Benefits of Journalling for Productivity
If you're looking for a convenient and straightforward way to increase your productivity, consider regular journaling. All you need is a pen, paper and an open mind to the benefits of this form of active learning.
Research has shown that reflective writing works particularly well for those in busy and high-stress jobs like medical professionals, as it enhances the brain's ability to process, retain and retrieve information. By allowing the brain to reflect and evaluate this way, it strengthens vital neural pathways that result in improved decision making and critical thinking.
It's also suggested that by recording your thoughts in an outside medium, you reboot your limited short-term memory. You declutter your brain and allow for more space to think. And if you're thinking more clearly, critically and creatively – you'll be more productive.
Another study by Harvard Business School followed two groups of employees in training. There was no intervention with the first group, but the second group had to spend the last fifteen minutes of the working day writing down the lessons they'd learnt. The second group performed 23% better post-training. Researchers put this down to something called self-efficacy, which translates into an individual's belief in their capacity to execute behaviours necessary to produce specific performance attainments.
That leads us onto another clear benefit of journaling - what you write down, you're likely to achieve, particularly when it's aligned with your values. So, if you want to improve your productivity, get clear on what you want to achieve and how you'll do it, and your journal will act as a tool to identify what you should be focusing on, and what you can let go.
And finally, journaling allows you to record your progress and outcomes, which is handy for determining how productive you've been.
Although the idea of journaling may feel self-indulgent or a waste of time to some, particularly those that have hectic lives and full schedules, do give it a chance. The evidence clearly shows that journaling can save you both time and stress by clearing your mind and clarifying your thoughts. Do also resist the urge to rush through the journaling process and get it over with; instead, treat it as an investment in your productivity aspirations.
Here are a few tips:
Use pen and paper. Going old school improves memory and encourages deeper thinking.
Make it a habit. Keep your journal in the same spot and write in it at the same time every day – the more consistent you can keep your journaling routine, the easier it will be to stay on track and make it a daily habit.
Don't worry about how it sounds or what it looks like. No one will be reading it, but you, so relax and write whatever comes to mind.
Write down a goal for every day. Reiterating what you want to achieve will serve as motivation and inspiration to get the job done.