Writing a personal diary is one of the most effective tools for anyone seeking more self-awareness, a more organized, and happier life.
I believe that the below approach, tips, and ideas can make a huge difference when writing your diary. It can become truly effective and enjoyable beyond self-entertainment. They come from my experiences and years of practice (I am keeping a diary too), and from my research on the subject.
The goal of this kind of personal diary
The goal of this type of personal diary is to consciously help your own Self to become more self-aware and understand yourself better. It may sound like an exaggeration but I find that it is important to set this goal for ourselves. If I don’t keep my goal in mind, it is much less likely to work.
(By the way, I find that no matter how one keeps a diary, the goal is basically the same as above, but not necessarily stated or recognized.)
Tips
Use basic wording and short sentences
This may sound controversial and I am not saying that this is the only way at all. We are all different and certainly do what you find works best for you. But here is why I think this can be very effective:
It teaches you to concentrate
It forces you to “cook” your thoughts.
You can be quick.
I find this approach so powerful that I wrote a separate article on it here:
Grab it quickly when the moment comes
- Don’t wait! Recognition comes quickly and can go quickly. Use your diary to grab the moment.
- And it is important to write down my recognition.
- Personally, I find that It is also important to write down my questions to myself, my struggles, etc. It can work magically that “If I ask, I do receive an answer.”.
Always keep your diary with you
Consider using a physical paper diary
(I admit, it may also be a bit personal that I recommend a physical diary. I like the tactile feel of writing on paper.)
Your diary is yours, no one else’s
The results that you can expect
First I placed this chapter in the beginning and then decided to move it to the end. This way you have already read through the tips and approach and can judge if you can agree about the results sought.
- Much deeper clarity about your own thoughts and emotions. After all, you are connecting the dots in your life by keeping a diary. On a mechanical level, you are maturing your cause-and-effect thinking.
- You can expect some and maybe many of your problems to solve themselves. No wonder here: When I become more aware of something about myself an opportunity arises usually where I can rewire it/let that thing go.
- You will understand others much better.
- I believe that you will also experience heightened self-esteem.
