Attaining a state of expanded possibility requires a clear and intentional mind. A mind released from the stresses and emotions of daily life is a mind free to work its magic. That magic helps to provide subtle perspective shifts, form new connections, and bring to the surface the ideas and insights we all seek.
To operate from a state of expanded possibility, we first have to prime our internal environment to support limitless thinking. Journaling can be a great way to check in with yourself, identify any emotions that may consume valuable mental real estate, and let them go.
Journal Prompts for Checking In
- How does my mind feel right now?
- Where do I feel this emotion in my body?
- How do I want to feel?
Journaling Prompts to Explore Expanded Possibility
With a clear mind, think of the most prominent challenge you are currently navigating. Describe the situation with one clear line of text.
Now, take a couple of long, slow, deep breaths and answer the following questions:
- What if everything went right?
- What would unfold?
- Who would be involved?
- How would I feel?
These questions naturally open our minds to thinking from a place of expanded possibility. Not to say that everything will go as planned or be perfect, but ideating from a perspective of possibility versus limitation allows for new paths and ideas to surface.
Pro Tip: Experiment with different journaling ideas and mediums such as drawing or capturing audio notes in the Day One app to activate different parts of your mind and expand your thinking.
Rechanneling Limiting Beliefs
Let’s also be honest and real with ourselves. At some point, old programming can kick in, surfacing limiting beliefs that try their very best to undermine our progress and diminish the incredible thinking you just materialized. Take care not to let negative thoughts and language creep in and steal your motivation and inspiration.
Some examples of limiting beliefs include:
- “I can’t…”
- “I can never…”
- “I don’t have enough…”
- “No one will…”
Thoughts like these will drain your energy. Thankfully, we can leverage journaling to short-circuit this programming before it happens.
How to Journal Through Limiting Beliefs
While your mind is in a state of possibility, turn to preventative mental fitness and journaling techniques to prepare for the limiting beliefs that will attempt to hijack your mind.
1. Start by listing the limiting beliefs that typically circulate in your mind.
2. Next to each of them, write one line about a previous accomplishment that you are proud of and how you mentally overcame this particular limiting belief. For example, think of a moment when you initially felt scared, but conquered the situation and felt proud of yourself.
3. Repeat this exercise for each limiting belief.
In a matter of minutes, you will generate a “stack of experiences,” reminding yourself of your capabilities and helping maintain a mindset of possibility.
Pro Tip: In the Day One app, create a separate journal, tag, or favorite journal entries that can immediately shift your mind into a state of possibility.
Wrapping Up: Journaling to More Possibilities
Having studied the minds of many remarkable humans, such as Maya Angelou, Kobe Bryant, and Picasso, to name a few, I noticed that they all share one common characteristic in living rich with expanded states of possibility: They prioritized time to calm their minds, and reflect.
It’s in these moments of reflection that we can train our minds to be clear, focused, and intentional. And over time, through a consistent journaling practice, opportunities and ideas will naturally surface.
Marc Champagne is the author of Personal Socrate: Better Question, Better Life, a best-selling book exploring the pointed questions that stimulate our mental fitness and teach us how to direct our internal narrative to work for us instead of against us. He is the host of the top 50 ranked podcast Behind The Human, unpacking mental fitness practices and reflective questions shaping the lives of some of the most successful and brilliant thinkers in the world.
Start Journaling in Your Day One Journal
The Day One journaling app makes it easy to keep a journal. Daily reminders, daily writing prompts, and journaling streaks are designed to help keep you motivated and consistently journaling.
