Journaling is the most powerful mental habit for writers and entrepreneurs.
But most methods aren’t optimized for results.
Here’s the simple system I’ve used for over a year to create more happiness, self-awareness and success:
Every day you’re bombarded with information. Thoughts are scattered. Life is relentless.
Journaling brings calm to the chaos.
In this thread I’ll show you how to do it effectively (in as little as 10 minutes a day).
A note:
At first journaling feels pointless. Most worthwhile things do.
But trust me - the more you do it, the better the results.
You piece together a map of your mind. A log of decisions. Data to guide future action.
This is powerful.
Here’s the setup:
You need 3 books.
This keeps you organised – or else you’ll never review what you record.
You also need some colours. We’re tracking +/- results & energy for optimization.
The books:
1. Daily dump
2. Reviews
3. Business (THE most powerful one)
Should you handwrite?
I get the need for digital notes.
They’re faster. Structured. Clean.
But this isn’t what you want with journaling. It’s about slowing down. Exploring. Thinking.
Typing comes at the cost of intimacy and clarity.
Book 1 - The Daily Dump (I know - a great name)
The aim:
1. Practice gratitude
2. Observe your thoughts & clear your mind
3. Track results and energy
4. Stay driven toward your vision
The day begins and ends with this.
The morning is for priming and preparation.
Your vision is your north star.
Gratitude is fuel.
Brain dumping tames the monkey mind.
An inspirational quote helps internalise the best ideas from great thinkers.
Daily goal: optional. I prefer systems.
The evening is for peace, perspective and progress.
1. Wins
Easy to forget the small stuff – but these add up.
2. Losses
What left you drained? What could be better?
3. Story
Gather stories as you go. This helps you take notice of life.
Book 2 - Goals & Reviews
Most people stop at book 1. That’s like running a marathon and quitting at mile 25.
This book is for:
Pursuing your purpose.
Reviewing results.
Lessons for living.
One Big Thing
“Are we not more likely to hit the mark if we have a target?” – Aristotle
Every 90 days set 1 big goal.
This ties into your vision – powerful for results.
Interested?
Read this from @TaylorPearsonMe. Life-changing.
taylorpearson.me/how-to-get-foc…
@TaylorPearsonMe Reviews:
Reviews let you recalibrate. It's easy to go through life without keeping track.
Content:
1. KPI from 90-day goal (am I on track?)
2. Wins & losses
3. Energy levels (thanks @dickiebush)
Follow the energy. Follow the results.
@TaylorPearsonMe @dickiebush Lessons
Fuck ups and failures are great. They’re an opportunity to refine your operating system.
People spend their life making the same mistakes. Reflection stops the cycle.
So at the end of this book, log your lessons.
Build your blueprint.
@TaylorPearsonMe @dickiebush Book 3 - Business:
If my flat was burning down, this is what I would grab.
(and if she’s reading this, my girlfriend)
Why?
Well, you’re likely striving for success. To make a real difference.
This book will guarantee it.
Let me explain:
@TaylorPearsonMe @dickiebush The best content you create serves your past self.
"Writing to your shadow"
But without a record, you're guessing.
Here, you document your entire journey.
The doubts. Questions. Pains.
You build an incredibly powerful marketing asset.
For free.
@TaylorPearsonMe @dickiebush Pimp this book:
For each entry, grade your level of clarity.
At your most positive, write about your plans. Your vision.
Why?
The monkey mind is fickle. The journey long.
Recording your thoughts at the best of times will get you through the worst.
P.S.
Interested in the idea of the business book?
I recorded a short clip for a client going into detail.
I’m sharing it with anyone interested. If you turn on your DM’s and RT #1 tweet (linked below).
– I’ll send it over.
In summary:
Journal day to day to take notice of life.
Define your vision and set targets to make it a reality.
Use data to guide results.
Document your entire journey online as a creator.
And speak to me in 6 months.
Guaranteed your life has changed.
If you enjoyed this, why not give me a follow:
@ItsKieranDrew
I share ideas on storytelling and writing for the digital age.
And if you're writing online, you'd love my guide.
It's a short e-book that helps you define your niche differently - so you can stand out from the crowd.
Get it here for free:
writersniche.carrd.co
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