Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Okay.
So have you ever had one ofthose days where it's like your
to-do list is like a mile longand you just feel like your
brain is about to explode fromlike all the work stuff I know I
have?
Speaker 2 (00:10):
Oh, yeah, yeah,
absolutely.
I think we all have those days,especially in today's world.
Speaker 1 (00:15):
That's a lot right.
Yeah, I feel like everyone isalways talking about information
overload and being busy, and itcan be really overwhelming.
Speaker 2 (00:22):
It really can.
I mean there's just constantinput coming at us from all
directions.
Speaker 1 (00:27):
Yeah for sure.
So that's kind of what we'rediving into today Work journals.
We're not talking about thosebullet journals or anything like
that.
It's more like a dedicatedspace for all the stuff that's
going on with work.
Speaker 2 (00:39):
Ah, okay, yeah, I can
see how that would be helpful,
kind of like a way tocompartmentalize all that work
stuff.
Speaker 1 (00:44):
Exactly so I actually
I've got this listallion
journal that I use for work.
Have you ever heard of those?
Speaker 2 (00:49):
Yeah, I think I've
seen them around.
They're pretty popular right.
Speaker 1 (00:52):
Yeah, they are, and
for good reason, I think.
Like the features are reallywell, it's actually kind of
amazing.
Speaker 2 (01:05):
Huh, interesting.
It sounds like they reallythought of everything.
Oh, they did.
I'm telling you, it's alifesaver, yeah.
Speaker 1 (01:10):
Like the other day, I
was trying to find a note from
this meeting we had like weeksago and I was like, oh no, but
because of those numbered pagesand the table of contents I
found it super quickly.
Speaker 2 (01:21):
Oh, wow, that's
awesome.
I can definitely see how thatwould be useful when you're
trying to stay organized.
Speaker 1 (01:26):
For sure.
And you know what else theyhave this back pocket which I
use all the time, like forbusiness cards and random notes
and stuff.
Speaker 2 (01:33):
Oh yeah, I've seen
those.
That's super handy.
Speaker 1 (01:36):
It is.
It reminds me of my friendEmily.
She's a project manager and shewas always so overwhelmed, like
sticky notes everywhere, listson napkins.
It was a lot.
Speaker 2 (01:47):
Oh, I can relate to
that.
Speaker 1 (01:48):
Right.
So I actually got her aLestallion journal a while back,
and she swears by it now.
Speaker 2 (01:54):
Really I'm curious
how did she end up using it to
get organized?
Speaker 1 (01:59):
Well, she started by
using, you know, the numbered
pages for her daily goals.
Like every morning, she'd writedown, like the top three things
she wanted to get done that day.
Speaker 2 (02:08):
Okay, yeah, I can see
how that would be helpful for
prioritizing.
Speaker 1 (02:11):
Yeah, totally.
And then she used the table ofcontents to like keep track of
all her different projects, soshe'd have a section for each
project and she could easilyflip to it.
Speaker 2 (02:21):
Huh, that's smart.
It's like having a built-infiling system.
Speaker 1 (02:30):
Exactly, and she
loved that back pocket for like
storing important notes and youknow just little things she came
across.
She said it was like a portablefile cabinet for her brain.
Speaker 2 (02:34):
Oh, I love that, and
it really highlights that
journaling is more than justwriting things down.
It's about creating a systemthat works for you and helps
clear your mind, right?
Speaker 1 (02:42):
Totally Okay.
So we've talked about likefeatures and stuff, but like
what about the actual benefitsof using a work journal?
Let's get into like the why.
Speaker 2 (02:50):
Okay, yeah, let's
dive into that.
It's actually prettyfascinating when you think about
it, because we often think ofjournaling as this personal
thing, but there's a ton ofresearch that shows how
beneficial it can be for work.
So, for example, there'sresearch that shows that
journaling can help reducestress.
It's like when we write downour worries and to-do lists,
(03:11):
we're basically taking them outof our short-term memory.
Speaker 1 (03:14):
That's interesting.
So it's like decluttering yourmind.
Speaker 2 (03:17):
Yeah, exactly, it's
like taking out the mental trash
.
You know, because ourshort-term memory, it can only
hold so much information at once, and when it gets overloaded,
that's when we start to feel allstressed and overwhelmed.
Speaker 1 (03:29):
Oh, that makes total
sense.
Speaker 2 (03:30):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (03:31):
I definitely feel
that, Like when I just get
everything out of paper.
Speaker 2 (03:36):
it's such a relief,
like I can finally breathe again
.
Right, exactly, and that's oneof the things I really like
about those Lestallian journalsthey have all that space to just
like let your thoughts flow,you don't have to worry about
running out of room.
Speaker 1 (03:46):
That's so true.
Plus, there are no distractions, you know.
Speaker 2 (03:49):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (03:49):
Like when I try to
journal on my laptop, I always
end up on like Twitter orchecking email.
Speaker 2 (03:55):
Oh yeah, for sure.
There's just something aboutthe physical act of writing that
really helps you connect withyour thoughts on a deeper level.
Speaker 1 (04:02):
It's true.
Speaker 2 (04:09):
And speaking of
deeper connections, didn't you
say journaling can also helpwith creativity?
Oh yeah, absolutely, because itgives you this safe space to
like explore ideas andbrainstorm and just play around
with different possibilitieswithout any judgment.
Speaker 1 (04:17):
Oh, that reminds me
of something my brother was
saying.
He's a musician and he says hegets his best songwriting ideas
when he's just like free writingin his journal, not when he's
like staring at a blank screen.
Speaker 2 (04:28):
That's a great
example, because it allows you
to tap into that subconsciouspart of your mind where those
creative sparks are just waitingto come out.
You know, and you might evensurprise yourself with the
solutions and connections youmake.
Speaker 1 (04:40):
It's like having a
conversation with yourself, but
like on paper, yeah, andsometimes that's all it takes to
have a breakthrough.
Speaker 2 (04:46):
Totally.
And you know those dashed linesin the listallion journals.
I think they're really helpfulfor that because they give you
just enough structure withoutbeing too restrictive, so I like
to like draw little diagramsand stuff in my journal.
Speaker 1 (05:03):
It helps me process
things.
Speaker 2 (05:04):
Absolutely.
And as you keep journaling,over time you'll start to
develop a much deeper sense ofself-awareness.
You know, as a professional,you'll start to notice your work
habits, your strengths, yourareas for growth.
Speaker 1 (05:17):
Yeah, it's like
having this record of your
professional journey, right, youcan look back and be like oh
wow, I've come a long way, orokay, I've come a long way or OK
, I need to work on this.
Speaker 2 (05:24):
Exactly, and those
numbered pages and table of
contents really come in handyfor that.
You can easily track yourprogress and go back to specific
entries.
Speaker 1 (05:33):
It's funny because I
used to think journaling was
just for, like, teenagers orsomething, but now I realize
it's a really powerful tool foranyone who wants to improve
their work life like, no matterwhat stage of their career
they're in.
Speaker 2 (05:48):
I completely agree,
and the best part is it's such a
simple practice, you know.
You just need a pen and anotebook and an open mind.
Speaker 1 (05:54):
And maybe like a
little inspiration from someone
like Emily right.
She's proof that even smallchanges, like starting a work
journal, can have a huge impact.
Speaker 2 (06:03):
Absolutely so.
Speaking of well-being, let'stalk about some specific
journaling techniques that canhelp manage stress, boost your
mood and just create a morepositive mindset at work.
Speaker 1 (06:13):
Okay, yes, I'm always
looking for new tips,
especially when things get alittle hectic.
Speaker 2 (06:18):
Well, one technique
that I find really helpful is
gratitude journaling.
Speaker 1 (06:21):
Gratitude journaling?
Okay, I've heard of that.
Speaker 2 (06:24):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (06:25):
But I've never
actually tried it.
What is that exactly?
Speaker 2 (06:26):
It's so simple, but
it's incredibly powerful.
The idea is to just take a fewminutes each day to write down
things you're grateful for,specifically related to your
work life.
Speaker 1 (06:37):
OK.
So even if I'm having aterrible day, I can still find
things to be grateful for.
Speaker 2 (06:41):
Exactly.
It doesn't have to be anythingbig.
It could be something small,like a compliment from a
coworker or, you know, asuccessful meeting, or even just
like a moment of clarity whenyou figure something out.
Speaker 1 (06:53):
Hmm, that's a good
point.
It's so easy to focus on thenegative, especially when you're
stressed, but focusing on thepositive, even those little
things, can make a bigdifference.
Speaker 2 (07:03):
It really can.
And the more you practicegratitude, the more you'll start
to see those good things inyour work life.
It's like you're training yourbrain to look for the positive.
You know, even when things aretough.
Speaker 1 (07:12):
I love that analogy.
It's like putting on those rosecolored glasses, but for work.
Speaker 2 (07:16):
Exactly, and you know
what I've actually experienced
this firsthand.
A while back, I was goingthrough a really tough time at
work.
I was feeling super ripped outand uninspired and just honestly
pretty miserable.
Speaker 1 (07:28):
Oh no, what happened?
Speaker 2 (07:29):
I was working on this
huge research project and it
just seemed to drag on forever.
The deadlines were tight, thedata was overwhelming and I just
felt this constant pressure toproduce results.
Speaker 1 (07:40):
That sounds so
stressful.
Speaker 2 (07:42):
It was.
I was dreading going to workevery day and I knew I had to
change something.
A friend suggested gratitudejournaling and, honestly, at
first I was a little skeptical.
I was like how is this going tohelp?
Speaker 1 (07:52):
I can see that it can
seem a bit simplistic when
you're facing real challenges.
Speaker 2 (07:56):
Right, but I decided
to try it anyway.
So every morning I would sitdown with my journal and force
myself to write down threethings I was grateful for, even
if they seemed small orinsignificant.
Speaker 1 (08:06):
So did it actually
make a difference?
Speaker 2 (08:08):
It did.
You know, at first it felt abit forced, but as I kept doing
it, day after day, somethingstarted to shift.
Speaker 1 (08:15):
What do you mean,
like what kind of shift?
Speaker 2 (08:17):
I just started to
notice a change in my
perspective.
I was less focused on thenegative parts of the project
and more aware of the positives.
I started appreciating thosesmall wins, the collaboration
with my team, the opportunitiesto learn new things.
Speaker 1 (08:31):
It's amazing how even
a slight shift in perspective
can change your whole experience.
Speaker 2 (08:36):
It really is.
And as my attitude changed, Istarted to feel more energized
and engaged in my work.
I wasn't dreading it anymore.
I was actually kind of excitedto tackle those challenges again
.
Speaker 1 (08:47):
That's amazing.
That's a true testament to thepower of gratitude.
Speaker 2 (08:50):
It is, and you know I
still use gratitude journaling
today, especially when I'mfeeling stressed or overwhelmed.
It's just a simple way torecenter myself and remind
myself of all the good things inmy work life.
Speaker 1 (09:01):
I love that and it
makes you realize how easy it is
to take those good things forgranted.
You know, we get so caught upin the day to day that we forget
to appreciate those moments ofjoy or connection or
accomplishment, absolutely, andgratitude.
Speaker 2 (09:14):
Journaling helps us
pause and reflect and really
savor those moments, you know,and it helps us cultivate a more
positive mindset overall, whichcan then impact our entire work
experience.
Speaker 1 (09:25):
I'm inspired.
I'm definitely going to trythis gratitude journaling thing.
Speaker 2 (09:28):
I think you'll really
like it and you know it's
interesting how this ties backto the Lestallion journals.
Speaker 1 (09:33):
Oh, how so.
Speaker 2 (09:33):
Well, think about it,
those numbered pages, they
become like milestones on yourgratitude journey.
You can track your progress andsee how your perspective has
changed over time.
Speaker 1 (09:43):
And the table of
contents.
It's like your gratitude index.
You can create a whole sectionjust for gratitude entries and
easily find them when you need alittle pick-me-up.
Speaker 2 (09:52):
Exactly.
And the back pocket?
Well, you can use it to storelittle tokens of appreciation,
like thank you notes orinspiring quotes.
Speaker 1 (10:00):
Oh, that's a cute
idea.
It's like a little gratitudetreasure chest.
Speaker 2 (10:03):
So, speaking of
treasures, let's talk about
another journaling techniquethat can help unlock your
potential and manifest yourgoals.
Speaker 1 (10:09):
Okay, tell me more,
I'm intrigued.
Speaker 2 (10:11):
Have you ever heard
of affirmations?
Speaker 1 (10:13):
Yeah, I have.
I've always been curious aboutthem, but I'm not really sure
how to use them.
Speaker 2 (10:17):
Well, affirmations
are basically positive
statements that you repeat toyourself, either out loud or in
writing, to challenge negativethoughts and reinforce positive
beliefs.
Speaker 1 (10:26):
So it's like rewiring
your brain for success.
Speaker 2 (10:28):
Exactly.
Our thoughts are so powerful.
They really do influence ourfeelings and our actions, and by
consciously choosing to focuson positive thoughts, we can
literally create a more positivereality for ourselves.
Speaker 1 (10:41):
Okay, I like that,
but how do you actually make
affirmations work, you know, ina practical way?
How do you go from repeating aphrase to actually seeing
results?
Speaker 2 (10:51):
That's a great
question, and that's where
journaling comes in.
You see, when you write downyour affirmations, you're not
just thinking them, you'reactively engaging with them,
you're putting them out into theuniverse, in a way.
Speaker 1 (11:01):
So it's like a
written contract with yourself.
Speaker 2 (11:03):
Exactly, and that act
of writing helps solidify those
affirmations in your mind,making them more real, more
tangible.
Speaker 1 (11:10):
And I guess the more
you repeat them, the more you
start to believe them and thenyou're more likely to act in a
way that supports those beliefs.
Speaker 2 (11:16):
Precisely.
It's about creating aself-fulfilling prophecy.
You're basically programmingyour subconscious mind for
success.
Speaker 1 (11:24):
Okay, now I'm really
starting to see how powerful
this could be.
But how do you choose the rightaffirmations?
Where do you even begin?
Speaker 2 (11:31):
Well, the first step
is to identify a limiting belief
that's holding you back at work.
It could be something like I'mnot good enough, or I'm not
creative, or I'm afraid ofpublic speaking.
Speaker 1 (11:42):
So you're saying that
once you've figured out that
belief, you can create anaffirmation that directly
challenges it?
Speaker 2 (11:47):
Exactly so.
Let's say, your limiting beliefis I'm not good enough.
Your affirmation could be I amcompetent and capable, or I
bring unique skills and talentsto my work.
Speaker 1 (11:57):
And then you write
those affirmations down in your
journal, repeating them as oftenas you need to.
Speaker 2 (12:02):
Exactly.
You can write them every day,several times a day, especially
when you're feeling stressed ordoubtful.
The key is to repeat them withconviction, with feeling.
Speaker 1 (12:11):
It's like planting
seeds of positivity, and if you
nurture them, they'll eventuallygrow into new beliefs and
behaviors.
Speaker 2 (12:17):
I love that analogy
and remember it's a process.
It takes time and effort tochange those deeply ingrained
beliefs, but with patience andpersistence, affirmations can be
such a powerful tool fortransformation, both personally
and professionally.
Speaker 1 (12:31):
I'm so excited about
all these journaling techniques.
It's so much more than justtaking notes.
It's like this tool forself-discovery and growth and
empowerment.
I agree, and you know, it'sfunny how all of this connects
back to the Lestallion journalsagain.
Oh, I bet it does.
This tool for self-discoveryand growth and empowerment.
Speaker 2 (12:41):
I agree, and you know
, it's funny how all of this
connects back to the Listallionjournals again, oh, I bet it
does.
Think about it, those numberedpages are like affirmations in
action.
Each page is a step forward, acommitment to growth.
Speaker 1 (12:53):
And the table of
contents.
It's your roadmap toself-improvement.
You can track your progress,celebrate your wins and revisit
those inspiring affirmationswhenever you need a reminder of
your strengths.
Speaker 2 (13:05):
And you know what
that back pocket?
It's perfect for storing littlereminders of your goals and
aspirations, like maybe a photothat inspires you or a quote
that motivates you, or even alittle object that represents
your dream.
Speaker 1 (13:17):
I love that.
It's like a vision board insideyour journal.
Speaker 2 (13:20):
Speaking of visions,
let's explore one more
journaling technique that canhelp you manifest your ideal
work life.
Speaker 1 (13:25):
Oh, okay, tell me
more.
Speaker 2 (13:27):
Have you heard of
future scripting?
Speaker 1 (13:29):
Future scripting no,
what is that?
Speaker 2 (13:31):
It's basically where
you write about your ideal
future as if it's alreadyhappening.
So you describe your perfectworkday, your dream projects,
your biggest accomplishments,and you use vivid details and
emotional language to reallybring it to life.
Speaker 1 (13:44):
Wow, it's like
writing a movie about your dream
career.
That sounds incrediblyinspiring.
Speaker 2 (13:48):
It is.
It helps you clarify yourvision, get excited about your
goals and even attract the rightopportunities.
Speaker 1 (13:54):
So it's about
shifting your focus from what is
to what could be.
Speaker 2 (13:58):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (13:59):
And by writing it
down you make those desires more
real.
Speaker 2 (14:02):
Exactly.
And here's a tip when you'refuture scripting, don't just
focus on the external outcomeslike promotions or awards.
Also think about how you wantto feel in this ideal future.
Speaker 1 (14:13):
You mean like do you
want to feel confident,
fulfilled, inspired?
Speaker 2 (14:16):
Yeah, write about
those feelings as if you're
already experiencing them.
The more you immerse yourselfin the emotions of your ideal
future, the more likely you areto bring it to life.
Speaker 1 (14:25):
This is incredible.
I never realized how powerfuljournaling could be.
It's like a secret weapon forsuccess.
Speaker 2 (14:32):
It really is, and you
know, it's funny how it all
connects back to the Lestallionjournals again.
Speaker 1 (14:37):
Oh, I knew you were
going to say that.
Speaker 2 (14:38):
Think about it those
numbered pages are like chapters
in your future success story.
Each page is a step closer toyour dreams.
Speaker 1 (14:48):
And the table of
contents.
It's like the outline for yourfuture masterpiece.
You can track your goals,celebrate milestones and revisit
those inspiring future scriptswhenever you need a little
motivation.
Speaker 2 (15:01):
And, of course, that
back pocket.
It's the perfect spot to keepthose little reminders of your
vision Maybe a business cardfrom a company you admire, or a
ticket stub from an event thatinspired you, or just a small
object that represents yourgoals.
Speaker 1 (15:14):
I love that.
It's like a mini museum of yourfuture success.
Speaker 2 (15:17):
We've covered a lot
of ground here today.
You know we've talked about thescience behind journaling, all
the amazing benefits and somereally powerful techniques you
can use, but I think it'simportant to remember that this
is just the beginning.
Speaker 1 (15:28):
What do you mean?
Speaker 2 (15:29):
Well, the beauty of
journaling is that it's a
journey of self-discovery andthere's always more to explore,
more to learn about yourself andyour potential.
And as you continue to journal,you'll find that it evolves
with you.
Speaker 1 (15:42):
Yeah, that makes
sense.
It's not a one-size-fits-allthing.
It's about finding what worksfor you, trying different
techniques and letting it unfoldorganically.
Speaker 2 (15:50):
Exactly.
And as you embrace that journey, I think you'll be amazed at
what you discover.
Speaker 1 (15:55):
This has been such a
great conversation.
I feel like I have a totallynew perspective on journaling
now and how it can impact mywork life.
Speaker 2 (16:03):
Me too.
And before we wrap up, we'dlove to hear from you, the
listener.
Speaker 1 (16:07):
Yeah, what resonated
with you?
Was it a specific technique, ormaybe a personal story?
Speaker 2 (16:11):
Take a moment to
think about what you've learned
and how you might incorporatejournaling into your own work
routine.
Speaker 1 (16:17):
And if you're feeling
inspired, grab a notebook or
your Lestallion journal and juststart writing.
Speaker 2 (16:21):
Don't overthink it,
just let your thoughts flow.
Speaker 1 (16:24):
It's funny, you know.
When we're talking about allthese benefits of journaling, I
can't help but think about allthe times I've been like I don't
want to journal right now.
Speaker 2 (16:33):
It's so true, Like we
know it's good for us.
But there's this resistancesometimes.
Speaker 1 (16:40):
Yeah, totally, and I
think for a lot of people it's
this idea that journaling has tobe this big, like production,
like you need the perfectnotebook and the perfect pen,
and like a dedicated hour ofquiet time.
Speaker 2 (16:53):
I think you're right.
It's easy to get caught up inall of that, you know.
But really, journaling is aboutthe process, not the stuff.
Speaker 1 (17:00):
Exactly.
It's about just showing upconsistently, even if it's just
for like five minutes, and justletting yourself write
whatever's on your mind.
Speaker 2 (17:07):
Yeah, that's so
important.
And speaking of showing upconsistently, I think having a
dedicated work journal canreally help with that.
Speaker 1 (17:14):
Oh, for sure.
Speaker 2 (17:14):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (17:15):
Like I know, when I
was trying to journal in like
random notebooks I'd always getdistracted by other notes or
doodles or whatever.
Having a separate space justfor work stuff helps me stay
focused.
Speaker 2 (17:24):
That makes sense.
It's like you're creating amental boundary between work and
everything else, which is soimportant these days, because
everything's kind of blendingtogether, you know.
Speaker 1 (17:33):
That's so true.
It reminds me of this story.
My aunt told me she's afreelance writer and she used to
work from her kitchen table,like right in the middle of all
the family chaos.
Speaker 2 (17:42):
Oh my gosh, I can
only imagine.
Speaker 1 (17:44):
Right, she said it
was impossible to concentrate
and she was always stressed.
Speaker 2 (17:48):
Yeah, I can see how
that would be hard.
It's tough to get into acreative flow when there's so
much going on around you.
Speaker 1 (17:54):
Totally so.
Finally, she decided to set upa dedicated workspace for
herself, and she even got like aspecial journal just for her
work projects, a listallion one,actually.
Speaker 2 (18:06):
Oh nice, I bet, that
helped a lot.
Speaker 1 (18:08):
It did.
She said it was like night andday.
Having that physical space,even if it's just a little
corner, helped her brain switchinto work mode.
Speaker 2 (18:15):
It's like setting the
stage for productivity, you
know.
Speaker 1 (18:18):
Totally, and she said
the Lestallion Journal was
perfect for her because it hadtons of space for writing.
The numbered pages made it easyto keep track of different
drafts and that back pocket sheused it to store all her
research notes and clippings.
Speaker 2 (18:32):
I bet that
organization made her feel so
much more in control.
Speaker 1 (18:36):
She said it was a
game changer.
She was able to focus better,she felt less stressed and she
actually got more done.
Speaker 2 (18:42):
Wow, that's awesome.
It really shows how even thoselittle changes can make a huge
difference.
Speaker 1 (18:47):
Exactly, and it
highlights how important it is
to find tools and systems thatwork for you and your specific
needs.
Speaker 2 (18:53):
Absolutely.
Speaker 1 (18:54):
So for you, the
listener, I think the takeaway
here is to just experiment.
You know there's no right orwrong way to journal.
Some people like to be reallystructured, with like bullet
points and to-do lists.
Others prefer a morefree-flowing style with lots of
brainstorming and mind mapping.
Speaker 2 (19:10):
Yeah, and some people
like me like a little bit of
both, depending on the day.
Speaker 1 (19:14):
Exactly the important
thing is to find a process that
you enjoy, something that feelsnatural and that you can stick
with.
Speaker 2 (19:21):
That's so true.
Speaker 1 (19:23):
And remember, even if
you don't have a fancy
listallion journal, any notebookwill do the key is to just make
that commitment to yourself, tomake time for reflection and
exploration.
Speaker 2 (19:33):
It's about giving
yourself that gift you know,
that chance to connect withyourself, unlock your potential
and create a work life that youlove.
Speaker 1 (19:40):
That's such a good
point and as we wrap up this
deep dive on work journals, Iwant to leave you with this
thought what if you thought ofyour work journal as a treasure
map?
Speaker 2 (19:49):
Ooh, I like that.
A treasure map to what?
Speaker 1 (19:52):
A treasure map to
your own brilliance, your
talents, your potential.
Like what if you used it tochart a course toward your dream
work, life?
Speaker 2 (19:59):
I love that.
It's such a great way to thinkabout it, and it reminds us that
the journey itself is just asimportant as the destination.
Speaker 1 (20:06):
Exactly so.
Keep exploring, keepexperimenting, keep writing and
see where your treasure maptakes you.
Until next time, happyjournaling.