How to Use “Morning Pages” Journaling as Part of Your Best Morning Routine

You’ve probably seen people post about their use of morning pages on Instagram or Pinterest, but have you tried it yourself? No? Why the heck not? Writing morning pages is a simple practice that can be an added benefit to not only your morning routine but your day as well.

 

Creating morning pages is the act of writing three pages of free-flowing thought by longhand. You are probably thinking, isn’t that journaling? Yes, yes, it is. However, mornings pages are done first thing in the morning, and without any premeditation as to what will be written.

 

The benefits of this practice are vast. The process will allow you to clear the revolving ideas from your mind, open up to new ways of thinking, and help lessen anxiety or negative thought patterns your mind naturally gravitates towards. The act of writing down in longhand what is floating in your mind allows you to engage with your own thoughts and surroundings in a way that typing does not allow. This is mostly because you are slowing down and can, therefore, take more notice of your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings.

 

Now that you know about morning pages, how do you incorporate this into your morning routine? You will first need your preferred writing utensil. This can be a pen or pencil, as well as a notebook or blank, loose paper. The next and final step is placing yourself with those items as soon as possible after waking up in the morning. You can do your morning pages from your bed or kitchen counter, with tea or coffee, or a sports drink even. 

 

At first, it may seem challenging to sit and write three pages longhand. Your hand may cramp, you may not know what to write, and three pages could seem like an eternity. The point is to stick with the process. If day one, you only write half a page, be sure to not take a defeatist standpoint. Come back the next morning and try again. 

 

Remember that no one is going to read what you write. Your words do not need to be profound, thought-provoking, or even grammatically correct. You just have to write. Any thoughts, feelings, or dreams that come to mind go onto the paper. You can even throw away your pages every morning when you’re done.

 

Morning pages can seem incredibly daunting, but do not let that stop you from exploring the benefits for yourself.

 

5 Reasons You Should Set Big, Scary Goals for Yourself

Search “goal setting” on your favorite search browser, and you will find yourself with hundreds of thousands of results. Everything on how to set SMART goals to worksheets and books on how to reach them. However, so often, we ignore our big, scary goals for the easily attainable: the baby steps that build. Now, there is nothing wrong with working the process and leveling up when you’re ready. But what happened to the big, scary goals of childhood? Jumping off the high dive or asking your crush out on a date. Those were the goals that legends and movies are made of. Why should you set some new, big, scary goals for yourself and go after them?

 

1.    Allow Yourself to Dream and Get Excited

 

When you set your big, scary goal, you are most likely envisioning the finish line in your mind. When you were a kid, this was the cool air blowing around you as you raced down the street on your bike sans training wheels. As an adult, you can let your mind dream of what reaching your goal will look like. Dreaming allows you to get excited about the end of the journey and the steps that will get you there.

 

2.    Long Term Improvements

 

When you set a goal and unapologetically work towards it you will find yourself making changes to better accommodate what is needed to reach your goal. These changes are improvements. If you aim to walk a half marathon, you may find yourself switching out your daily lunch/Netflix break for a stroll around the block. This change will be occurring for a long time for you to reach our goal, and most likely will become a long term or lifetime improvement.

 

3.    Become More Resilient

 

Life is tough. However, having an endpoint to work towards will allow you to enjoy the journey and not get as caught up in the little things. Besides, no journey is without its painful points. Working through those hitches will allow you to become more resilient and reliant on yourself and your own abilities.

 

4.    Confront Your Shortcomings

 

No one is perfect. Most likely you will have a few shortcomings that will make your journey more challenging. Look at your faults and create mini-goals to overcome them. It is one thing when someone or something puts a barrier in your way, but do not be your own worst enemy.

 

5.    Develop (Good) Habits

 

Good habits reinforce more good habits, which are the building blocks of meeting our objectives. Your big, scary goal is absolutely nothing if you are not willing to create, develop, and build upon good habits that will carry you to that goal. If you want to walk a half marathon, you will need to start the practice of merely walking more every day. With that habit comes the habit of having good posture when walking. These habits will continue to build.

 

Big, scary goals are well… big and scary. However, aiming for targets that seem out of your reach will help fuel you with the ambition and appetite to go after them.

Part 3: How To Combine The Two And Come Up With Creative Solutions That Work!

Last but not least, we come to the fun stuff. In this section, we take a look at how we can combine creative and critical thinking to come up with out of the box solutions to problems that work. By combining both critical and creative thinking, we can take advantage of the benefits of both while avoiding the downsides. 

 

Let’s go back to the silly weight loss example to show how this can work in action. Again the idea is to lose a fair amount of weight. Cutting off a limb is obviously not an option, but we can take a look at some of the reasons that make this an attractive consideration. We lose a set amount of weight, and we lose it in a set amount of time. That may spark a thought about tracking weight loss in interesting increments (like losing the equivalent of 3 packs of butter, or the equivalent of your arm’s weight). It may also inspire us to set a date for which we want to have x number of pounds gone. It may even get us to think about and consider surgical alternatives like liposuction or stomach stapling. While those may not end up being the right solutions for you, it’s good to include them and think about those options. You never know where they may lead you. 

 

Looking into weight loss surgery may have you considering alternatives like fasting. At the very least, it will serve as a motivator if you want to avoid surgery at all costs. 

 

In this case, we started out with creative thinking and then moved into critical thinking. We got a complete picture, collected a lot of data, and then analyzed it logically to come up with the best solution. That’s a great way to approach this process. 

 

Another option is to start with critical thinking, then switch to creative thoughts to come up with more alternatives and more data sources. Then go back to critical thinking to determine what will work in the end. 

 

By combining these two ways of thinking, we can come up with new and innovative solutions that will work. At other times we may find that the old tried and true way of doing things is popular for a reason. It may end up being the best possible solution. We won’t know that though until we’ve thought about it critically and creatively, working through all possible alternative options. 

 

That’s why combining aspects of both critical and creative thinking is such a powerful strategy. Give it a try the next time you face a complex problem. Since switching between thinking creatively and analytically can be a little tricky at first, it can be helpful to sit down and work on creative brainstorming first. Get out a notebook and spend some time thinking of as many ideas as you can and write them down. Walk away for a bit and then get to work on the critical thinking part of the process, collecting more data, organizing it, analyzing it, and finally coming up with a workable solution. Rinse and repeat as needed until you find something that works well for you.

 

The more you get in the habit of practicing those creative and critical thinking skills and combining them, the better you get at it. Before long the entire process will become an integral part of how you approach problem-solving. 

 

Part 2: What Is Critical Thinking?

Another problem-solving skill is critical thinking. It’s very different from creative thinking. Here the idea is to think logically and work from information and data collected. You start with the information gathering process and then sort and analyze it to find the best solution. You want to be as objective and unbiased as possible and come up with the best possible judgment based on the information you have. 

 

For example, if you are a project manager for a construction firm, you would gather information on what you need on the job site and then order the materials at the best price you can find. Another example a little closer to home would be the critical thinking you use when you’ve lost your car keys. You start to search the house room by room, possibly retracing your steps until you find them. That's a small-scale example, but it gives you an idea of what critical thinking is.

 

The significant advantage of critical thinking, as opposed to creative thinking, is that you usually come up with a workable solution. When you let your creativity run too wild, you end up with a fun potential solution but possibly not something that will work or even something you want to attempt to try.

 

Let me show you what I mean by an off the wall example that will illustrate my point. Let’s say you want to lose 25 pounds. When thinking creatively, you realize that the average human leg weighs about 26 pounds. Cutting one of yours off would instantly result in a 25+ pound weight loss. While creative, it’s also absolutely ridiculous. 

 

When you switch to critical thinking, you gather data and information on various weight loss programs as well as how the biological process of burning body fat works. As a result, you fast intermittently, eat more whole foods, and start to go for daily walks. It’s a much more workable solution, isn’t it? 

 

Think about some other times when you’ve used critical thinking to make important decisions. Maybe it was choosing the right health insurance or 401K plan. Maybe it was picking a house in a good neighborhood with great schools for your kids that fit within your budget. Maybe it was whether or not to make a big career move or relocate to a different area of the country. We use critical thinking skills all the time. They serve us well at home, school, and work. 

 

Part 1: What Is Creative Thinking?

In this short article, I want to introduce you to an innovative way of thinking and problem solving that combines creative and critical thinking. These two approaches are very different. Each of them has advantages and disadvantages. By combining the two, you can tap into the power of both. 

 

Let’s start by taking a look at creative thinking, what it is, and how we can start to think more creatively. The phrase most often used to describe creative thinking is “think outside the box.” I like to think about it as a way to think about something in a new and different way. Look for the not so obvious solutions not thought of by anyone else. Yes, it will be out of the box thinking, but it can be so much more. 

 

Let’s look at an example of creative thinking. Suppose you just bought a new house, and between the cost of the down payment and renovations you had to make, you’re broke. Your neighborhood association sends you a letter that your yard needs to be redone to fit in with the overall landscape. There’s no money in the budget for landscaping. What do you do? 

 

You have to get creative. The obvious answer is to do it yourself, but that takes time, money, and skill that you may not have. Some creative options may be to get in touch with an up-and-coming landscaping company to see if they are willing to redo your yard for free or at cost price in exchange for putting up a sign to advertise their business in your yard. If you have web design skills, you could barter those in exchange for the work. Think outside the box and come up with a creative solution. 

 

To get your creative thinking cap on, you can ask yourself some interesting questions: 

 

Start with what if. Keep it very open-ended. In this first brainstorming stage, no idea is too ridiculous or impossible to throw out. While the idea itself may turn out to be unusable, it may spark a creative thought that will lead you to the perfect solution. 

 

Another great question to ask is “What else.” It encourages brainstorming and expanding on existing ideas. Last but not least, you can spark creativity by introducing an off the wall concept. For example, you could pretend that you have no income for the following year. How would you live and how would you pay for your home and renovations, including the yard? The solution may be to work on a side hustle like graphic and web design for small businesses in your area. That, in turn, will help you realize that you can pay for the landscaping by spending a few weekends on freelance projects. 

 

Top 10 Ways To Better Understand What Makes You Dis-Satisfied With Life

Feeling dissatisfied with life can be a common experience for many people. It can be difficult to pinpoint exactly what is causing these feelings, but by exploring some of the possible sources of dissatisfaction, you can begin to make changes and improve your overall well-being. In this article, let’s look at the top 10 ways to find what makes you dissatisfied with life.

 

1. Reflect on your values

 

Our personal values play a significant role in determining what is important to us in life. If you're feeling dissatisfied, taking a closer look at your values can be a helpful starting point. Reflect on the values that guide your decision-making and consider if they are being met in your life. If you find that some of your values are not being fulfilled, consider ways to incorporate them into your daily life. This can help you to identify areas of dissatisfaction and make changes to better align with your values. 

 

For example, if you value creativity, consider incorporating creative activities into your routine. Alternatively, if you value social connections, prioritize spending time with friends and family. By prioritizing your values and taking steps to ensure they are reflected in your life, you can cultivate a sense of fulfillment and purpose.

 

2. Take a deep look at your relationships

 

Our relationships can have a big impact on our overall happiness and satisfaction with life, from acquaintances to friends to family members. Consider the quality of your relationships and whether they are fulfilling your needs. 

 

Are you giving more than you are receiving? Perhaps you even have some relationships which bring more negativity than positivity into your life. If you find that some of your relationships are causing dissatisfaction, then consider how you can improve them or seek out new, more uplifting relationships.

 

3. Examine your career

 

Our careers can hold a lot of sway into both our joy and satisfaction. People in careers they have little passion for, or jobs with high amounts of stress and negativity, can become easily overwhelmed and dismayed. Consider if your current career is fulfilling your needs, and aligning with your values and needs, and if not, consider exploring new career paths that align more closely with your passions. Doing this can help bring a sense of purpose and fulfillment to your life.

 

4. Focus on your physical health

 

Your physical health is an important aspect of your overall well-being. If your physical health is being neglected, then it's possible that this is affecting your feeling of satisfaction in life. Those who make an effort to exercise and challenge themselves physically tend to experience a greater sense of accomplishment as well as capability. Focus on your physical health through exercise, healthy eating, and regular check-ups with healthcare providers.

 

5. Explore spirituality

 

Spirituality can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment for many people. You can explore your spirituality through practices like meditation, prayer, or attending religious services. Connecting with something greater than yourself is one of the most common ways that people increase their sense of purpose and meaning. 

 

6. Examine your financial situation

 

Financial stress is a common cause of dissatisfaction. The goal is to make sure that your financial situation aligns as closely with your goals. For instance, having a deep desire to take part in a new experience or see a new destination might be inhibited by poor money management. While it may be difficult to cut back and save in the present, it might also be necessary for you to reach goals that you long for in the future. 

 

7. Assess your living situation

 

Our living situation can impact our overall satisfaction with life. Assess whether you're contented with your current living situation, and if not, explore ways to enhance it. This could involve improving your current living space, searching for new roommates, or living arrangements, or relocating to a new location. By prioritizing your living situation and ensuring that it aligns with your needs and values, you can create a more comfortable and satisfying living environment.

 

8. Identify your passions

 

Passions are activities or interests that bring you joy and fulfillment. The problem is that passions can become easily overlooked in our daily routine. It’s important, then, that you identify and integrate the activities or interests you enjoy most. What do you love and what do you love to do? Next, ask yourself what small ways you can begin to use your time towards those passions. Identify areas of dissatisfaction and make changes to better align with your passions.

 

9. Practice regular self-reflection

 

Making time to regularly reflect on your thoughts and feelings is an effective way to identify patterns of dissatisfaction and improve your overall well-being. Consider starting a journal, practicing meditation, or seeking the guidance of a therapist or counselor to guide your self-reflection. By gaining a deeper understanding of your emotions and thought processes, you can identify areas of your life that need improvement and make positive changes. Engaging in regular self-reflection can help you to live more intentionally, cultivate self-awareness, and create a more fulfilling life.

 

10. Seek the help of a professional

 

If you are struggling to identify the sources of dissatisfaction in your life, it may be helpful to seek the guidance of a professional. A therapist or counselor can assist you in identifying and addressing any underlying issues that may be contributing to your feelings of discontent. 

 

By working through these challenges with a professional, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself and learn valuable skills for improving your overall well-being. Remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, and taking the steps to prioritize your mental health can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

 

It's not uncommon to experience a sense of dissatisfaction with life at some point. However, it's important to recognize that this feeling doesn't have to be permanent. By exploring the possible sources of discontent, you can identify areas of your life that need improvement and take steps to enhance your overall well-being. 

 

5 Steps To Decide What To Do Next In Life

Are you feeling stuck in life and have no idea what to do next? Do you feel paralyzed with fear at the very mention of change?

 

First off, you should be proud of reaching this state. It’s a good thing because it means you sense that there are things that your life is shifting.

 

Yet, knowing where to begin or what to do can be overwhelming. So, if you’re facing this decision, then this post is for you.

 

Below are five steps to help you decide what to do next in your life.

 

1. Take a Step Back

 

When you’re looking at what to do next in life, it’s imperative to stop and take a step back. Take a look at the big picture to identify where you want to go and what you want to do.

 

Too often, we struggle with all the ways of how to get there without fully knowing where ‘there’ actually is. We don’t take the time to highlight what’s working in our lives and what’s not, so when we reach a crossroads, we feel baffled and unable to move forward.

 

This is when taking a step back can help you specify where you want to go as you move on in life.

 

2. Understand What Brings You Joy

 

Get to know what makes you, you. Dig deep and do some soul-searching to understand what motivates you.

 

Ask yourself these questions:

 

• What drives me and makes me excited?
• What are my values and beliefs?
• What contributions do I want to make to my community?
• What’s important to me?
• What are the skills and talents that I bring to the table?

 

3. Explore Your Passions

 

Make a list of all the things that you’re passionate about and explore those options in more detail.

 

It’s important to analyze your options both emotionally and intellectually. To do this, try to imagine how each one impacts your thought processes and your emotions.

 

Go through this step without worrying about any of the whys, should-haves, and would-nots. Instead, connect more with your subconscious to find out what resonates with you and your core values.

 

For instance, if you value innovation and technology, look for positions at industry-leading businesses. On the other hand, if you value family culture more, then you’ll be better off seeking a job at a small family-owned organization.

 

4. Learn New Skills

 

No matter how many great skills you already have, it’s always nice to learn something new. Whether it’s soft skills or hard, think about what you’d like to learn. Then, look for places in your community or online where you can take classes.

 

For example, you want to learn more about graphic design. You may consider applying to an art program.

 

Or you could be interested in gardening. You can take a class in gardening and plants, then apply for a job at a garden center or arboretum.

 

Whichever you decide to pursue, remember to set short-term goals that follow the SMART framework. This framework ensures that your goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based.

 

5. Let Go of What Could Be

 

Change is scary because we don’t know what to expect from our decisions. This fear keeps you in a state of inaction and apprehension.

 

But if you could let go of all that worry just for a few minutes?

 

To do that, you need to trust yourself and maintain a positive mindset. Have faith that whatever comes along, you’ll find a way to handle it.

 

Stop thinking of change as something to be dreaded and feared. Instead, you can begin to think of it as something stimulating that adds a layer of excitement and intrigue to your life.

 

Remain to be open to whatever life brings your way. It may surprise you with an even better outcome than the one you had initially envisioned for yourself.

 

Final Thoughts

 

If you’re unsure what to do next in life, we hope these five steps can help you enhance your personal and professional life and improve your life in the long term.

 

It’s a tough journey, but if you’re determined to make it, it can also be extremely rewarding. Now, all that’s left to do is take that first step to discover your life purpose and find your passion in life.