Improve Your Creativity and Leadership Skills through Journaling

Do you devote time to truly get to know yourself? One of the first critical aspects that creativity and leadership have in common is that they stem from self-knowledge. Being aware of your competencies, your abilities and your areas of improvement will help you detect obstacles and prepare for them. That, in turn, will make you more resilient and allow you to lead an integrated life:

So, how does one know oneself? Self-awareness, according to Bill George, “is the foundation of authenticity. It’s the ability to see yourself clearly, to recognise and understand your moods, emotions and drives, as well as the impact you have on others.” That way, you can find your sweet spot, the intersection of your intrinsic motivations and strengths. Being here makes us feel inspired to do great things and confident to accomplish them. 

We are all human. So we have weaknesses and make mistakes. John Whitmore said that “coaching focuses on future possibilities, not past mistakes.” Yet, there is a huge value on reflection and introspection in life: that’s how the decision to become a leader is made (remember: leadership is a decision: leaders are made).

Today, to get to know yourself better, I will share with you how you can improve your creativity and leadership skills through journaling. To try this out I highly recommend that you have completed the 3 creative morning rituals I have already shared with you. 

So, you’ve done your morning fun thing (was it dancing this time?), then you’ve meditated a bit, and now you’re sitting with your not-so-brand-new notepad, this post, and a pen (what colour is it? do you like it?). Now, let’s get to it!

First, swat the creativity mosquitoes away

After meditation, are there still some intrusive ideas, to-dos or thoughts flying around your brain? Instead of repressing them, jot them down very quickly, so you know what they are and why are they worrying you or simply on your mind. There. Solved. You’ll deal with that later. That will hopefully soothe your brain and it’s a good start towards clearing your mind. 

A (work) week to self-knowledge*

Now, for each working day of a week, choose one of these journaling prompts and devote a few minutes to it:

Monday - Mental framework

What personal story do you tell yourself? Write it down.

Now analyze, what elements are central to my story? How does that story help me or hinder me?  To improve my self-awareness, through introspection and feedback, I will change or potentiate these elements or perceptions (write them down).

Tuesday - Personal compass

My main strengths and weaknesses are__________. They can help me become a better leader by____________. They can help me be more creative by __________.

My main values are____________. They can help me become a better leader by____________.  They can help me be more creative by __________.

Wednesday - Evolution

When I was a child, my favourite activity was___________ because it brought me __________. Today, my main motivations are___________. Looking at the future, how can I find my sweet spot, the intersection between my intrinsic motivations and strengths?

Thursday - My people

Who’s on my team? Who can I count on for guidance and support in my journey? Who needs help around me? How can I help them in return? Which baby steps can I start making to empower others and to create a more significant impact in the world?

Yes, write it down.

Friday - The real me

How can I live a more integrated life? How can I be the most authentic me I can be? Look at the flower illustration above and list several points of view: intellectual, emotional, physical, relational, spiritual, financial… 

Try it out for a week and see how you feel. Did you have any key findings? Through these journaling exercises, can you give yourself some feedback? What have you discovered about your creativity and leadership? Which new paths are opening up that you hadn’t considered before? 

Think about all these questions over the weekend. Or of course, you can always share them with me in the comments, I would love to hear from your discoveries in your path to a more creative, authentic you.

*Source: Adapted from Discover your True North Fieldbook by Bill George, Nick Craig and Scott Nook