"Don't use your mind for a filing cabinet. Use your mind to work out problems and find
answers; file away good ideas in your journal."
Jim Rohn
The Keeping of a Journal
I began a highly valuable habit after I first met Jim Rohn in the summer of 1976. The one thing he convinced
me of was to get a journal and write down my thoughts, ideas, dreams, fears, failures and successes. I also
chronicled the successes and failures of other business owners I met. Today I have a wealth of great highly
valued information in about 20 some journals.
This year is half gone. Can you look back in a journal, to January 2009, and see what goals you set for
yourself? Now is a perfect time to begin, renew or continue this simple, yet invaluable habit, so that at
the end of 2009, you simply add your own book of your life's collection of events, stories, ideas and goals
to your library and then go to work with a fresh new journal for 2010.
Here are a few excerpts from Jim Rohn on keeping a journal the past 40+ years:
"Be a collector of good ideas, but don't trust your memory. The best collecting place for all of the ideas and
information that comes your way is your journal."
"The reason why I spend so much money for my journals is to press me to find something valuable to put in them."
"There are three things to leave behind: your photographs, your library and your personal journals. These
things are certainly going to be more valuable to future generations than your furniture!"
So then, I say:
- Get a journal and start writing down stuff!
- Set your goals and keep track of how you are doing.
- Write about your kid's birthdays, their school and sports activities and special moments.
- Include your notes from a seminar or sermon.
- Take notes when at lunch with a friend.
- Write out your prayer list and/or your daily goals.
- Think, ponder and dream—and write it down. And then, of course, go back and review often!
This process will has literally changed my life, it can yours too. You can purchase journals at most
any bookstores; get one and get started.
A note from my own journal:
July 22nd 2009
“My middle son Cody and I went to see the new Harry Potter movie. The movie was OK but the best part was
our conversation on the 60 mile round trip. We talked about how it was possible to do what you love and
make a living at it and being happy with one’s life. The night was the highlight of my month for sure
and one of the best talks I ever had with Cody.”
Perhaps now would be a good time to have a complimentary meeting with a Wizard of Ads Partner. Links to their websites and blogs are listed down the right side of The Wizard Times. Hundreds of their articles with free insightful advice can been seen at www.americansmallbusiness.com 2009 would be a great year to attend a class at the Wizard Academy 21st Century Business School in Austin Texas. What is the Wizard Academy?
See you next week.
Clay Campbell
Wizard of Ads
PS. Need help to attract more customers and grow your business?
