I find that journaling my goals allows me to sit down and work through all my plans. I can get a grasp on what my goals are, and how I might achieve them. You too, can make lists right in your journal that help you plan what you need to achieve your goals. In the process, it will reduce your stress. This works because it helps you organize and consider all the important stuff you were too overwhelmed to think about before. Here’s a way to break the process down.
The 3 W’s of Reaching Any Journaled Goal
You have a goal in mind, but that’s all you have. Creating, working towards, and reaching goals isn’t easy. The journey is often different for everyone. However, there are three parts of achieving every goal that are always the same. Defining the 3 W’s of your goal will allow you to think it through and plan it out without getting overwhelmed.
Journaling Your Goal Starts by Identifying “What” Your Goal Is
What do you want? What is your goal? You need to be specific: I want to get a promotion. I want to write a novel. I want to go to college. Explicitly, naming your goal and writing it out in your journal will give power to it. And this process will allow you to mentally focus in on what you are trying to achieve. Clearly defined goals are easier to work towards. Writing out your target has the added benefit of making the goal “real,” as opposed to a foggy idea floating in your mind.
“When” – Set a Realistic Timeline While Journaling Your Goal
When do you want to achieve your goal? What is your timeframe? Once you have an overall time frame, you can dive into the milestones that you will need to hit along the way and put time limits on those. Doing this will give you benchmarks on which you can measure your progress. Measuring your progress in increments will also keep your spirits up when you are in the muck of the middle. You will be able to look back and say, “I’m halfway there.”
Journaling Your Goal’s “Why” Gives Accountability and Motivation When You’d Rather Waver
Why is this your goal? Why do you want to do it? Your why is your everything. Your reasoning should be personal and not something you will be easily swayed from. If you’re going to run a half marathon merely for the glory, you may want to dig a little deeper. Running a half isn’t easy, and in the middle of every training session, it will just be you and your legs. Having a strong why will also come in handy when you lack external support. Having a reliable support system of family and friends makes achieving any goal easier, but sometimes you won’t have that backing.
Now you have your what, your when, and your why. By journaling your goals in this way, it’s easy to revisit the W’s when times get tough. You should especially revisit your why daily. It will remind you why you started, why you are continuing, and what awaits you at the end of your long journey. Setting and achieving goals is not for the weak of heart, but if your heart is in it, the process will be much less daunting.
My Free Journal to Help You Identify and Reach Your Goals
Long ago my only goal was to be free from drugs and alcohol. Service has been a big part of my recovery process and today I consider and write about how I can help others who walk in the same path as I did, like maybe you. I want this journal to help you learn from your mistakes and move forward in your recovery with less stress and a solid vision of where you want to go from here! Journaling your goals is a good way to start finding that vision of your future.
There were many times that I wished I had a journal that was more than just a notebook. Something that had guides, prompts, and practical help. That’s why I created this Gratitude & Stress Journal. It’s my free gift to you, to help you get started with your addiction recovery process. I’m really excited to give this journal to you and help you make the most of it! Just CLICK HERE to get your copy now.
