The idea of a personal journal has always intrigued me. I’ve tried more than one time to start. It usually involved going to a book store or stationary store and picking up some form of note taking paraphernalia. I really do enjoy office supply stores so purchasing writing materials is always fun.
I get my new supplies home and look them over quite well over the next day or two. I take everything with me everywhere I go. Constantly pulling them out of whatever I’m currently using to haul all my stuff around. I may write a few words on a page or two but that’s as far as it goes. Before long, I just have another nice pen and notepad lying around.
I think the main reason I’ve struggled with journaling in the past is my lack of direction with it. I’ve never known what to focus my writing on. I haven’t had a plan or a thought-out schedule.
In my year of writing this blog what I’ve realized is that the greatest tool you can implement in your writing habits is a deadline, either imposed by yourself or others through outside engagement. An excellent example of this is the ‘Let’s Blog Off‘ group of writers I’m involved with. I know that every other Tuesday I will be expected to write something based on a subject someone else chooses for me (which I love, by the way). This deadline forces me to write on a regular basis, even if it is only every other week.
I had been thinking about starting to journal here, on this site, for about a week when jb over at Building Moxie wrote this journal entry. In the comments I expressed my opinion that blogging is an exercise in self discovery while at the same time providing value for your readers. The driving force behind the desire to journal? I want to document my journey from my blue collar business ownership to completing my degree in nursing. I haven’t taken a college course in 18 years and I thought it would be interesting to write about this journey here.
Okay, so here is how this will work. I plan on using this one image that I created for all my journal entries. I will also be sure to use the word ‘Journal:’ in all the entries as well, to help those of you who follow me on Twitter know the difference between a regular post and a journal entry. This is my way of helping you, the reader, find what you are truly interested in. Consider it a way of providing ‘opt-in’ support to my blog. Initially I plan on posting all journal entries on Monday mornings (again forcing a schedule) as I’ll have the weekend to contemplate the previous week’s events. This is subject to change, as you can imagine.
The challenge in all of this is creating entries that will share my thoughts and still add value to the lives of others. Let’s face it. Me rambling on about my life in a way that doesn’t engage my audience is a little too one sided. I hope I can pull this off. If not, I hope my strategy will make it easy for you to avoid it, all together.
Here’s to a very interesting 2 years! I hope you will join me in the journey!
I’ve decided to follow you on this journey. Thanks for the heads up.
I was hoping you were ready for another adventure.
I’m not boring, that’s for sure!
Ready or not, here it comes!
You are definitely not boring!
First James thanks for the nod in this posting, and second I think you know me well enough to know that I am all about this. I am always one that is down with the “heart of the matter” . . . which “journaling” can allow. Contrary to what I expressed in my reply to your comments — I do feel blogging is about self-discovery, but maybe just not always with every single entry. The key though as you said, and as I have expressed to many people on the side … is the schedule!!! dead on. And especially when you got nothing: It forces to trust yourself: your writing skills, your powers of resource, i.e. yourself and usually to the act of self-discovery. And this is part of the reason why I so want to go every day with blogging. But hats off on the way you are laying this out here.
Your intro too — about the practice of journaling, hi hopes and yes struck a chord, been there done that… it after many years has evolved into the “little black book” method for me … a 5×3 notebook that I carry almost everywhere… and I’d say about 50% of the 3 to 5 line notes I put in there, do actually make it up to the site.
Sorry this is a journal entry of a comment here (and probably a little under-edited), but wanted to get down some thoughts ;~) and all the best as you pursue your degree sir. ~jb
I appreciate your thoughts, jb.
After just writing this one post I can see how hard journaling in public like this can be. It’s….intimidating. My hat’s off to you!
You have provided an excellent example with your blog at Building Moxie.
I am contemplating something similar here. I’m considering letting other people contribute to this blog. Not looking for the same type of content you provide. I would be interested in more motivational and business content.
I’m just not sure where to go next. I certainly don’t need a lot more work added to my plate.
I would only allow contribution to specific categories.
Your thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated.
oh I’m down with you stealing our shtick … better yet just join The Do Together Daily (dedicated to homeownership, remodeling, business, life and learning) hahaha! kinda serious about that second part, but anyway — of course I am down with the format. ;~) I will say, we are struggling a little with where we’re at. growing pains… and it has gotten a little harder managing the contribution piece of it. With you, building it on the back of something already targeted may be helpful… but you do need to stay on top of it, especially if you are going to build guest posts into your schedule . . . we can certainly talk more about this on the side, but I do think you know the truth. Anyway you slice it . . . BLOGGING IS HARD WORK. Thanks James! open door and enjoy. jb
Blogging is tough!
I was just talking with Bridget at Riggin’s today about doing guest posting.
It’s something I’m certainly interested in doing.
we love Bridget! good pick!
Hey, that is a great idea, and I love the journal banner. Well done. I look forward to watching this journey unfold. I have no doubt it will take you and your family to amazing places.
Thanks, Carl.
This should be interesting for sure!
First, how did you create the image? Also, I journal differently; I sometimes have a need to empty my head and that is what becomes my journal. It is not tomes but I feel a need to do it.
I used Photoshop, Josh.
It was actually VERY simple. I’ll try to do a screen cast for you.
Thanks James, and I wish my employer would let me use Chrome so it can automatically spell check my comments.