Your Learning Journal

One of the most important tools in my personal development toolkit is my learning journal. Over the years I have used journals of different sizes and shapes. I also have experimented with keeping my learning notes and observations on the computer (some might say my blog is a form of learning journal). Regardless of the size or form, my journal is critical to my ongoing learning and growth.

While I am a technology lover, I continue to use a paper journal. I find it more accessible and there is something about writing things down and having flexibility in that regard that works best for me. My point with this recommendation is not to suggest how you journal though, only to implore you to do it!

The impacts of your journal are many, I could write much about them (in fact I have an article I wrote about how to best use your journal), but the single most important value of a journal is that it helps you be reflective.

By writing down your ideas, lessons, and plans, you are reflecting on what has happened in your life and using that as a way to generate learning - and improvement - for yourself.

This reflection would make your journal worthwhile even if you never went back to read any of your ideas again.

If you haven't ever tried, or have gotten away from, keeping a learning journal; start today. Find a rhythm and a process that works for you. Use it as a way to reflect and take notes. Use it and I'm confident it will become one of your most trusted learning tools and prized possessions.

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