The Benefits of Journaling for Entrepreneurs 

How Journaling Became My First Safe Space

Journaling has been a part of my life since I was seven. I started with a purple, padlocked diary. It had two grey kittens on the cover and I would love to write in it with colourful ink, and add in Sandylion stickers for fun. 

As an introverted only-child who was around adults most of the time, journaling was a way for me to express myself safely and work through what I felt, thought, and wanted. It was a form of regulation before I even knew what regulation was.

Fast-forward a few decades and the blank pages I once looked forward to spilling everything onto now became intimidating - where would I even begin? 

A former business coach once told me ‘Lisa, if you were willing to look less perfect, you’d make SO much more money,’ and that always stayed with me. Except, I wasn’t willing to share my imperfections out loud just yet, so once again my journal became the trusted place for me to share how I was feeling. And sometimes, that feeling was a lot of self-doubt, but through writing and reflecting on my growth day-by-day, I was quietly able to change that story into self-belief. 

What Are the Benefits of Journaling for Entrepreneurs?

Specifically for entrepreneurs, journaling is a way to support thinking more clearly, making better decisions, and staying emotionally resilient. 

“If you’re not journaling regularly, then you’ve got mental and emotional cobwebs,” shares psychologist, Dr. Benjamin Hardy on his YouTube channel. (You may recognize his name because he’s also the co-author of 10X is Easier Than 2X!)

Journaling truly is a business strategy. In a few minutes a day, you can change how you think and show up, both in your business and personal life.

When I was creating the prompts inside of the Female Founders Journal, I worked with therapists and mental health professionals to make sure that the prompts would:

• Strengthen goal achievement and resilience

• Support long-term self-belief and leadership

• Rewrite any unsupportive narratives.

Beyond helping you to feel grounded and regulated, a journal also becomes a time capsule of your entrepreneurial journey, pointing out your progress, growth, wins, and how you’ve overcome challenges.

Journaling for Goal Setting and Follow-Through

How often do you ground yourself in the vision for your business?

You’ve more than likely heard the power of writing down your goals; you’re 42% more likely to achieve your goals by just writing them down every day. That is the smallest action for the biggest return. 

It’s why the Female Founders Journal begins with, and then constantly repeats the prompt:

My vision is .

Starting the day by focusing on your vision allows you to easily clarify your priorities and make progress toward that ultimate vision. And as you journal your daily wins, achievements, the impact you’ve made, and how you showed up as a leader, you have written evidence of your growth to give yourself undeniable proof of who you’re becoming. It’s essentially journaling for self-belief.

How to Start Journaling Without Overthinking It

The blank pages I once loved to free-write on as a child now felt intimidating as an adult. Where would I even begin? 

My overachieving perfectionism creeped in and I discovered guided journaling which removed the pressure and made reflecting feel accessible again.

Here are some tips to start journaling without overthinking it:

• Put your journal in a visible place. You’ve heard the saying ‘out of sight, out of mind.’ Personally, I leave my journal on top of my laptop, so I’m reminded to use it before turning on my computer.

• Stack the habit. Add journaling onto an already-existing habit. A Nespresso at my desk signals the beginning of my workday, so now I journal while sipping my coffee.

• Follow a prompt. Take the guesswork out of what to write and follow a quick prompt. The Female Founders Journal specifically has morning prompts that help you start the day with inner-confidence. Some examples include: “What’s a recent compliment you received and how did it make you feel?” or “What’s something you’re proud of accomplishing in your business?”

Free Journaling Resource for Female Founders

My newest girl crush is Emma Grede, CEO of Skims and Good American. I first came across her on the Mel Robbins podcast, and it really clicked with me when she said:

“The most important relationship you'll ever have is the relationship you have with yourself. And so you’ve got to be real careful that your biggest enemy isn't living between your two ears, right? 

When you start a daily practice that says I am going to speak to myself [kindly], this is going to rewire you. It's a beautiful way to think about talking to yourself in a kind and cheering and empathetic way, it’s a form of excellence with yourself.”

Ready to take charge of your inner narrative with positive self-talk? Click here to download a digital 7-day preview of the Female Founders Journal. 

We recommend you print it out so that you can have that pen-to-paper experience!