Just like a hammer is necessary if you’re framing a house. A drill is necessary to do woodworking. A key is necessary for opening a door.

A journal is necessary to developing ourselves.

We can use the back of a screw driver to knock in a nail every once and a while but if we have to hit nails day after day, we’d better have a hammer.

We might act similarly using our memory as the screwdriver to temporarily drive home our own development. Nothing replaces the act of journaling.

Journaling or keeping a diary is a reminder that development is more than a 1 hour every month thing. It is ongoing and process you will partake in every day. It can help you measure growth and development. Journals help you remember what was said or what you thought about. It is a place for you to collaborate with yourself and think as if there were two of yourselves processing information.

Rhythm is important.

If you do not know where to start, begin with gratitude or what you are proud of for the day and let it grow from there. It doesn’t have to ever be perfect or complete, it just needs to be you. It never needs to be shared or explained or just needs to resonate with you.

Inspired by Austin Kleon’s thoughts on why he keeps a diary