|I am a list writer. Every day I write down a list of tasks I want to accomplish, ranging from chores, to blogging activities, to fun activities like going for a walk with a friend. I'm not sure if list writing is genetic, but my entire family is the same way. We love to write things down and cross them off! And while electronic planners or productivity tools can be useful, there is no substitute for being able to tick off a task that you have been working on (or procrastinating about) for a long time. If you are of the list-writing-variety of people in the world, you will really enjoy this article as I share the benefits of setting daily goals. Please note: The information in this collaborative article is not professional advice. This article may contain affiliate links at no extra cost to you. The views are all my own in this article - I only share my opinion using quality products and services. 1. Gratitude Ritual Creating a gratitude ritual can enrich your morning and help to bring a positive vibe and flow to your day. Even if the remainder of your day is tough, the foundation that you have been able to create by performing a gratitude ritual will help you to find the resilience to get through. There are many ways to start a gratitude ritual - for example, you may wish to meditate or listen to a guided visualization. A fantastic way to get started with a gratitude ritual is to write down what you are grateful for each day or at the end of the week or month. You might have a completely separate notebook or gratitude journal for this task, or you can use the Daily Goal Setter by Mål Paper. “Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for.” ~ Zig Zigler The goal setter is unique in that it does not just focus on the activities or tasks that you need to get done, but also gives space to write down things to be grateful as well as a daily affirmation. As a task-oriented individual, I really treasure this encouragement to slow down and remind myself what truly matters. It can be satisfying to see to-do's crossed off the list, but if we are not taking the time to remind ourselves of what we are thankful for and the people or experiences that we appreciate, life can become one-big-never-ending task list and we can forget to take the time to treasure what means the most to us. On page 9 of the goal setter, there are a few great examples of what you might be grateful for, including:
Gratitude doesn't need to be big or grandiose. I am grateful for the person who invented ambrosia salad, for example. :) What are you grateful for? I would love to hear about it. Share in the comments below! Related: Reflective Journaling: A Step-by-Step Guide 2. Habit Making Forming habits or rituals in our daily life can not only help us on the path to reaching our goals, but can also provide a space for reflection and calmness in our every day lives, and is a great way to start your morning. The activity itself is not as important as making the intention to get started with this habit and then actually getting started. I recently heard that the most difficult part of going for a walk or run for most people isn't the actual exercise itself, it's getting up to put on your running shoes. I have shared many times previously the power of journaling or keeping track of your emotions. Writing out our thoughts or feelings can be just as (or, for some individuals, even more powerful) than sharing out loud. Writers block, however, is a real bummer. It can be tough to have so much to say and no idea how to start. I know all too well the pressure that a blank page starring back at you can have. Having prompts to write down and review your weekly goals or progress and can be helpful for creating these habits. Rather than a blank journal page, you have a encouragement and a direction to take. Writing down daily tasks or notes can also be incredibly helpful as reminders to continue with each habit that you are creating. Related: 7 Self-Care Bullet Journal Spreads 3. Mindful Moments Another benefit of setting daily goals is creating a space in your day is to cherish mindful moments. Whether it be first thing in the morning as you are writing down your gratitude list, mid-way through your day as you are ticking tasks off your to-do list, or at the end of the day when you are writing down a great moment that happened to you, mindful moments can be incredibly important to have during a busy, responsibility-filled life. Setting daily goals can provide this space to slow down and experience a mindful moment. You may also want to turn on a relaxing playlist or stream (I am currently listening to Lazy Sunday by ChilledCow as I write this article, its creating a relaxing vibe for me to work). Find those moments to sit back and reflect on the accomplishments that have made yourself proud, or the moments in your life you will always remember fondly. Mindful moments can also help you to deal with any negative thoughts or feelings. My favourite mindfulness exercise is to sit in a comfortable position, close your eyes and allow your body to relax. Visualize being in a meadow or forest, with the smell of moss and freshness all around you. Hear the gentleness of the small stream that you're sitting next to and see the leaves that are slowly sailing down the water. When any thoughts or feelings enter into your mind, visualize putting that thought or feeling on top of one of the leaves and watch as it sails down the river out of sight. Continue this visualization exercise for as long as you desire. When you are ready, open your eyes and feel the calmness wash over you. All those worries, thoughts or feelings may still be there, but hopefully their hold on you are a little bit less. What is your favourite way to have a mindful moment? Share in the comments below! More about the planner... The Daily Goal Setter is the perfect planner to make your goals clearer and help you be more productive. The Daily Goal Setter has been designed to help identify your goals and structure your days. The Daily Goal Setter will create clarity in your life when you assess your goals. You will become more self-aware in yourself by knowing what it is you want to achieve. By practicing gratitude and affirmations on a daily basis, you will create a positive mindset which will help you tackle any obstacle you face. You will end your day on a positive note, by celebrating what went right. It will also help you focus on what you could have done to make your day even better. You will feel happier and more fulfilled by knowing you are making positive steps towards achieving your goals. Mål Paper Daily Goal Setter Planner A gratitude journal and productivity planner in one. A few details...
Also check out their other products including the Checkin Journal (a portion of the purchase is shared with Mind charity) and free downloads. Happy planning! Related: Mental Health Benefits of Journaling The links in this article may be affiliate links that I will be compensated for at no additional cost to you. Want to start your own blog? Click here to visit the store!
2 Comments
9/9/2020 11:06:18 am
All three benefits are super important, my favorite is noticing more mindful moments in each day! I love to go through every day and romanticize even the smallest things x
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10/1/2020 11:13:03 am
Love the gratitude journal and mindful moments. one thing to add is to do them a certain or different times. For example, during the day capture mindful moments and before bed do your gratitude journal. That way you start and end your day on a positive note.
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