Life Fit Chat: Journaling for success

Life Fit Chat with That's Fit Life Fit Expert Laura Lewis brings conversation provoking tidbits to your table, served up with a touch of spice! Byte-sized information that pack some punch, brought to you every Wednesday and Thursday!

You have most likely decided on your resolutions for 2008. Now for the tough part ... keeping them! I believe journaling is a great way to help you in the quest for resolution follow through. The process of journaling is an excellent exercise for tracking your success and understanding your behavioral patterns.

The key to journaling in a useful way is to honestly explore your emotions and attitudes as you challenge yourself physically and spiritually. In order to create real change, we have to get outside of our comfort zone and rarely does that actually feel good. Each time you attempt to change a behavior, I recommend journaling about that topic every day for at least six weeks. Everyday explore what the change was (behavior, change in diet, change in fitness regime, etc.) and freely write about the mental and emotional process of making that change as you successfully move through each day a slightly changed person. Through this process you will learn so much about yourself and will actually get to the root of why your new year resolution is important to you.

When you journal explore the following:

1. Did I accomplish my goal today? If so, what actions helped me to stay focused and committed? If not, what actions prevented my success.
2. How did I feel about my success/failure in accomplishing my goal today?
3. What are the tangible results of my actions?
4. What motivated me today?
5. What acted as a de-motivator?
6. Am I placing myself in situations that support my desire for change or negate my desire for change?
7. Am I changing for myself or for some other reason?
8. How do I feel about myself today?

I use journler. It is easy to use, password protected and always accessible to me. The journler allows you to blog, insert podcasts, photos or to even share entries with friends. One reason why people are uncomfortable journaling is the fear that someone will find and read their most personal thoughts ... use a password and "get real" with yourself.

Check out these 100 benefits of journaling.

Good luck and have fun!