by Kidpreneurs 04 Jul 2019

Some of the most successful people in the world cite their journaling practice as one of their most important and powerful routines. The simple act of writing down daily or weekly thoughts, ideas, and experiences has been shown to reduce stress, increase focus and clarity, and improve overall well being.

It makes sense, when you consider that journaling allows a person to release some of their anxieties and fears through writing.  But it also provides an opportunity to set goals and create accountability.

Kids who are wishing to begin their entrepreneurial journey – or those who have started – can also benefit from consistent journaling. In fact, we will be offering two official Kidpreneurs Journals very soon: one for young children and one for teens. These journals not only include brand new content focused on how to amp up success as a kidpreneur but include self-reflection journal prompts and space to write, draw, and dream. So stay tuned!

For now, let’s move on to the top three ways that journaling can make a difference in the life of any child or teen who is pursuing their dream of owning their own business.

Journaling is Good for EVERYONE

One of the myths about journaling is that it’s only for writers.  Nothing could be further from the truth!  You don’t have to be an excellent writer, or even enjoy traditional writing, to gain all of the benefits and enjoyment of journaling.

Journaling isn’t about “writing” but rather about identifying, understanding, and cataloguing your thoughts. With a journal, there are no rules! You aren’t required to use perfect grammar, spell words correctly, or write in any predefined format. And best of all, journaling is portable and can be done anywhere and everywhere. You can write in a paper journal, on a computer, or via a phone app.

Kidpreneurs of any age, gender, or background can benefit from journaling, whether it’s about their business or their personal life.  Here are some of the famous visionaries and successful entrepreneurs who kept a journal and swear by the practice of writing in it:

• Albert Einstein (inventor)
• Oprah Winfrey (entrepreneur)
• Carlos Delgado (pro baseball player)
• Marie Curie (inventor)
• Serena Williams (Olympic tennis player)
• Richard Branson (entrepreneur)
• Emma Watson (actress)
• Michael Phelps (Olympic swimmer)
• Demi Lovato (singer)

Journaling Helps Manage Stress

It’s rewarding but hard work running a business!  Sometimes being a kidpreneur can feel a bit overwhelming or stressful.  Journaling your frustrations, anger, or disappointment can help to mitigate some of that stress.  It helps to bring a sense of inner peace, provides a safe space for things a child may not be ready to share with someone else, and invokes creativity.  Sometimes writing down a problem actually helps you resolve it in the end.

Remember that journals are also a place to share the positive parts of life and business.  Celebrating your own successes is just as important as documenting the challenges.  It reminds you how far you’ve come and how much dedication you’ve put into following your dreams.

Journaling is Awesome for Mapping Out Goals

One of the most powerful components of journaling is the element of accountability. Encourage your kidpreneur to write about their business and life goals.   They can jot down short-term goals as well as long-term goals and provide any details they deem necessary to help them achieve those milestones.

The next step is reminding kids to occasionally check back in on the goals they wrote in their journal.  They can then use another journal entry to record the progress they’ve made, any setbacks they’ve encountered, and they successes they’ve logged.

Examples of short terms goals could include: a social media marketing plan, pitching their idea to investors, increasing their monthly sales, or sending thank you emails to customers.

Examples of long term goals could include:  establishing an online store, reserving a table/book at a local business or craft fair, approaching businesses about stocking their products, or hiring another team member.

Journaling is the Gift that Keeps on Giving

Not only has journaling proven to be great for overall well being and for crushing goals, but it’s FREE! It is a simple tool that costs nothing to begin and can be started today.  

Consider allowing your child to pick out their favorite journal – or to establish a place online or on their computer – to start their journaling routine.  If choosing the online route, they can use Google docs,  Word, or a similar program to type journal entries and save it to their computer.  Other useful options include online journaling apps and websites.  Provide dedicated quiet time that they are able to reflect on their business goals, their experiences as a kidpreneurs, and on their life journey. 

Soon, they will have a thriving journal practice and be well on their way to a confident, successful venture into entrepreneurship.