Photo by NeONBRAND on Unsplash
The start of every new year brims with so much promise and is an inspirational space of time where our sincerest hopes, deepest desires and an immortal motivation collide—and I think something beautiful and productive can happen there. But, if 2020 was any indication, I am going to live true to Robert Burns and remember that, “The best laid schemes o’ mice an’ men / Gang aft a-gley.”
I’ve thrown out the resolutions list this year because a year can feel like an eternity. A set of promises to improve myself after I spent nine months in quarantine? It’ll have to be a “no” from me. Even having a year to achieve a goal can seem impossible when the entire world is collectively holding its breath. No vaccine, no political campaign and no trendy social media challenge can remove the indelible effects this past year has had on my psyche. I won’t use a list of resolutions to find a way to bandage up that hurt. But there are ways I can turn this new year into a better one.
Keeping a record of your thoughts
While I’m no stranger to hard conversations, when they focus on my own personhood or self-growth, I have a self-made sense of propriety. I think a lot of progress can be made in the form of conversations with oneself, answering those questions which dig, tear or sew up the deepest parts of the things that make you, you.
Another thing I’m committing to is keeping a physical form of my internal conversation to track my progress. I encourage you to do the same, whether it’s a journal, voice recording or a series of Post-It notes. Writing down these thoughts is invaluable for understanding what makes you tick and what changes you can make, and to see where you’re headed.
Taking the first step with a few journaling tips
Often, my mind draws a blank and I struggle with the content of these pieces, and I must think of a cheesy “What happened today?” or “3 Things I’m Grateful For” prompt to fill a page. Sometimes I’m transferring the monotony of the day onto the page in front of me and not really answering anything. While a journal can help you remember and reflect on daily activities, I wanted to have a list of questions for inspiration to draw from at a moment’s notice.
- What am I proud of? Do I credit myself or others in the appropriate ways?
- Am I quick to praise or judge someone’s character? How is one or the other beneficial or detrimental to my own mental state?
- What hurt do I hold on to? What kind of benefits does this bring to me?
- When was the last time I was moved to tears in joyous laughter? What was the situation and what can I remember about the way it made me feel?
- Do I feel guilty about anything? How can I resolve these feelings and not feel burdened by them?
- Who makes my community? Who are the people I rely on to bring me strength when I can’t find it within myself? How can I make them feel appreciated?
- Am I in love with the things I do every day? Am I surviving or creating a love story with my work?
- Are my relationships nurturing my growth? Am I helping others to grow? Am I willing to ask for support?
- What am I excited for in the future that fuels my present?
- How are you changing the world? Would you want to live in the world you create?
Getting started on your personal growth
Of course, these are only some of my journaling tips for you! It’s my hope that these prompts provide a means through which you can start to track your personal growth. Let me know if there are other questions you would add to this list, I am always in need of good questions and other journaling tips! Happy conversing!
