Win the Day

I've experimented with 5 or 6 different journaling methods, but none have really stuck - until this one. I struggle with what I'm supposed to write about, is this meaningful enough, should I use a digital or physical journal, what structure should I follow etc.

Apple released it's Journal app on iOS a few months ago and it's been quietly changing my life one day at a time. The software is not fancy, it allows me to make a list, is convenient, and serves as a repository with timeline. Other apps or a physical journal would probably work too. 

The method

"The only time is now" - I would repurpose this to "the only time is today". 

The tasks on my to-do list are all important (after careful pruning). They need to be done - but I won't be able to do them all today.  I have to choose.

Before the day starts I sit down, ideally after a short meditation (but not necessarily), take a quick look at my calendar and to-do list and write out:

(1) What will I do today?

(2) How will I show up for these tasks (attitude, energetically)?

Daily journal entry

Benefits

• Forces me to choose where and how to spend my time within a limited timeframe - "I have 2.5 hours between meetings today, what's realistic?"

  
  

• Gives me a tangible scorecard for the day - either I've hit the goals or not, and when I do, I can really rest and enjoy my night rather than questioning "did I do enough today? or what about that other thing?"

  
  

• During patches of free time during the day, the journal entry serves as a default way to spend time as opposed to news sites, social media or general perusing of the to-do-list.

  
  

• Focus and compassion to self - encouraging daily progress on medium-long term goals while relieving the weight of them.