The Journalling Techniques that Changed My Life

Summary

The video discusses how journaling can transform mental clarity, manage anxiety, and improve day-to-day life. The speaker shares personal struggles with mental health and drug addiction before discovering the power of journaling. They present nine impactful journaling techniques, ranging from mind-dumping and breaking obsessive thoughts to reflection exercises and lifestyle audits. The speaker highlights how these techniques, while not foolproof, have been life-changing, offering practical steps for mental clarity, decision-making, and setting life direction. The video ends with a preview of the speaker’s upcoming book, which integrates journaling exercises.

Takeaways

• 📝 Journaling is a powerful tool for managing mental health and gaining clarity, especially for dealing with anxiety and life challenges.
• 💭 The first journaling technique mentioned is a 'mind dump,' where every thought is written down to clear mental clutter and gain perspective.
• 🔄 Journaling can be used to break fixed mindsets by imagining whimsical things, focusing on making others happy, or observing new details in the environment.
• 🔍 Daily reflection questions like 'What drained me?' and 'What excited me?' can offer insights into lifestyle patterns and areas for improvement.
• 📊 Journaling for habit and lifestyle audits involves listing actions and evaluating them against your best and worst self to identify positive and negative behaviors.
• 🌧️ For handling bad events, journaling can help by objectively evaluating the event, assigning meaning, and reframing the situation as an opportunity for growth.
• 😰 Journaling can also alleviate anxieties by breaking them into specific fears, finding simple fixes, and determining realistic outcomes.
• 📝 Keeping a 'to-do' journal helps with prioritization by focusing on tasks that bring the most impact and are the most exciting or non-negotiable.
• ⏳ Decision-making through journaling involves defining the problem, listing options, and making quick intuitive choices, then reflecting on those decisions.
• 🎯 Journaling can help with finding life direction by asking what you wanted in the past, what you want now, and what you might want in the future, creating a clearer vision for growth.

Q & A

What prompted the speaker to start journaling?

The speaker began journaling after experiencing a chaotic period in their life, marked by a suicide attempt, drug abuse, and family issues. They felt an urge to type out all their thoughts, which helped them achieve mental clarity.

How did journaling help the speaker with their mental health?

Journaling allowed the speaker to see their thoughts on paper, which made them seem less overwhelming. It quieted their 'bully overhead' and provided a tool for long-term problem-solving.

What are some specific journaling techniques the speaker recommends?

The speaker recommends several techniques: journaling for clarity (mind dumps), breaking obsessive mindsets, daily reflections, habits and lifestyle audits, dealing with bad events, managing anxiety, making to-do lists, decision-making, and finding life direction.

How does the speaker describe 'journaling for clarity'?

Journaling for clarity involves writing down every thought you have, either in one session or throughout the day. The goal is to declutter your mind by transferring thoughts onto paper.

What exercises does the speaker suggest for breaking obsessive mindsets?

The speaker recommends three exercises: imagining six impossible things, thinking of how to make someone else happy, and noticing something new in your immediate environment. These help shift focus away from obsessive thoughts.

What is the purpose of 'journaling for daily reflections'?

This technique involves answering specific questions daily, such as what excited or drained you, what you learned, and what you're grateful for. It helps identify patterns in your behavior and mindset.

How does 'journaling for habits and lifestyle audits' work?

This technique involves listing your daily actions and categorizing them as behaviors of your 'worst' or 'best' self. It helps you audit your habits and assess whether your actions are aligned with the person you want to be.

What is the 'fears, fixes, and outcomes' technique for managing anxiety?

This method involves dividing your anxiety into three columns: identifying fears, brainstorming fixes or solutions, and predicting the likely outcome to avoid catastrophizing.

How does the speaker recommend journaling for decision-making?

The speaker suggests clearly defining the problem, listing options, and asking yourself questions like 'What would I choose if I had to decide in 60 seconds?' This approach helps tap into your intuition.

How does 'journaling for life direction' work?

This technique involves asking yourself what you wanted five years ago, what you want now, and what you want in five years. It helps clarify your life direction by looking at your desires over time.