Who Am I?
I’m a journaler.
I have a regular practice of writing down my thoughts, feelings, experiences, and life lessons. I use reflective journaling to record my thinking process, explore knowledge, and track my progress toward my goals.
I use journaling to help me develop six elements of my life.
My nickname for these elements is ‘The Six’: Mind, Body, Spirit, Social, Finance, and Work. ‘The Six’ align with my life’s Purpose, Vision, Mission, Values, and Principles (PVMVP).
Why Do I Bother to Journal?
Journaling supports my self-improvement methodology. The simple act of writing helps me manage my daily progress toward the improvements I seek.
It basically ‘whips’ me into shape by providing the structure I need to get better at everything I want to achieve.
What Do I Want to Achieve?
Every year, I review and write down my life’s Purpose, Vision, Mission, Values, and Principles (PVMVP). Then, I create short lists of long-term goals that I want to pursue.
Each of these goals aligns with my life’s PVMVP and supports my two favorite hobbies which are health and happiness.
How Do I Journal?
Every morning, I take about eight minutes to handwrite a journal entry.
Each entry focuses on one of ‘The Six’ and includes reflections, lessons learned, and actions that need to be taken to move closer to my goals.
The consistency of my practice connects me with the activities that are most important in my life. It also helps me prioritize and navigate daily distractions.
When Do I Plan?
Over the years, I have improved the way I set my annual goals.
In 2023 and 2024, I started planning during the first month of the year. When I did it this way, I felt like I was always playing catch-up. My focus was scattered, and I felt rushed because I was planning and doing at the same time.
In 2025, I started planning in December; however, I still felt rushed.
So, this year, I’m whipping my plans into shape. I created a space in my 2026 journal dedicated to planning for 2027. The section serves as a placeholder for my 2027 goals. As a result of starting early, I’ve even identified a few things to consider for 2028.
So, How Are You Planning to “Go Forward. Move Ahead”?
Ready or not, 2027 is coming soon!
How are you planning to make the most of it?
What are you doing to move forward toward a healthier and happier life?
Some people might simply decide to do nothing and let things happen.
Some might plan, try, and then forget they even had a plan.
Others may have specific aspects of their lives they want to improve.
Journaling may not be for everyone. However, there are many self-improvement tools out there. You just have to have interest to find the one that will work for you.
If you want to get ready for a happier and healthier new year, ask yourself these questions:
Who are you?
Who do you want to be?
How are you going to go forward and move ahead?
Just remember that it’s not too late to ‘whip it good’!
Click this link to learn more about journaling: Journaling on Journaling