Discover what I did to create space to make better decisions with journaling when I reached a crossroads in my life. Learn how to stop procrastinating and get more done one day at a time.
The year was 2000, and I was 25 years-old.
After the end of a long relationship, I decided it was time for me to finally go after my childhood dream of studying abroad.
I had started working full-time right after finishing high-school and saved all the money I could.
No parties, no shopping, no trips, nothing.
It wasn’t always a comfortable price to pay, but it was the only way to afford attending college in a foreign country.
When the opportunity came, however, I felt uncertainty. I was about to embark on one of the biggest endeavors of my life.
I was about to deplete the savings I had sacrificed for. And, my loved ones weren’t entirely on board. They felt like I was “abandoning” them – at least for the next few years.
How could I move forward mindfully without regretting it later?
Writing it all out
I couldn’t talk to anyone about my reservations because no one close to me was impartial.
The solution was to write everything I had in my head.
I’ve always found it easier to brainstorm with a piece of paper and a pen in my hands anyways.
It was a huge step in my life, and there was a lot at stake personally and financially.
Even though my home in Brazil would always be there, it was hard to take the plunge and leave.
So, I grabbed an old notebook and started right away.
The process
I took me weeks to get everything out of my head.
Mainly because whenever I wrote about one pro, a couple of cons came up. And the other way around.
Many times, I felt overwhelmed and scared of the Pandora box I had created for myself.
But my writing exercise forced me to think about solutions too.
Slowly, the fear of taking risks made room for certainties.
I formulated a plan A and B as well as C, D, and E.
No matter what I wrote out, I couldn’t anticipate all of the challenges I might face.
But my brainstorming gave me the tools I needed.
Create space with journaling
If you also reached a crossroads, it’s time to make room in your mind to make better decisions.
Grab your favorite journal and let it all out.
Begin by writing about the tasks, projects, and dreams you want for yourself.
Some of the questions you can answer are:
- What are these projects?
- Why are they important?
- How will they impact you and your life?
- What can go wrong?
- How can you fix potential problems?
- Who’s your support system?
- What would make you confident about your choice?
Use these questions to get unnecessary worries out of the way.
Stop wasting your time and energy and start making conscious decisions that will bring you closer to your goals.
Find out what steps to follow next on the 52-Week Challenge For A More Productive You.
Get all the support, motivation, and accountability you’ll need to create space in your life for the things that truly matter.
Before you go
Can you answer the following question in the comments below, please?
Have you ever used a journal to brainstorm?
