In the new age of AI, Artificial Intelligence, I was reminded that we ourselves are walking, programmable, biological computers. We spend way too much time programming the technology around us, and not nearly enough time programming ourselves. What do I mean? I mean our brains, our own minds that we program ourselves.
Biological beings are not computers, right? Well, we kind of are. We program ourselves by what we read, watch, listen to, and who we surround ourselves with. We even program ourselves by what we say to ourselves.
Have you ever heard the concept that who you spend time with today is who you will be in five years? One of the most important factors in determining how successful a person will be in the future is predictable based on who they spend their time with. We can't choose our families, but we can choose our friends, and we can create our own families by choosing carefully who we share in our lives.
It's important to have a clear definition of success. Success isn't all about job title or income. For example, being around people who divorce, couples are more likely to divorce. Spending time around people who break the law, individuals are more likely to break the law. Spending time with students who are serious about their grades, students are more likely to do better in school. One way to self-program success in various aspects in life is to get around people who are where you want to be. As social creatures, we learn from each other via example and influence.
We can also program ourselves externally and deliberately much like Pavlov's dogs. Pavlov rang a bell whenever he fed his dogs. After a time, he had only to ring the bell, and the dogs would salivate. We can do similar with ourselves by being intentional on creating good habits. I won't go into how here because that would make this post quite long.
We can program ourselves by reading books, articles, blogs, and more. We can educate ourselves or learn new skills. Even reading for one has the ability to program us to have better character traits such as empathy and understanding. Television, movies, and podcasts can have the same effect.
One particular way in which we can self-program our biological computers is through journaling. Here comes the collective groan from those who hate to write. Here me out. Or, in this case, read me out before giving in to that groan.
Consider the importance of taking control of your own mind instead of allowing society to do it for you. Imagine a world of elections where no one thought for themselves. Even with an election system, we would be run by only a few. In abusive relationships, one reason it is so hard to leave is because of the mind control of the abuser over the victim. We can program ourselves to boost our own self-confidence, map our own emotional journeys of healing, improve our relationships by improving ourselves. We have the ability to make leaps in our spiritual journeys as well.
I could go on and on about the benefits of journaling to program ourselves. Right now, I want ot get into the mechanics of it to show it does not have to be the daunting task many people believe it to be.
Let me begin by highlighting that journaling is not the same as keeping a diary. A diary can be a part of keeping a journal, but it isn't necessary.
A diary is where we write down our events of the day or week or whatever chronological measure chosen. We write down the events, the plans that succeeded and the plans that failed, relationship highs and lows, and how we felt about them. They are records of past events, thoughts, and feelings.
Keeping a diary is great. It's a wonderful tool for sorting out mental challenges and discovering solutions. They can calm the mind to aide in sleep and relaxation in general. They are great for keeping track of details that can be referenced later on.
Journaling is different. Journaling can include keeping a diary if the writer is so inclined, or they can be kept separate, or any semblance of a diary can be omitted altogether.
A journal has the specific task of self-programming the mind. It does this a number of ways, and individuals can pick and choose specific journaling tools to include such as gratitudes, values, and affirmations. They can include drawings and doodles, references to books or poems, and even personal development goals.
For example, I made recent changes to my own journaling. I always begin with a bit of keeping a diary. I write up a quick couple of sentences about what happened that day or the day before, depending on if I am journaling at bedtime or with my morning tea. I follow that up with three gratitudes where I specifically fill in the blanks on, "I am thankful that...." My newest journaling tool addition I got from a friend of mine who also journals. I write a section on values or beliefs where I write three values I hold dear that are based on those three previous gratitudes. Finally, I fill up the page or next page depending on the size of the journal on positivie affirmations.
A word on affirmations. People like to do manifestations these days. Affirmations are similar, but definitions vary widely. Therefore, I am going to stick to what I consider affirmations.
I think about affirmations as the direct, deliberate mental programming opportunity. For example, I write "I am....." statements. I am strong. I am calm. I am gentle. I am growing in wisdom. I am successful with my coaching business. I am meeting two new people every week. I am healthy.
I think you get the idea.
Some of them are short and to the point like the ones above. Some are more complicated about personal things.
There are some things journals should not be. They should not be personal admonishments for failures. They should be positive to help build personal strength, character, and a healthy mindset. They should not include to-do lists. I like using to-do lists, but those lists can weigh down and should be kept separate.
The best way to use journals for self-programming is to use pen and paper. I specifically spend the money on journals that look and feel appealing to me. Then I am more likely to use them. Using pen and paper in hand with the smooth feel of the ink on the paper helps to engage parts of the brain that don't get as much exercise as using other forms of keeping a journal. However, pen and paper are not necessary. Journals can also be kept electronically via anything with a keyboard such as a laptop or a phone with an app that can take notes. Or, speech to text can be used for those who prefer to self-program their minds while out walking or exercising. Whatever works best is what's best.
There is so much more I could say about the wonderful tool journaling can be, but I don't want this post to get too long.
If you journal or used to, embrace it again. Maybe even switch it up and give it fresh life. If you don't journal, give it a try. Don't rule it out as a personal development activity. It might be just the little adjustment needed to give life a boost. That biological computer in your skull might love it.
Thanks for reading!
Sarah
Humor In Chaos
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