In the context of our current, global challenge*, there is a unique and powerful development exercise that can help to accelerate both learning and personal growth. Not only that, it also has the potential to help reduce anxiety, fear and confusion. So it really is a win/win activity (more gain, less pain).

This development exercise doesn't relate to trying to learn new skills or capabilities via online videos, apps, books or virtual webinars - all of which, are great plans of action to develop your potential.

The real opportunity to support significant growth, comes in the form of technique completely under-utilised by most people in our modern world, it's called journaling. In particular (i.e. right now) journaling with the goal of articulating, consolidating and externalising your current thinking and patterns of thought.

Why is it so good?

In leadership development we frequently talk about how we 'make meaning'. In other words how we understand or make sense of the world that we live in. This includes our role within it and how we then subsequently explain (to ourselves and others) the various moments and experiences that we encounter.

This idea (Constructive Development Theory) lies at the heart of modern leadership development. As you can imagine the more effective we become at how we make meaning, the more agency, perspective and balance we are likely to experience, especially in moments of stress, challenge or ambiguity.

Journaling is a powerful enabler in helping you to achieve this, by expressing your thinking (which is a much more effective strategy than suppressing) in a way that you can then reflect back on at a later time. This reflection provides you with the opportunity, to then identify patterns of thought that are either supporting you or potentially derailing you from the desired outcomes and goals, that you are striving to achieve.

Why don't people journal?

Well there are a number of reasons why people wouldn't want to journal, these might include - "It feels weird" (most things do at the start), "I'm not sure what to write" (maybe start with how you're feeling?), "I don't have the time" (yeah and the dog used to eat your homework) or "I don't like writing" (ahh the modern curse of the keyboard). By the way - for people who think like this, that too is fine. All this does is highlight how they currently 'make meaning' on the merits of this type of development exercise.

So what next?

Remember that you have nothing to lose by giving it a go. Start by getting a fresh notebook and favourite pen (or you can computer journal) and ask yourself the following question:

1. How do I feel about the Covid-19 experience right now?

Alternatively you can write about something else that matters to you right now. Even when it gets difficult (and it will) strive to embrace the growth experience of writing a daily reflection journal.

I have no doubt that in time it will provide rich and insightful reading. Especially as a means for enabling personal growth.

*This article was written in 2020 and relates specifically to the Covid-19 Pandemic

For more information on the BESPOKE LEADERSHIP development program or to have an informal discussion regarding your development goals, please contact: philip@bespokeleaders.com