You probably already know that journaling can be powerful self-discovery and self-development tool, but journaling can be even more than that. Your journal is your confidant; you can write whatever you want, and it will never judge you. For that reason, it is the perfect space for problem solving -- exploring challenges you are facing, no matter how small or large.
The next time you feel you are at a crossroads, take the following steps to use problem-solving writing to help you choose the right path.
1. Begin an entry with a question or a problem you want to solve.
Again, this question or problem can be small and everyday or large and life-changing. Even if you don’t have a pressing issue in your life right now, begin an entry with a seemingly minor problem so you can see how writing about it can bring you clarity. (Once you get started, you might get on a roll!).
2. Write about the possible outcomes.
Make a list of all the possible outcomes of this problem-- the good, the bad, and everything in between. Approaching every conceivable outcome will prepare you if one of these should happen, but it also allows you to think about how to reach the best outcome and how to avoid the worst outcome, which brings you to the next step...
3. Write about how each outcome could occur.
What do you need to try to do to reach the best outcome? What can you avoid doing to reach the worst outcome? Even if your problem isn’t an outcome-based problem, approaching the issue from as many angles as possible will help you better understand the problem and put you on track to finding the solution.
If those steps don’t help with you with your problem, try these two other journal writing exercises:
1. Free-write about the issue.
Do some problem solving free-writing. Think about the problem, and then just let your hand write down everything that comes to mind about the issue for a five to 10 minutes. Clearing your mind to focus on the task at hand alone will benefit you. After your time is up, review your free writing. Is there any pattern? Did you arrive at an answer? Is the problem actually something different than you originally thought?
2. How would _____________ solve this problem?
Try writing about how someone else would approach this situation. It could be someone you know like your spouse or a parent. It could also be someone fictional like Hermione Granger or historical such as Abe Lincoln. This is another way to approach the problem from a variety of angles and might introduce you to new conclusions.
What kind of problem solving writing do you do? Have any tips you’d like to share? Tell us in the comments!
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