One of my favorite business tools is my journal. I admit to being lost without my smart phone, Evernote app and online calendar, but nothing beats pen and paper when it comes to building clarity and staying focused in my business. In fact, no matter how addicted I am to the digital world, I don’t actually make progress on my “big picture” goals until I’ve explored them in my journal.

Now before you dismiss this as “just another thing that you will probably fail to keep up with,” let me encourage you by saying there is no wrong way to journal! The key is to find what works for you and make it part of your sacred business rituals – meaning it becomes a habit that you do on a regular basis (whatever that means for you).

And don’t be fooled into thinking this is just a pointless self-help exercise. Journal writing is not just for love-struck teens and couples in counseling. Successful entrepreneurs — including Oprah and Suze Orman — understand the power of the written word in business.  In fact business gurus such as Stephen Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, have been professing the benefits of journal writing for decades.

So a journal is an essential tool in your toolbox. When it comes to business journaling, you can use this tool to become more productive and creative at work. You can also use it to prioritize and organize your tasks, generate fresh new ideas and gain clarity on your long-term strategy and goals.

Here are 10 ways to use a journal to boost your business:  [Read more...]