How To Be More Intentional With Journaling

How To Be More Intentional With Journaling

Discover the benefits of being more intentional with journaling. Learn how you can become a better version of yourself one day at a time with daily reflection.

My word of 2018 is intention.

All my goals for this year are based on doing things mindfully instead of allowing myself to go with the flow.

I have wanted to act more mindfully for some time. The difference now is it has become my main focus.

Whether it’s on a personal or professional level, my purpose is guiding me 100%.

The best way to boost your efficiency without stress one day at a time. Join the challenge today to make room in your schedule for the things that truly matter to you. Boost your lifestyle without feeling overwhelmed with the 52-Week Challenge For A More Productive You. #productivity #confidence #success #challenge #beforeandafter #community #support #accountability #motivation

Being more intentional

Months ago, I watched a speaker suggest writing 23 lines before making any important decision.

This approach wasn’t based on scientific study, but it was enough to get me thinking about:

  • Reasons,
  • Pros,
  • Cons,
  • Methodology, and
  • Tools.

It proved to be an incredible exercise to become more intentional about all areas of my life, including shopping.

By putting thoughts on paper, we have the chance to reflect before taking mindless action.

How to use your journal to boost your success. #coaching #mentorship #MindfulPlanning Click To Tweet

Journaling Mindfully

I’ve been into journaling for as long as I can remember.

At first, I wrote about myself, my day, feelings and experiences.

In recent years, I started using it to:

  • Collect quotes and affirmations,
  • Practice the Law of Attraction,
  • Brainstorm ideas and projects,
  • Get clarity on my definition of success,
  • Set goals,
  • Review my performance, and
  • Track my progress.

I enjoy my time with my journals.

Whether I use them to write texts or to create “art,” journaling brings forth a better version of myself.

It allows me to be more intentional one day at a time while boosting my confidence and helping me manage stress.

Discover how to make the most out of your daily notes. Take full advantage of your journal to improve all areas of your life. Join the 52-Week Challenge For A More Productive You and get all the support, motivation, and guidance you need to achieve your goals one day at a time without stress. #productivity #confidence #success #journaling #intention

Daily journaling

The main shift towards intentional journaling happened last year.

After consistently using my stress management journal for a couple of years, I started a business journal too.

The idea took shape after me joining the Members’ Club, and I’m glad I did.

It helped me become more aware of the kind of products and services I wanted to offer my readers, Tribe members, and clients.

When I created the Affirmations To Build Confidence, and I started using them for inspiration and motivation as well.

Around November 2017, I slowly started to put together the 365 Questions For A Better You.

I wanted them to be my guidance and personal development tool going forward.

With a mix of self-awareness and relaxing prompts, my goal was to create an informal interview where I could ask myself questions I wouldn’t usually think about.

And so my daily journaling habit took shape.

Most recently, I started to use my 365 Notebook exclusive for Law of Attraction practice which has been a significant mindset changer for me.

The best way to boost your efficiency without stress one day at a time. Join the challenge today to make room in your schedule for the things that truly matter to you. Boost your lifestyle without feeling overwhelmed with the 52-Week Challenge For A More Productive You. #productivity #confidence #success #challenge #beforeandafter #community #support #accountability #motivation

Art Journaling

In the beginning, I used my Hobonichi Original planner to answer the 365 Questions For A Better You.

It was a way to force myself out of my perfectionism with art.

Since I don’t have any artistic background, the experience scared me a lot.

I was pushing myself out of the comfort zone.

At the moment, I have two art journals:

  • Hobonichi Original: free art, watercolor painting, collages, and doodling
  • Prima Marketing Traveler’s Journal: memory recording

Learn how to fulfill your potential with journaling. Become a better version of yourself with daily reflection. Join the 52-Week Challenge For A More Productive You to learn how take full advantage of your journal for success. #productivity #confidence #success #journaling #intention #quote

Challenges

One way to stay on track with daily journaling is by using intentional journal prompts.

Besides the 365 Questions For A Better You, I also participate in the following challenges:

  • Hobonichi
  • Boho Berry
  • Rock Your Handwriting
  • Plan With Me

Hobonichi Challenge

I use the weekly calendar of my Hobonichi Original to doodle the daily prompts.

Boho Berry and Rock Your Handwriting Challenges

I discovered the benefits of having printables for challenges after creating mine for the 365 Questions For A Better You.

Last week, I purchased Phil’s insert on Etsy too.

I store the pages in my Filofax.

Plan With Me Challenge

This one consists more of taking pictures of the prompts.

I haven’t been consistent, but I’m looking forward sunnier days to get better images.

How to develop a fulfilling lifestyle with journaling. #coaching #mentorship #MindfulPlanning Click To Tweet

Be more intentional with journaling

I can’t recommend journaling enough.

It doesn’t require much, and it benefits various areas of your life.

Whether you buy a new notebook especially for that, grab an old one you have at home, or use an electronic tool, you’re good to go.

Don’t let Pinterest and Instagram images discourage you.

Each person has a different style.

You don’t have to share your entries with anyone if you don’t want to, but having an accountability partner helps to stay on track.

And if you want to discover how you can also use journaling to overcome not-so-obvious productivity killers, make sure you join the 52-Week Challenge For A More Productive You.

Get all the support and motivation you need to feel more confident and overcome procrastination to be successful.

The best way to boost your efficiency without stress one day at a time. Join the challenge today to make room in your schedule for the things that truly matter to you. Boost your lifestyle without feeling overwhelmed with the 52-Week Challenge For A More Productive You. #productivity #confidence #success #challenge #beforeandafter #community #support #accountability #motivation

Before you go

Can you answer the following question in the comments below, please?

What kind of journal do you have?

Discover the benefits of being more intentional with journaling. Learn how you can become a better version of yourself one day at a time with daily reflection. Join the 52-Week Challenge For A More Productive You and receive all the support, motivation, and accountability you need to overcome procrastination. #productivity #confidence #success #journaling #intention

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How To Regain Control Of Your Life With The Right Priorities

How To Regain Control Of Your Life With The Right Priorities

Fulfillment only happens when you regain control of your life. Learn how priorities can get you what you want.

Unless we regain control of our life, it’s hard to accomplish anything.

Whether on a personal or professional level, just going with the flow isn’t a solution.

It might look like the easiest way, but it isn’t.

It’s nothing but the illusion of the comfort zone.

While we may hate our routine, we know it so well that the idea of changing it is too scary.

So we let others decide:

  • what we do in our free time
  • with whom we spend most of our time
  • what we eat
  • how we live our lives
  • what our priorities are

However, what seems to be the easiest approach is in fact, a source of frustration and stress.

The only solution is to regain control of your life at every level.

[ninja-popup ID=11356]Download this list today to get clarity about your productivity struggles so that you can solve them.[/ninja-popup]

How to regain control of your life

It took me years to move from passenger to the driver’s seat of my life.

I only I couldn’t stay passive anymore when I:

  • lost a childhood friend
  • was diagnosed with a brain tumor

I HAD TO assume personal responsibility for my future.

How did I do that?

Below you’ll find my 3 steps to regain control of your life once and for all with the right priorities.

Increase your chances of success with the right priorities. #coaching #mentorship #MindfulPlanning Click To Tweet

Make the decision

Even though it won’t happen in the blink of an eye, unless you decide to change, nothing happens.

Some people feel inspired by New Year’s Resolution to get started.

But you can regain control of your life anytime you want.

All it takes is making the decision you deserve better.

Not by saying it, but feeling it deep inside.

And you don’t need anybody’s permission for that!

How to get rid of busy work with the right priorities. Because the difference between those who achieve more and the rest is the way they use their time. To make sure you stay on track and motivated, come on over to my FREE VIP Tribe today and become a member of a community of awesome like-minded achievers. #productivity #confidence #success #priorities #lifestyle

Set your Intention

What motivates you?

It can be:

  • a better future for your kids
  • the job of your dreams
  • a vacation in the perfect place
  • volunteering

Think of something that inspires you.

Discover what’s your Purpose and make it a priority in your life.

Define goals that are in line with your Life’s Mission, and you’ll feel in control of your future again.

Create a plan

Nothing will happen only because you make a decision.

As important as the steps above is settling a plan of action.

We’ll be talking more about how to create a plan next week.

But I can already tell you that it makes life a lot easier, less stressful, and more rewarding.

How to make time for yourself with the right priorities. Apply these 3 simple steps, one day at a time, and become the captain of the ship of your life again. To stay focused and motivated, join my FREE VIP Tribe today. Become a member of an awesome community of high achievers for success, support, and accountability. #productivity #confidence #success #priorities #lifestyle

The right priorities

When defining your priorities, take your life as a whole into consideration.

Your career may be super important to you, for example. Yet, it isn’t everything.

No success will make sense if the price you pay involves neglecting your:

  • family
  • health (physical and mental)
  • values 

If you need help with your priorities, come on over to our challenge.

Join a community of like-minded achievers for support, accountability, and motivation.

How to improve your lifestyle by defining the right priorities. #coaching #mentorship #MindfulPlanning Click To Tweet

52-Week Challenge For A More Productive You

I’m hosting a 52-week productivity challenge on my Facebook Group #PlanWithDebbie.

You can read everything about the challenge here.

[ninja-popup ID=11356]Download this list today to get clarity about your productivity struggles so that you can solve them.[/ninja-popup]

How the 52-week productivity challenge works

First of all, grab a copy of the list [ninja-popup ID=11356]52 Things That Are Killing Your Productivity.[/ninja-popup]

After signing up, you’ll be invited to join the Facebook group #PlanWithDebbie.

On the group, I’ll share daily prompts during the 52-Week Challenge For A More Productive You.

I’ll guide you through a brand-new topic each week.

From Monday through Friday, you’ll learn how you can use Mindful Planning™ to:

  • Become more efficient
  • Save time
  • Manage stress
  • Achieve your goals

You can start the 52-Week Challenge For A More Productive You at any moment of the year.

And you choose whether to follow every single week or to focus on your personal pain points.

If you miss anything, you can always refer to older posts for catch-up or review.

All that FOR FREE!

See you at the challenge

The method I apply to the challenge is exactly the same one I use with my clients: Mindful Planning™.

It’s a 5-step method you can use to all aspects of your life become more productive one day at a time without added stress.

Come and join the 52-Week Challenge For A More Productive You today.

I’m looking forward guiding you towards a successful year and beyond!

Fulfillment only happens when you regain control of your life. Learn how priorities can get you what you want. And to stay accountable and motivated, come on over to my FREE VIP Tribe today and become a member of a community of like-minded achievers. #productivity #confidence #success #priorities #lifestyle

How Stress Gets In The Way Of Productivity

How Stress Gets In The Way Of Productivity

Stress kills productivity in various ways. Let’s have a look at some important aspects of it to solve them.

That stress kills productivity you already knew for sure.

Let’s talk about resolutions and new plans in general, for instance.

You decide to start something new in your life. It can be:

  • physical activity
  • diet
  • change career

You mindfully look for the best people to help you out and learn the basics to get started.

Instead of just taking on more responsibility than you can handle, you make sure you have enough time throughout your week for your old and new tasks.

In short, you do your homework and find out what you need to do and the way it has to be done.

The D-Day comes close.

Whether it’s January 1st or any other day of the year you decide to get started, it makes no difference.

You are ready to rumble!

But while you have done your preparation right and everything is in place, it’s all theory.

Chances are you forgot a tiny but crucial detail: stress!

The best way to boost your efficiency without stress one day at a time. Join the challenge today to make room in your schedule for the things that truly matter to you. Boost your lifestyle without feeling overwhelmed with the 52-Week Challenge For A More Productive You. #productivity #confidence #success #challenge #beforeandafter #community #support #accountability #motivation

We talk a lot about the stress caused by unpleasant things, people and situations like:

  • The loss of your job.
  • An unexpected expense.
  • The diagnose of a health condition.
  • Some annoying visitor.

However, stress isn’t triggered only by adverse occasions.

Ask a bride if she’s stressed on the day of her wedding.

While it’s the happiest moment of her life, the pressure is enormous.

Other examples are:

  • vacation
  • birth
  • promotion

Stress comes and, depending on how the circumstances affect you; it may kill your efficiency efforts.

Don't let stress kill your productivity efforts by learning how it works. #journaling Click To Tweet

How stress kills productivity

Take a couple of minutes to reflect on your day:

  • Are you unable to fulfill all your appointments?
  • Does your to-do list cause you anxiety?
  • Are you always busy but accomplish little?
  • Do you find it difficult to make decisions?
  • Is there a project or activity that has been keeping you awake at night?

If you answered “yes” to one of these questions, it’s time to evaluate if stress is the trigger.

The best way to boost your efficiency without stress one day at a time. Join the challenge today to make room in your schedule for the things that truly matter to you. Boost your lifestyle without feeling overwhelmed with the 52-Week Challenge For A More Productive You. #productivity #confidence #success #challenge #beforeandafter #community #support #accountability #motivation

Craig Jarrow from Time Management Ninja points out 7 ways in which stress is bad for productivity:

  1. Drains your energy.
  2. Impacts your focus.
  3. Wastes your time.
  4. Causes interruptions.
  5. Decreases your creativity.
  6. Affects your personality.
  7. Impairs your judgment.

On top of all the health concerns about stress, productivity is another important reason why you shouldn’t overlook it.

Why you need to kiss stress good-bye for good. Identify your triggers to start managing them. Discover the benefits of enjoying life without overwhelm one day at a time. Learn all about it on the blog. #productivity #confidence #success #stressmanagement #health #wellness

What to do when stress is killing your productivity

There’s no standard solution when it comes to managing stress.

A lot depends on things such as:

  • triggers
  • previous experiences
  • environment
Mindfully understand how stress kills productivity to manage it. #journaling Click To Tweet

That’s why it’s so important that you take the time to understand your case.

I chose to tackle stress as a productivity killer first because it may take you longer to understand how it affects you.

Not all symptoms are obvious, and you may struggle with finding a solution for your specific situation.

Becoming aware of the ways stress kills productivity is a start, though.

Invest time in yourself. It's worth it! Whether it’s by adding meditation to your routine, exercising regularly, or a new hobby, you’ll be able to become aware of stress triggers and learn how to manage them. When you’re less stress, you perform better. Don’t underestimate the influence of stress in your life, personal as well as professional. Join the 52-Week Challenge For A More Productive You to learn not-so-obvious ways you can improve your lifestyle without overwhelm. #productivity #confidence #success #stressmanagement #health #wellness #quote

Before you go

Can you answer the following question in the comments below, please?

How would you describe the level of stress you deal with on a daily basis?

Stress kills productivity in various ways. Let’s have a look at some important aspects of it to solve them. Learn why you need to manage it right now to boost your health and confidence. Join my FREE VIP Tribe for extra support, accountability, and motivation. #productivity #confidence #success #stressmanagement #health #wellness

How Fitness Can Support A Life With Less Stress

How Fitness Can Support A Life With Less Stress

Have you ever thought about using fitness for stress management? If not, I’m sure you’ll change your mind after this post.

Athletes of all levels can confirm it: fitness for stress management works!

And it has nothing to do with the activity itself or your fitness level. It’s all a matter of getting started and doing it consistently.The best way to boost your efficiency without stress one day at a time. Join the challenge today to make room in your schedule for the things that truly matter to you. Boost your lifestyle without feeling overwhelmed with the 52-Week Challenge For A More Productive You. #productivity #confidence #success #challenge #beforeandafter #community #support #accountability #motivation

Stress and you

We have already discussed how stress impacts your health. It’s such a silent threat that many people only realize how serious it is when they’re going through a burnout.

The problem about stress is that, on paper, it’s impossible to live without it.

It’s the “fight, flight or freeze” state of alertness that keeps us safe, even today.

We may not need to protect our “caves” from giant monsters anymore, but we have to:

  • avoid diseases
  • keep our jobs
  • safeguard our beloved ones
  • pay all the bills
  • fit in society (an underrated pressure!)

Besides, our attention is continuously required.

We know multitasking does more damage than good. Yet, it’s a challenge for more most of us to focus on only one thing at a time. And it’s not necessarily because we want to keep on multitasking.

Try telling your boss you can’t get a second assignment or responsibility because you are already working on something?

On a second thought, please don’t!

Time will come when corporations, the media, and society in general, will realize there is another (better) way to get things done. They’ll change the rules of the game based on science.

Until then, however, we have to juggle between peer pressure and sanity. But we can’t ignore that this duality is also a source of stress itself.

So how can you manage stress in this madness?

Find you why you need to add fitness to your routine right now. #journaling #MindfulPlanning Click To Tweet

Managing stress

We already know that:

  • since stress is something we need to survive, eliminating it from our life is not an option
  • even if wanted to end it, life around us wouldn’t allow it either (yet?)

That’s why when we talk about the stress we use the term “management” and not “elimination.”

We just cannot get rid of it if we want to be still able to function normally.

Reiki is an excellent option you should consider adding to your arsenal without exception.

Whether attending a session or doing distance Reiki, the results mid and long-term are visible.

Another alternative available for managing stress is adding regular physical activities to your routine.

Learn how to benefit from fitness to manage stress. Regular physical activity works wonders for health, but it isn’t only your body that can take advantage of it. Discover how to use your training to improve your mental health as well. Grab Dealing with Stress for FREE today and join my VIP Tribe for accountability, motivation, and support on your journey to a better version of yourself. #productivity #confidence #success #stressmanagement #health #fitness

Fitness for stress management

If your general wellness is not enough reasons to get you moving right away, check these three reasons why you should be exercising:

  • Endorphins
  • Attention shift
  • Mood

Endorphins

One thing everyone knows about endorphins is that they produce that “good feeling” in us.

They block the transmission of pain signals and also produce a euphoric feeling.

While they won’t remove stress from your life, endorphins will help you get rid of the feeling of being overwhelmed all the time.

They work like an oasis in the desert covered with appointments, to-dos, and endless meetings.

Besides, you know you’ll feel better after your training whether it’s running, yoga, or CrossFit because that’s what endorphins do.

The best way to boost your efficiency without stress one day at a time. Join the challenge today to make room in your schedule for the things that truly matter to you. Boost your lifestyle without feeling overwhelmed with the 52-Week Challenge For A More Productive You. #productivity #confidence #success #challenge #beforeandafter #community #support #accountability #motivation

Attention shift

While you can still go through your calendar in your head while walking to the car, once you increase your pace to a brisk walk, it’ll not be that easy anymore.

Remember your body wasn’t made for or likes to accumulate activities. Whenever possible, it shifts back to a more focused mode.

It’s true that during a long race, for example, thoughts of making it to the finish take over while the body just moves, almost based on instinct.

But you’ll find a break from all the overwhelming and stressful thoughts for sure if you:

  • go for a run during lunch break
  • do some yoga after office hours
  • take long brisk walks while the kids are at school

Mood

Food is commonly used as a source of comfort. Mainly unhealthy, fatty and sugary snacks are frequent partners in crime of stressed people. But their effect doesn’t last long, and the damage they do to health is not worth the minutes of “pleasure.”

Some studies show, however, that exercise can work quickly to elevate depressed mood in many people.

Even a short walk outdoors can already work wonders.

Check these 3 reasons why you should use fitness for stress management. #journaling #MindfulPlanning Click To Tweet

How to get your exercise done

Maybe the idea of adding another activity to your packed schedule may sound scary. But before panicking, open your mind to alternatives out-of-the-box.

Take also the other aspects into consideration while pondering about using fitness for stress management.

Physical

Forget all the silly things you have read or heard about bikini body or dad bod. Focus on optimal health instead. Today:

  • Are you going into any treatment because of conditions related to your weight?
  • Do you have problems in performing essential activities because of your fitness level?
  • Can you say your intake is in line with the amount of activity you perform on a daily basis?

Mental

At the end of the day, before going to bed:

  • Are you tired but your mind is still spinning around?
  • Do you try to do one thing or two to catch up with deadlines?
  • Does your body hurt for spending most of the day in the same position?

Does knowing in your mind that you should be doing more to improve your fitness level makes you feel:

Now tell me, are you sure you don’t have between 30 minutes to one hour 3 or 5 times a week to sneak some physical activity into your life? 

Ask yourself:

Aren’t I worth the investment in my well-being?

Why you need to make time for fitness if you want to manage stress for good. The time you invest in yourself is never wasted. Boost your physical and mental health with fitness. Need accountability to stay on track? Download Dealing With Stress today and join my FREE VIP Tribe to become a member of a community of like-minded achievers for support and motivation. #productivity #confidence #success #stressmanagement #health #fitness #quote #inspiration #motivation

Takeaway

It’s all in your hands now!

Maybe the time is not right for you at the moment, but don’t neglect your health until it’s too late.

Stress sends us many signs before causing any significant damage.

Unfortunately, we’re so caught up in the daily madness we don’t even notice them.

And if the fact that you can use fitness for stress management is not enough for you, think of other benefits, such as:

  • Lower your blood pressure
  • Improve your cholesterol
  • Reduce blood sugar

Remember it’s your life we’re talking about!

For women, it’s easy to put everyone else first and to forget about themselves. And no, taking the time to do some regular physical activity is NOT egoistic. You deserve to be healthy and live fully just like anybody else.

The best way to boost your efficiency without stress one day at a time. Join the challenge today to make room in your schedule for the things that truly matter to you. Boost your lifestyle without feeling overwhelmed with the 52-Week Challenge For A More Productive You. #productivity #confidence #success #challenge #beforeandafter #community #support #accountability #motivation

Before you go

Can you answer the following question in the comments below, please?

How are you going to start using fitness for stress management today?

Have you ever thought about using fitness for stress management? If not, I'm sure you'll change your mind after this post. Boost your health while working on your mindset. Download Dealing With Stress and join my FREE VIP Tribe today. Become a member of an awesome community of like-minded achievers for support, accountability, and motivation. #productivity #confidence #success #stressmanagement #health #fitness