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Journal Your Way To More High-Paying Clients

Can writing in a daily journal help attract high-paying clients?

For more than 25 years I have kept a daily written journal. It started in the 1990s when I met the founder of a company called Franklin Quest, Hyrum Smith, at a fundraising conference for children’s hospitals. He gifted me with his product, a planning system. I was hooked.

In 1997 Smith's Franklin Quest merged with Stephen R. Covey's Covey Leadership Center. Among other products, the company has marketed the FranklinCovey planning system, modeled in part on the writings of Benjamin Franklin, and The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, based on Covey's research into leadership ethics.

At the time the planning system was paper based but it was a game changer for retaining thoughts, contacts and data. Eventually I migrated all data to my computer and the cloud, but I still like writing in a daily journal to memorialize conversations, contacts and commitments.

Recently I was approached to review two new planning journals. The first of two journals I want to offer a positive review to is the 90 Day Truth Planner.

“What distinguishes this planner from others is that it uses a realistic timeframe of 90 days to attain achievable targets and provides timely reviews and realistic targets alongside a level of pressure and discipline that guarantees success,” says its creator, Terence Wallen.

Wallen is a British author, entrepreneur and humanitarian. He is noted for his life-changing work and commitment to supporting those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS.

Wallen says a planner can work for you because it can empower you as the sole author of your life and determines your outcome. If used properly he contends you are guaranteed to achieve that wholesome discipline, appreciation of life and mental/emotional balance everyone desires. “Success is not what it looks like, but what it feels like,” he says.

Sure, any plain notebook can work as a journal. However, the 90 Day Truth Planner offers many prompts to help you take a proactive approach to your business and your life. The $32 hardback book is a bit pricey, but it is built to last. There is also a paperback.

The second positive review goes out to David George Brooke’s That Gratitude Guy’s Daily Gratitude Journal.

There is wisdom in the saying “We get what we think about and thank about.” This is ancient wisdom reflected in many cultures and religions (for example the Apostle Paul advised you should offer thanksgiving before you petition God).

“Extensive research has shown that writing in a gratitude journal consistently can help you to overcome many of life’s obstacles,” says Brooke, aka “That Gratitude Guy.” Brooke has been a speaker, business coach and bestselling author for over 25 years. He is a former store manager for the legendary Nordstroms department store.

Brooke says in as little as five minutes a day, the journal entries will help shift your mindset to one of abundance. He also says it is a great coping tool.

Each day is a two-page spread in the book. There are several prompts to help you with your gratitude for today and for tomorrow.

Let me end with my opinion: If you want to attract more high-paying clients, begin by being thankful for the ones you already have.

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