Purposeful Pathway Biz Tip: Business Journaling

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Purposeful Pathway is a haven for faith-based entrepreneurs. It is a journey in which faith and business gracefully intertwine. It is a pathway paved with purpose, peace and passion. The posts provide insights for faith-based business and also inspiration for the spiritual journey. My hope is that, in reading, your businesses will grow and your lives will be enriched. My prayer is that these messages will allow God’s peace, love and joy to pave your purposeful pathways.

Part of my mission is equipping faith-based businesses with information that is practical, actionable and Scriptural. An activity that has helped me tremendously in my business is journaling.

I have always been a journaling aficionado; writing is a powerful medium for sorting through feelings, marking progress, crystallizing lessons learned in day, meditating on God’s Word and contemplating His call in our lives. Yet only last year did I consistently journal in relation to my business. And such a blessing it has been!

For example, I journal in order to:

1. Brainstorm about marketing and product ideas. When we are in the midst of activity during the business day, we can experience a stifling of our creativity. Journaling in the morning, before the rush of the activities, stimulates creativity in a sacred space. This is where the ideas for marketing, products and other business ventures stream freely!
2. Sort out ideas triggered by an email, conversation or situation that occurred during the day. Switching from activity mode to contemplative thinking can put a “drag” on the momentum of a busy work day. Yet sometimes things arise that require our contemplation; it behooves us to think through these things, even if not at the moment they arise. I write down the topics, concerns or questions in my journal at those moments, and these serve as “fodder” for my journaling for the next day.
3. Work through problems. When we are busy with our business, we simply do not have time to mull over a problem or challenge. Sometimes, of course, we have no choice. In the events where I can postpone the contemplation, I take note of the challenge(s). I then journal about the challenge(s) when I have a peaceful space to do so (generally the next morning).
4. Vision and dream for tomorrow. The journal a phenomenal forum for planting seeds and dreams for tomorrow. When we savor a peaceful space, we can hear God’s whisper and see the visions He has placed on our hearts.
5. Step back. Overview is the fifth step of the Live-on-P.U.R.P.O.S.E. process. Often, however, it is hard to step back when we are moving quickly in activity. Journaling gives us the precious space to step back and contemplate our goals, activities and results. We can review all of these and then make necessary adjustments along the way. This is powerful for goal achievement and business growth.
6. See God in my business. Journaling is a wonderful way of seeing God’s hand and guidance in our businesses. We can look back on previous entries and see how He has orchestrated events, connections and inspirations in His perfect timing.
7. Consecrate my businesses to God. Daily we can commit, in written word as well as in prayer, our lives and our businesses to God. There is power in the written word; as we physically write words, these very words etch themselves on our hearts and in our minds.

In our journaling and in all our business activities, God is always front and center. “But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.” Deuteronomy 8:18

If you are not journaling specifically for your business, I encourage you to try it. I think you will find it is a valuable tool. The list above is not comprehensive, and I would love to hear your thoughts too. How do you – or would you – use journaling in your business?

© 2013 Caroline Gavin

What are some challenges and victories you have encountered in journaling?

How has journaling helped you in serving God, family, friends and clients?

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Interested in paving your own purposeful pathway? Contact Caroline Gavin via caroline@purposefulpathway.com for a Free Christian Business Coaching Consultation.