Time for another “uses for notebooks” posting. I talked before about How to keep a Career Log. A Career log has been of more use when job-hunting, and when you move jobs frequently. It captures the highlights!!

But what if you want to track you goals / career progression in a current job or company?

This is where a goal journal is much more handy.

Why Keep a Goals Journal? (and not a Career log)

• If you don’t want to be doing the same thing day in and day out but actually want to make a difference to your job this is the journal you need.
• If you want a bit more structure to your “long-term goals” and actually want to put them to paper.
• If you don’t quite need a progress journal (written daily/job hunting) but need more than a career log (reviewed monthly/yearly/job changes).

What Sort of Notebook Should You Use?

I use one of my Cath Kidston notebooks. In my mind there are only 2 requirements.

• It should be small. The CK notebooks are A6. Small enough (and slim enough) to slide into your bag, so the notebook is handy for when you get inspiration.
• It should be pretty/attractive/good quality paper. The key here is to make you want to use it. All too often when it comes to personal goals we procrastinate and put things off. I try to get round this my tempting myself to actually want to use the notebook. (Even have a special pen if you favour pens over notebooks).

How to get started?

Interested? Well first, chose your notebook. Go on, run along.

…and then join me next time to review the content – and learn how to actually use the notebook to your advantage.