Posts: 4,562
Threads: 410
Likes Received: 2,566 in 1,692 posts
Likes Given: 1,516
Joined: Jun 2018
06-14-2025, 09:49 AM
(This post was last modified: 06-17-2025, 03:04 PM by LevelUP.
Edit Reason: link changed
)
I was curious if anyone uses journaling in different contexts, whether as part of their college degree process or as a productivity tool.
https://productivity.academy/news/be-pro...ournaling/
What format do you use? What works for you?
Degrees: BA Computer Science, BS Business Administration with a concentration in CIS, AS Natural Science & Math, TESU. 4.0 GPA 2022.
Course Experience: CLEP, Instantcert, Sophia.org, Study.com, Straighterline.com, Onlinedegree.org, Saylor.org, Csmlearn.com, and TEL Learning.
Certifications: W3Schools PHP, Google IT Support, Google Digital Marketing, Google Project Management
•
Posts: 791
Threads: 31
Likes Received: 320 in 222 posts
Likes Given: 342
Joined: Aug 2018
I use a handwritten journal that I chronicle how much I have left to do with my current degree, what comes next, how long a class should take, I put dates, and all kinds of detail in it.
In Progress: CSU MS Occupational Safety | TESU BALS HR & Computer Science | TESU AAS Admin Studies
Universidad Isabel I: ENEB MBA, HRM
Completed: TESU AAS Environmental, Safety & Tech, BA in Environmental Studies/ Natural Science and Mathematics
•
Posts: 120
Threads: 10
Likes Received: 50 in 37 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Oct 2023
I use journaling in different contexts because technology is not always reliable. I write notes on my ipad and then I also handwrite them in a notebook. I especially started journaling when I was working on my dissertation.
•
Posts: 413
Threads: 44
Likes Received: 174 in 112 posts
Likes Given: 244
Joined: Feb 2024
I would forget to journal.
Job: IT Hiring Manager for a Billion dollar company.
•
Posts: 4,562
Threads: 410
Likes Received: 2,566 in 1,692 posts
Likes Given: 1,516
Joined: Jun 2018
One of the ways I use journaling is working it into to my focused study or work sessions which is similar to the Pomodoro Technique. I usually record the date and time spent on tasks.
I use 1-hour sessions
1. 45 minutes of Study/Work
2. 5 minutes of journaling
3. 10 minutes of break
Detailed Breakdown of Journaling
1️⃣
Wins (Fuel motivation + reinforce progress)
| What did I accomplish or overcome this session?
- Completed tasks (be specific)
- New skill, insight, or experiment tried
- Challenge I pushed through
Example:
- “Finished writing the intro section.”
- “Tried Feynman technique — helped clarify key concept.”
- “Stayed focused despite low energy.”
2️⃣
Reflections (Understand your mind + refine your system)
| What came up — mentally, emotionally, or logistically?
- Challenges or distractions (internal or external)
- Frustrations or blockers
- Any thoughts, patterns, or observations
Example:
- “Kept checking my phone — need to mute notifications.”
- “Felt stuck on outlining — maybe start with bullet points next time.”
- “Focus dips after 30 mins; try shorter work blocks?”
3️⃣
Next Moves (Build momentum + prep for next session)
| What’s the next clear step to keep moving forward?
- Main focus for next session
- Adjustments to make (tools, setup, habits)
- Prep needed (read/watch something? organize notes?)
Example:
- “Next: start drafting conclusion.”
- “Adjustment: outline first, then write.”
- “Prep: gather references before next session.”
Degrees: BA Computer Science, BS Business Administration with a concentration in CIS, AS Natural Science & Math, TESU. 4.0 GPA 2022.
Course Experience: CLEP, Instantcert, Sophia.org, Study.com, Straighterline.com, Onlinedegree.org, Saylor.org, Csmlearn.com, and TEL Learning.
Certifications: W3Schools PHP, Google IT Support, Google Digital Marketing, Google Project Management