Blog

"I DON'T HAVE TIME FOR DREAM JOURNALS, WOMAN!"

A good friend of mine was trying to recall a recent dream he had. I suggested he start keeping a dream journal by his bed so that he could write down key points as he wakes up. Since we dream in symbols, we often lose memory of our dreams throughout the day unless we articulate what we remember.

His response?  See title above.

We had a chuckle, but it got me thinking - a key element in each stage of my design process - journaling - was something most men deemed "a waste of time".  How could I convey the importance of this practice if they could not prioritize it to fit into their schedule?

The purpose of journaling is not to add a make-work item to your day. We're all busy, I get it. But to truly get the results I promote, and to clarify your intentions throughout this journey, keeping a journal is an integral part of the process.

Why Document Your Dreams and Intentions?

During the 'Discover' stage in my 5-Step Design Process, I work with you to get clear on what your ultimate intentions are for redesigning your home.  Oftentimes, the intentions are multi-layered and not as obvious. Other times, the desires are clear, but you just don't know how to get there.  

Keeping a running log of your goals, thoughts, experiences, and successes throughout the process allows you to not only clarify your intentions, but to track your progress (or set-backs) to your ultimate desires.  This could include getting that promotion, attracting your perfect partner, or completing your first marathon.  

What's Your Documenting Style?

Perhaps purchasing a pretty notebook, fresh for you to jot down all your hopes and dreams, doesn't appeal to you.  So how about keeping a running list of intentions in point form on the memo app in your phone?  More doable?  Ok, let's start there.  

How about finding a link to a cool photo that speaks to your hopes and dreams?  Text it to yourself so that you can refer to it when you have more time to reflect on your goals. 

Journaling does not have to be confined to the traditional writing prose in your Moleskine.  It does however, require documenting inspiration as it hits. With all the cool technology at our fingertips, there's no excuse not to have the time or ability to chart our progress and outline our intentions.

The discovery stage of my design process, not only gives me the chance to learn about what you want your place to look like, it also gives me insight into how you process information and how you like to collect your inspirations. Together, we can come up with the perfect documenting style you need to fulfill your dreams.

Moleskine or Memo App?  How do you prefer to track your progress?...

Maybelle ClarkeComment