Parenting Pointers: 6 Reasons To Start A Work Diary This Year

At the bottom of the long list of time management methods is one of the most overlooked tools for success: the work diary. CEOs, business owners, and entrepreneurs throughout history have used this tool to stay on top of their responsibilities and organize their thoughts. In addition to being a time management too, work diaries can also be a creative way to track yearly performance and keep you focused on your goals at hand.

If your work from home or own a business a work diary can be particularly beneficial. Over time you will learn which time management tools are most helpful for you and your brand. Some systems will be beneficial and some and some will be a waste of time. Try something new this year and start a work diary with these printable sheets. Here are just a few ways that your new diary can benefit you and your growing business:

1. Task Management
Task management is a challenge for every business owner. Between family and your own self-care, your business responsibilities can often go by the wayside. According to PMI’s 2018 Pulse of the Profession survey, 52% of projects use more resources than expected which wastes time and money. Keeping track of your tasks and clients in your work diary to monitor where you are losing time. 

2. Personal goals
In addition to time management, a work diary can be a great place to track your personal goals. Whether you want to work on networking skills or practice positivity and mindfulness your diary can help you keep track of every goal and accomplishment, Josh Kalven, founder of Newsbound once said:
"[My startup journal] serves as an extension of my brain at a time when my mental faculties are loaded with stress and stimulation… It reminds me of the obstacles I've already cleared and gives me incentive to keep pushing forward. And it helps me regain the big picture when it gets obscured by all the day-to-day details.”

3. Highlight Wins
As your business progresses take care to keep records of your successes. It is easier to fixate on your shortcomings so that it is important that you can see your achievements on paper. Social psychologist, Roy F. Baumeister, highlights this in his article, Bad is Stronger than Good. He explains that as humans, we are predisposed to focus on failures so we can evolve but in business, it is crucial that you celebrate your success. 

4. Identify Mistakes
When setbacks happen in your business it is helpful to take a few seconds and note details about what went wrong in your work diary. This evaluation can help you identify the cause of the problem and learn how to fix it. Without reflecting on your mistakes, you could repeat them over and over.

5. Organization Tool
According to a recent Gallup poll, 48% of adults don't feel that they have time to do what they want to do. This issue can be particularly noticeable when launching a business. Use your work diary to stay organized and on top of your schedule. 

6. Self-Care
Lastly, anxiety is the most prevalent mental health issue and affects 260 million people worldwide. It can especially be an issue for entrepreneurs as the pressure of running a business can cause anxiety. A work diary can provide you with a comfortable place where you can write about your thoughts and feelings which can be a great management tool for stress and anxiety.