I saw that I had been listening to my "stinking thinking", which resulted in poor choices and an unbalanced life. In truth, I was only able to see this clearly when it was right in front of me in black and white. Because journaling has been such a rewarding tool for me, I strongly recommend it to my clients.

I am not alone in my respect for journaling process. The author, Sara Ban Breathnach, asks her readers to keep a gratitude journal. She says, "Write ten things every day that you are grateful for." In a fabulous book called, "Writing Mind Alive", authors Linda Trichter Metcalf, PH.D. and Tobin Simon, PH. D. encourage their readers to sit at a table with no distractions, play Baroque music, light a candle and write on unlined paper for twenty-five minutes whatever comes to mind. Weight Watchers also asks participants to journal.

Is it just a coincidence that these successful agents of change all use a journal? Is there a pattern?

Let us say, for example, you would like to have more energy in afternoon. Perhaps changing your diet and exercising would be answer. A little meditation or prayer time might also be beneficial.

Developing skills you need to get a promotion at work might entail taking a class or studying on your own. I suggested one of my clients read his materials into an tape recorder so he could listen to them while going from job to job.

Staying in touch with your friends may involve a phone call, a round of golf or a lunch date. How are you going to fit it in? Schedule it to make it a habit. (It is interesting that bad habits are so easy to pick, up isn't it?)

My ten habits include eating five fruits and vegetables a day, exercising, reading Bible, returning phone calls, drinking plenty of water, journaling, and doing a load of laundry every day so it does not pile up.

I do not accomplish all ten habits every day. However, ones I miss I make sure to begin with following day. With this practice, I'm building good habits that take me in direction I want to go in my life. Once any of these habits truly does become a habit, I can drop it off my list of ten and add another activity or behavior that I would like to incorporate into my lifestyle.