As a small business owner or solopreneur, your days are likely a whirlwind of tasks, decisions, and emotions. I know that from experience, as I’ve been a virtual assistant to CEOs of small businesses (and I also have this small business, so I know how demanding it can be to try to be on top of everything).

Now, we deserve time to ourselves, and one of the things we can do is to set out space (and time) to pour our thoughts, reflect on our lives, and plan ahead. Journaling can help greatly because it is a surprisingly powerful tool that can boost your focus, increase creativity, and promote your overall business growth.

Why Journal as a Business Owner?

Research from Psychology Today highlights the numerous benefits of journaling, including:

• Improved self-awareness: When we reflect on our experiences, we gain a deeper understanding of our way of thinking, strengths, weaknesses, and motivations.
• Enhanced decision-making: Journaling allows you to weigh options, analyze challenges, and develop well-informed decisions.
• Increased creativity: Writing freely sparks new ideas and helps you approach problems from different angles.
• Stress reduction: Journaling provides a safe space to vent frustrations and process emotions, leading to improved mental well-being.
• Goal setting and tracking: Regularly recording your goals and progress keeps you accountable and motivated.

Getting Started with Your Business Journal:

1. Choose your format: You can use a physical notebook, a digital app, or even voice recordings – what feels most comfortable for you. I use a bunch of physical journals to write and Daylio as my digital mood tracker. I didn’t know this before starting to write this post, but Notion can be used as a Journal, too! (I thought it was just a task management tool).  
2. Set realistic goals: You can start writing 5 minutes per day (here are some ideas of what to write about) and gradually increase the time as journaling becomes a habit.
3. Find a quiet space: We should minimize distractions and allow ourselves to focus on our thoughts, ideas, and feelings. I live in a noisy area, so I use loops to have the silence I need (Non-affiliate Amazon link here), and they help me focus.

What to Write About:

I don’t know about you, but when my former therapist advised me to journal, I was a bit lost regarding what I should write. I think that one of the first things I wrote was: “I am not sure what to write here.” So, here are some journaling ideas for you, just in case.

• Daily reflections: Capture the key events of your day, your successes and challenges, and lessons learned throughout your day.
• Goal setting and tracking: We get a clearer view of what we need to achieve when we define our short-term and long-term goals, break them down into small and actionable steps, and track our progress. You can read more about goal setting here. Set goals that focus on improving your business, such as training your team (and yourself) in a given subject or searching for ways to automate some of the tasks you need to do. 
• Brainstorming sessions: Use your journal to freely explore new ideas, product concepts, marketing strategies, and problem-solving solutions.
• Gratitude journaling: Reflect on the things you’re grateful for in your business journey and life. I have filled two gratitude journals so far, and one of the things I love is to re-read what I wrote. This can be a life changer!
• Decision-making analysis: Weigh the pros and cons of different options, consider potential outcomes, and document your final decision for future reference. You can even do a SWOT analysis to get a deeper understanding of your current situation and take better decisions.

Journal Prompts for Inspiration:

• What are my biggest wins and learning moments this week?
• What challenges am I currently facing, and how can I overcome them?
• What are my top 3 business priorities for the next month?
• What are my two business priorities for the next 12 months?
• What new ideas can I implement to improve my marketing strategy?
• What am I truly grateful for in my entrepreneurial journey?

Remember: There’s no right or wrong way to journal. Be honest and let your thoughts flow freely. Over time, you might discover the immense power that journaling can have in guiding your business toward success. So, grab your pen, unleash your thoughts, and watch your business flourish!

Additional Resources:

• Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/anxiety-zen/202102/journal-your-way-toward-improved-mental-health
• Journaling for Mindset: The Benefits and How to Get Started
• Goal Setting: A Comprehensive Guide 

About the Author:
I’m Astrid, a biologist who made a career shift to become a virtual assistant and an accountability partner. My journey from the world of science to customer service and freelancing has given me a unique perspective on life, and I sometimes share it here on WordPress.

Do you need a capable and reliable accountability partner? Contact me on Fiverr or LinkedIn.