Flesh Out Your Ideas with a Journal

We all have a lot on our minds and it can become overwhelming with all the tasks we need to put on our to-do lists. Big goals, daily goals for the week, what to buy for your mom for her birthday, what to make for dinner, and trying to remember to change the laundry when you get home.

This is why it’s helpful to flesh out your ideas with a journal.

When it comes to setting goals and other things you want to get done, it can get lost in the appointments, schedules, and other responsibilities we need to take care of. Journaling about it allows you to focus on just those ideas or goals and figure them out with much more clarity.

Use Stream of Consciousness-Style Journaling

One way to work on your ideas and get them to flow is to write a stream of consciousness entry. This doesn’t have to be a long entry or take a long time to write. You just write whatever comes to mind until you feel like you’ve said (written) everything you need to say.

Think about the thing that is forefront in your mind. It could be your plans for the coming weekend that you are excited about, a friend you want to call and catch up with, or an appointment you are nervous about. Write any other thoughts you have, your feelings, your worries, your plans and goals, and whatever else comes to mind during the journaling session.

Write Down One Big Decision or Idea You Are Working Through

When that page is done, you’ll probably have a big decision, goal, or idea that jumped out at you. This is the one you want to focus on first.

• What did you write about the most?
• Where is most of your focus at?

This is what your mind is telling you to think about and plan for. It can be a goal, or a big life decision. If you want to flesh out ideas for a business plan, start writing about that business and anything that comes to mind.

Choose a Big Goal, With Tasks for That Goal

You may also have a big goal that you really want to accomplish, and you are using your journal to flesh out ideas for how to accomplish this goal. This is another great way to navigate through your different ideas. Start with a specific goal, then consider how long it will take, and what you need to accomplish to reach this end goal.

Journaling through your goals, tasks, and to-do lists can help you feel more organized and less overwhelmed. Flesh out your ideas with a journal to gain more clarity in your life.