about myself I might not have discovered or connected with otherwise. It is great for problem solving - as you say - and for identifying that problems even exist. Journaling has an amazing impact on my life - showing me new paths on which I can follow my bliss . . .
Hi Stacey,
Thanks so much for your post. I’m glad that journaling is helping you to problem solve, too. It’s the best isn’t it? Lately, I’ve been listing some reasons behind some of my work blocks, just as they come to me. I don’t try to force the information out or try to analyze it past a certain point. However, once I list some of my thoughts out, I do begin to feel better. So, I’m grateful to have a place where I can work problems out behind the scenes, so to speak.
Enjoy your creativity!
Lael Johnson