As a child, I kept a personal diary, but it was more of a child’s play – little girls like to write down their thoughts. Of course, then I still had no idea that the diary is the most accessible means of psychotherapy, self-knowledge, introspection. Many psychologists recommend using this method.
Diary functions
Written presentation of thoughts helps to structure, analyze information. The diary contributes to the acquaintance of the individual with himself. On paper, it is easier to reconsider life, delete unnecessary things, endow the days with bright colors.
The functions of the diary include:
- Psychotherapeutic function: experience, acceptance, expression of emotions. It is not always possible to speak out to someone. It happens that you don’t want to share something even with a loved one. Then the diary will help. Speak out to him. You can even write letters to other people. This, by the way, is another independent method of psychotherapy.
- Predictive function: analysis of actions, development of a plan for further action.
- Actualizing, mobilizing function: self-knowledge, drawing up a plan for self-development.
- Cognitive development. Writing thoughts improves speaking, increases literacy, teaches you to think clearly. You will become a writer, gradually your skill will grow. At the same time, non-standard thinking will develop, the ability to be interesting, to clearly express thoughts. An additional benefit is the development of fine motor skills.
- Development of creativity. The diary reveals the talent of a writer, illustrator. Why not add pictures to your thoughts?
It is better to keep a diary regularly, but if it does not work out, then record at least the most exciting events. A written statement of your condition helps to understand the desires and needs.
If you want to work on discipline, then force yourself to take daily notes. Additionally, he disciplines the fixation of goals, plans with specific deadlines for implementation.
The paper remembers everything. Keep a journal to increase accountability and mindfulness in life. It is unrealistic to keep everything in mind, but you can re-read the events of past years at any time. The diary helps to look at yourself from the outside, to evaluate personal changes, to rethink the way of life.
Types of diaries
The classic diary involves daily communication with him as with the best friend. In it, people write down the events of each day, their daily mood. But this is not the only possible option for journaling:
- Goal diary. It is helpful to write down your goals and record the steps you have taken to achieve them. Write down your strengths and weaknesses. Determine what is lacking to achieve the goal. Develop, record your successes. The goal diary reminds of desires, because it is so easy to forget them in the daily rush.
- Success diary. You can combine it with the first type or have a separate notebook. In your success diary, note only victories, even minor ones. This is your motivation, your self-confidence. Describe in detail the situation, your thoughts, experiences, actions, the change of emotions, the result. In difficult times, reread it over and over again.
- Diary of ideas. Do you ever have an interesting idea coming up completely at the wrong time? I have yes. In addition, immediately begins testing the viability of this idea, analyzing options for implementation, weighing the pros and cons. And while you think about it or are distracted by something, the idea evaporates and is forgotten. Therefore, I try to urgently write down the thought that came to me on the phone, on paper, on the computer – anywhere. And later, when there is time, I return to her. Try and keep a diary of ideas. Write down anything that sounds interesting, even if it also seems unreal. Idea diary entries have no expiration date. Perhaps in a year this thought will seem quite real.
- A diary of mistakes, or a self-study guide based on personal experience. Fix mistakes, analyze, do not repeat them in the future. It is possible that over time, some difficulties from the past will only cause laughter and a sweet smile. You will realize that it was a trifle.
- Diary of worries and fears. Write down your experiences to relieve anxiety. After a couple of weeks, re-read the notes and think about what came true then. Is it worth wasting time coming up with unrealistic scenarios? Analyze fear in order to recognize its irrationality or to find real reasons to fight against.
- Diary “Me and Others”. Place thoughts on interacting with people in it, describe your environment, your attitude towards specific people. Analyze the problem situation from the perspective of other people, record the possible reasons for their behavior. Such a diary helps to understand yourself and those around you, improves communication skills, teaches you to solve and overcome conflicts.
If you are in doubt about the benefits of a diary, then at least try to write down your thoughts for a month. Or make it a rule to splash your emotions on paper. You will immediately notice the benefits of this exercise.
There are no rules for keeping a diary. This is your creativity, your personal corner. Write down as you see fit and what you see fit. Do not use expressions, do not follow the censorship. There is only one rule and requirement: be honest. If you are worried that the diary will fall into the wrong hands, then get a notebook with a built-in lock. Keep it in a secret place.
Modernity offers the option of keeping an electronic diary. It can be private or open to the public. Perhaps this will be the beginning of your online career.
Epilogue
People are interested in reading author’s biographies, especially when it comes to someone’s development, overcoming failures. Who knows, maybe you will later want to make a book out of your diary.
So, for example, did the client of the famous Russian psychotherapist Mikhail Efimovich Litvak. Galina came to see him to improve her life. The first thing the doctor advised was to start keeping a diary. After completing therapy, restoring life, achieving success, Galina published her notes. The book is in great demand. It has become a practical textbook on psychology, written in simple everyday language.
