Why journaling is an essential leadership habit
Before we dive in, let’s define what I mean by journaling. There are thousands of different kinds of journals on the market and almost as many definitions. But for me, it’s quite simple:
Journaling is an evidence-based habit where you put your thoughts and feelings on paper for the purpose of self-discovery, reflection and growth
You see, the way our brains work is that we feel first and think or reason second. I know this might surprise you, especially if you have a background where you’ve been rewarded and recognized for being smart or analytical.
In fact, when people say they are prone to overthinking, they’re really over-feeling. Beneath the thoughts are a tangle of emotions that need acknowledging and working through before we can get to clarity of thinking.
Our brains have a negativity bias, which means that we are much more prone to dwell on the negatives, rather than luxuriate in the positives. Even if you’re a glass-half-full kind of person, reflect on how hard you might find it to accept a glowing compliment or to spend more than a few seconds congratulating yourself on your achievements and successes.
Journaling gives you a way of getting your thoughts and feelings out on paper, so that you can feel calmer, think more clearly, and have a more balanced view of where you are right now.
Why journaling should be part of every leader’s tool kit
In leadership, one of the most critical skills is self-awareness. Journaling provides a reflective practice that enables leaders to step back, observe their emotional responses, and gain clarity in decision-making.
When leading a team or organization, you're often bombarded with high-pressure situations, conflicting priorities, and difficult conversations. Without an outlet, these stresses can build up and impact your ability to lead effectively. Journaling serves as a powerful tool to help leaders untangle your emotions, refine your thinking, and approach challenges with a more balanced perspective.
Great leaders know that their emotional state influences their team
If you’re stressed or anxious, it’s easy for that energy to spread. When you journal, you’re not just improving your own well-being, you’re also boosting your leadership impact. Leaders who practice emotional regulation through journaling create an environment where their team feels secure and confident.
Journaling helps free you up and gets you unstuck
It’s important to say that like any “new thing,” it can take a while for you to work out how to journal in a way that works for you. This is why I offer dozens of different kinds of journal exercises in Journal Safari to give you as many different tools in your well-being toolkit as I possibly can.
As a leader, you may feel stuck when faced with tough decisions, uncertainty, or times when your team feels unmotivated. Journaling can help you get unstuck by clearing mental fog, helping you sort through competing priorities, and unlocking new perspectives.
It’s an essential tool to make space for innovation and creative problem-solving. When you free your mind through journaling, you become more flexible in your thinking, which is crucial when steering your team or organization through times of change or growth.
There is no one right way to journal
In the journal writing classes I facilitate, I often hear: "I'm not sure I'm doing it right."
For perhaps the first time in our lives, our writing is just for us. It's not going to be marked, graded, or judged. We don't have to get anyone's approval or appreciation. The challenge we have is that most of us bring our Inner Critics with us to our journal writing. Our Inner Critic pushes us to doubt ourselves; we hesitate, we edit, we try to hide. And that is where the power of journaling lies for me.
Journaling is a tool that helps us move through and past our doubts
For me, it doesn't matter if you have chosen creative journaling, bullet journaling, reflective writing, or anything else; what you are really doing is putting your emotions on paper and in this way you create space for quality thinking.
For leaders, this is incredibly important. Leadership is about making decisions, often under pressure. Journaling gives you the space to confront your doubts, work through internal resistance, and become more decisive and confident.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
Journaling for leadership and personal development in the Inner Circle
In my Inner Circle, I guide leaders through the process of using journaling as a transformational tool for growth. The membership offers weekly online gatherings that incorporate breathwork, visualization, journaling, and group coaching. It’s a supportive environment where you can tap into the power of journaling, not just to clear your mind but to develop emotional resilience, clarity, and leadership insight.
Whether you’re navigating team dynamics, planning for growth, or reflecting on your leadership journey, journaling becomes your go-to tool for continuous self-improvement. Through the Inner Circle, you’ll also have access to expert masterclasses, peer coaching, and a large library of previous classes designed to help you enhance your leadership capabilities.
While there is no one way to journal, there is only one way to start
And that is to do it! Grab a pen and a notebook, set a timer for three minutes, and just write. Perhaps you could answer the question: What do I want to get out of journaling?
If you're looking to take your leadership to the next level, journaling is the practice you need to bring more awareness, clarity, and calm into your daily life. And if you're not sure where to start, that's where the Journal Safari and the Inner Circle comes in. Together, we’ll create a journaling practice that supports your personal growth and leadership journey.
By integrating journaling into your routine, you’ll be better equipped to manage your emotions, make clear decisions, and lead your team with confidence. Why not start today?