Experiments by psychologist James Pennebaker and others have revealed that writing about traumatic or stressful events in one’s life results in stronger immune function and physical health, better adjustment to college, a greater sense of well-being, and an ability to find employment more quickly after being laid off. Research confirms Sarah’s belief in the value of reflecting on and writing about daily experiences. Even now as a very busy entrepreneur, I can’t imagine not taking a few moments at the end of each day to record in my journal the progress made and my hopes and plans for the next phases of success. This record gives me great patience and perspective when new challenges come my way. I am always encouraged to look back and know how far I have come in a year’s time, and how major obstacles seem to become minor speed bumps in hindsight. There will always be more progress to make, but for me it is important to know that I am moving closer to my goals. Although it can seem that I’m making only baby steps of progress - and, yes, sometimes going sideways or even backwards before moving forward - my journal is an independent arbiter (and a silent cheerleader). Journaling has also given me patience and sharpened my ability to plan. I have gleaned many lessons about where I can be most engaged and therefore most successful in the workplace.
#Keeping a daily work journal professional#
Surprisingly, the least glamorous tasks of my professional career to date have been some of my career highlights. Journaling about work has given me the focus to identify my strengths and the activities that bring me the greatest joy.
Sarah highlights the first three benefits: Professor Amabile’s assignment introduced me to an entirely new type of journaling that has helped me in both my personal and professional life. I needed to be working and networking, not taking time to write about perceptions and feelings. (Sarah’s company, S’well, makes and sells unique insulated drinking bottles.) At first, Sarah rebelled at the idea of keeping a journal:Īt the time, as a busy MBA student, this seemed uncomfortable and time-consuming. Teresa’s former student, Sarah Kauss, recently wrote that the journal she was required to keep in the MBA course Managing for Creativity led to a daily practice that she has found invaluable as she traveled a career path from consultant to entrepreneur. In particular, there are four reasons for keeping a work diary: (1) focus, (2) patience, (3) planning, and (4) personal growth. But aside from the shot at immortality, are there any real benefits of keeping a diary? Undoubtedly, some have had an eye toward history in their devotion to journaling. Many well-known figures throughout history, from John Adams to Andy Warhol, have faithfully kept records of their daily lives.
Recently, Oprah offered her readers glimpses into her diaries, along with encouragement to keep their own. Question: What does Oprah Winfrey have in common with World War II General George S.
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