Let me tell you about this gem of a book I’ve stumbled upon – “Stillness is the Key” by Ryan Holiday. It’s a game-changer, but not in the way you might think, especially for someone like me who’s usually all about the hustle, the energy, and hitting those high-performance marks.

Now, the idea of stillness? That’s not usually my cup of tea. I’m more of a ‘let’s get things moving’ kind of person. But tucked away in this book, there’s this chapter on journaling that just… clicked with me. Because, you see, journaling is my thing. It’s been my steady companion through the rollercoaster of life.

I’ve had my ups and downs with it, journaling religiously every day for over two years at one stretch. (I really should dig up those journals to see exactly how long it was.) And then, there were those dry spells, months on end without penning a single word. But let me take you back a few years, to a time that tested me to my core. Picture this: work’s off the charts, crazy hours, sometimes every single day of the week. Our company was in the midst of this massive shift, demanding every ounce of my time and energy. It was brutal.

Physically, I hung in there, thanks to my commitment to stay active. But mentally? That’s where the cracks started to show. I turned into this person I barely recognized – negative, snappy, just a bundle of stress.

I knew something had to give. Something had to change.

So, I did what I do best – I took a step back, looked at the big picture, and realized what I needed most was my journal. It became my morning ritual, my pre-gym mental warm-up. And guess what? I haven’t missed a day in 1.5 years. It’s been nothing short of miraculous for me.

Every morning, it’s my moment of zen. It’s where I unload my worries, amp up for the exciting stuff ahead, tackle big issues, jot down my dreams and goals, and just… talk. It’s like a daily mental cleanse, setting the tone for the day.

I can’t tell you enough how transformative this habit has been for me, and I’m not planning on stopping anytime soon. So, here’s my nudge to you: why not give journaling a shot? It could be that little tweak in your routine that makes all the difference.

BE DELIBERATE:

Why not start today? Grab a piece of paper and just let it all out. Jot down what’s eating at you or what you’re trying to unravel. Notice how you feel before and after. It’s a simple step, but trust me, it could be the start of something big.