Journaling at Work: 5 Benefits & How To Boost Productivity & Clarity
Have you ever got to Friday and wondered where on earth the week went? I constantly felt I had no track of where my days went, and a calendar filled with meetings and appointments. So I recently started journaling at work to track this progress, document what I hope to accomplish today, and also for my career growth and professional development.
Developing a consistent journaling habit at work has helped me in more ways than I can count. Jotting down your thoughts can bring an unexpected level of clarity and direction in the chaos of office life.
Maintaining a regular journal at work helped me track my progress, ponder over obstacles, and establish achievable goals in a way that truly resonated.
Photo by True Agency on Unsplash
5 Benefits of Keeping a Work Journal
Here are just a few of the biggest benefits I’ve experienced:
1. Improved self-awareness
Journaling at work has given me a whole new level of self-awareness. Regularly reflecting on my experiences has gained valuable insights into my strengths, weaknesses, and motivations. This has helped me make better decisions about my professional growth. I now have a clearer sense of where I need to improve and what steps to take to get there, thanks to the valuable data I gather from my journaling.
2. Enhanced problem-solving skills
Whenever I face a challenge at work, I turn to my journal. Writing out the problem and brainstorming solutions, often by reflecting on past ideas, has significantly improved my problem-solving abilities. Looking back at how I’ve tackled similar issues, I can approach new challenges with a proven strategy. My journal has become an invaluable resource for navigating the complexities of my career.
3. Increased productivity
My work journal helps me stay focused and productive. I use it to track my tasks, prioritize my to-do list, and identify the most important tasks to accomplish each day. Seeing my progress and accomplishments on paper is a huge motivator. It pushes me to keep going even on the toughest days. With my journal by my side, I can get more done in less time.
4. Boosted confidence
There’s nothing quite like the confidence boost that comes from flipping through the pages of my work journal. Seeing all I’ve achieved and overcome is a powerful reminder of my capabilities and helps conserve precious energy that might otherwise be wasted on self-doubt. Whenever imposter syndrome starts to creep in, I turn to my journal. It’s concrete proof of my value and contributions. This has been especially helpful during performance reviews and salary negotiations.
5. Clearer communication
Journaling has made me a better communicator, hands down. Writing forces me to clarify my thoughts and articulate my ideas with as much detail as possible. I’ve found that the insights and perspectives I capture in my journal often make their way into my conversations with colleagues and supervisors. My writing practice has translated into more impactful discussions and presentations.
Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash
Okay, so you’re convinced that keeping a work journal is a good idea. But how do you actually get started? Here are the key steps to launching your own journaling practice:
1. Choosing the right format
First things first, you need to decide on a format for your journal template. Do you prefer the tactile experience of writing in a physical notebook, similar to a personal journal? Or are you more of a digital app person?
I like to use a combination of both. I have a work journal template set up in Notion for my daily logs. But I also keep a work diary in a good old-fashioned notebook for brainstorming and reflection.
2. Setting aside dedicated time
To make journaling a habit, you must carve out dedicated time. I like to bookend my workday with a few minutes of writing to manage my day-to-day activities. I start each morning by jotting down my goals and priorities. Then I end the day with a quick reflection on my wins, challenges, and lessons learned. Scheduling these journaling sessions in my calendar helps me stay consistent.
3. Deciding what to include
Your work journal can include all sorts of information. I like to track my daily tasks, meeting notes, goal progress, and professional insights. I also use my journal for more creative pursuits, like mind-mapping ideas or writing bullet journal spreads. The key is to capture anything that feels relevant and meaningful to your growth, including elusive creative thoughts.
4. Making it a habit
Like any new habit, journaling takes some getting used to. In the beginning, I had to really push myself to write every day. But after a few weeks, it started to feel like second nature. To stay motivated, I focused on the benefits I was experiencing. Seeing the positive impact on my work made it easier to stick with the practice. I also experimented with different journaling techniques to keep things fresh and engaging.
Choosing the Right Work Journal Format for You
When it comes to choosing a format for your work journal, there are a few key options to consider:
Paper-based journals
If you love the tactile experience of writing by hand, a physical journal might be the way to go. Look for a notebook with high-quality paper and a sturdy cover. Consider the size and layout as well. Do you want something compact that you can carry, or a larger format with plenty of space to write and sketch?
Digital tools, apps, and software
If you prefer the convenience and searchability of digital tools, there are plenty of great apps and software options for work journaling. Evernote, OneNote, and Notion are all popular choices that act like a personal assistant, allowing you to create notes, lists, and tables. They also offer features like tagging, searching, and syncing across devices.
Hybrid approaches
Personally, I like to use a combination of physical and digital tools for my work journal. I have a digital journal where I keep my daily logs and notes, but I also have a physical notebook for brainstorming and reflection. This hybrid approach allows me to enjoy the benefits of both formats. I have the searchability and organization of a digital tool, as well as the creative freedom and tactile experience of writing by hand.
Ultimately, the best format for your work journal is the one that you’ll actually use. Experiment with different options and see what feels most natural and enjoyable. The key is to choose a format that supports your journaling habit and helps you get the most out of the practice. While journaling is often associated with personal life, this practice can be effectively applied to career development as well. With a little trial and error, you’ll find the perfect fit.
What to Include in Your Work Journal
So, what exactly should you write about in your work journal? The possibilities are endless, but here are a few key elements I always include:
Daily tasks and accomplishments
I start each entry with a quick list of the tasks I completed that day. This helps me track my progress and identify patterns in my productivity. I also make note of any major accomplishments or milestones. Celebrating these wins, no matter how small is a great way to stay motivated and engaged in my work.
Challenges and solutions
No job is without its challenges. I turn to my journal whenever I face a difficult situation or roadblock. Writing out the problem helps me gain clarity and perspective. I then use the space to brainstorm potential solutions and weigh the pros and cons of each approach.
Having a record of these challenges or conversations and how I overcame them is invaluable for my professional growth.
Goals and aspirations
My work journal is where I set and track my professional goals. I break down big-picture objectives into smaller, actionable steps and use my daily entries to monitor my progress. I also use my journal to explore my long-term career aspirations. Writing about my dreams and ambitions motivates me and helps me make decisions that align with my values.
Reflections and insights
Some of my most valuable journal entries are the ones where I simply reflect on my experiences. I write about the lessons I’m learning, the skills I’m developing, and the insights I’m gaining. These reflections often lead to “aha” moments that transform how I approach my work. They also help me identify areas where I need to grow and improve.
Positive feedback and recognition
I make a point to jot down any positive feedback or recognition I receive, whether it’s a kind email from a colleague or a shout-out in a meeting. It’s easy to forget these moments of affirmation, but they’re so important for building confidence and self-worth. Keeping a record of them in my journal gives me a boost whenever I need it.
Tips for Maintaining a Consistent Work Journaling Habit
Keeping up with a work journal habit can be challenging, especially when life gets busy. Here are a few strategies I use to stay consistent:
Set reminders
I have daily reminders set up on my phone and computer to prompt me to write in my journal. These nudges help me prioritize the habit even when my schedule is packed.
Keep it simple
On days when I’m short on time or energy, I permit myself to keep my entries brief. Even just a few bullet points or a quick reflection can be beneficial.
Review regularly
I set aside time each week and month to review my journal entries. This helps me spot patterns, track my progress, and identify areas for improvement. It also reinforces the value of the habit.
Celebrate progress
Whenever I reach a journaling milestone, whether it’s filling up a notebook or hitting a streak of daily entries, I celebrate. Acknowledging my dedication helps me stay motivated.
Experiment with different techniques
To keep my journaling practice fresh and engaging, I occasionally switch things up. I’ll try out a new prompt, format, or reflection exercise. Variety is key to maintaining a long-term habit.
Using Your Work Journal for Performance Reviews
One of the biggest benefits of keeping a work journal is the wealth of data it provides for performance reviews. Here’s how I leverage my journal to showcase my value and advocate for my growth:
Preparing for self-evaluations
Before any performance review, I read my past few months’ journal entries. This helps me identify my key accomplishments, challenges, and areas for improvement. I then use this information to fill out my self-evaluation form and prepare talking points for the conversation with my manager. My journal’s specific examples and anecdotes make the process much easier and more impactful.
Highlighting achievements
During the actual review, I reference my journal to highlight my achievements and contributions. I share quotes from the positive feedback and point to specific metrics that demonstrate my impact. My journal essentially serves as a portfolio of my work, giving me concrete evidence to support my claims of success.
Identifying areas for improvement
I also use my journal to identify areas where I need to grow and improve. I come to the conversation with a clear sense of my strengths, weaknesses, and ideas for developing my skills. This level of self-awareness and proactivity always impresses my managers. It shows that I’m committed to my own growth and development.
Setting future goals
Finally, I use my journal to inform my goals and objectives for the coming months or years. I can craft meaningful, achievable targets by reviewing my past experiences and reflecting on my aspirations. I also reference these goals in my daily journal entries, tracking my progress and adjusting as needed. This keeps me accountable and ensures I always work towards my larger vision.
Leveraging Your Work Journal for Career Growth
Beyond performance reviews, a work journal can be a powerful tool for long-term career growth. Here are a few ways I use mine:
Identifying skill gaps
As I read through my journal entries, I often notice patterns in the challenges I face or the tasks I struggle with. These observations help me identify skill gaps that I need to address. I then use this information to seek out relevant learning opportunities, whether it’s taking an online course, attending a workshop, or seeking mentorship from a colleague.
Seeking learning opportunities
I also keep track of the skills and knowledge I want to acquire in my journal. Whenever I come across an interesting article, course, or conference, I make a note of it. I then review these entries regularly and prioritize the learning opportunities that align with my career goals. This ensures that I’m always growing and developing in ways that support my long-term vision.
Preparing for job interviews
I turn to my journal whenever I’m preparing for a job interview. Reviewing my accomplishments, challenges, and lessons learned helps me craft compelling stories and examples to share. I also use my journal to research the company and role, noting any questions or ideas I want to discuss in the interview. This level of preparation helps me feel confident and articulate in the moment.
Updating your resume
Finally, I use my work journal to keep my resume and LinkedIn profile current. Whenever I have a significant accomplishment or learn a new skill, I note it in my journal. Then, I review these entries every few months and update my professional materials accordingly. This ensures that my resume and online presence always reflect my most current experiences and capabilities.
Key Thought:
Keeping a work journal can transform your career, boosting self-awareness, problem-solving skills, productivity, and confidence. To start: pick a format that suits you, set aside time to write daily, and jot down tasks, challenges, goals, reflections.
Stick with it for long-term benefits like improved performance reviews and continuous professional growth.
FAQs
Is it okay to journal at work?
Absolutely. Journaling during breaks or downtime can boost productivity and clarity, helping you keep track of accomplishments and goals.
How to use a journal at work?
Use your work journal for jotting down daily tasks, reflecting on challenges, and planning future goals. It’s great for staying focused.
What are the benefits of journaling for work?
Journaling sharpens problem-solving skills, enhances decision-making, and boosts confidence by keeping track of achievements and professional growth paths.
What is a journal in the workplace?
A workplace journal is a tool where you log daily activities, reflect on experiences, set career aspirations, and note positive feedback to guide personal development.
In Summary
By taking a few minutes each day to jot down your thoughts, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of your strengths, weaknesses, and motivations. It will help you to regularly reflect on your progress and the work you’re doing. In the long term, it will help you to learn how to communicate confidently and stay laser-focused on your goals.
So, grab a notebook or open up a blank document, and start journaling your way to success. Trust me, your future self will thank you. Happy writing!
After years of running an ecommerce business and juggling full-time work, Jen now writes about burnout, meditation, yoga and her new found mission of finding more zen every day! When not behind a screen, you’ll find her doing yoga, scribbling in her notebook, going for bushwalks and nerding out on sleep and meditation hacks.
