Executive Journaling
- Lee Self
- May 15
- 2 min read
Executive journaling sharpens leadership by turning reflection into strategy—just 10 minutes a day can transform how you lead.
When we think of tools that drive effective leadership, we often picture dashboards, decision frameworks, or advisory boards. But one of the most powerful tools is surprisingly analog: a journal.
Far from being an outdated tool, executive journaling is a modern-day leadership practice used by some of the world’s most successful CEOs to sharpen thinking, manage complexity, and lead with greater clarity.
Why CEOs Journal
Leaders need space to think — not just react. Journaling provides that pause.
It’s not about keeping a personal diary. It’s about asking yourself the hard questions, spotting patterns in your decisions, and staying grounded in your core priorities.
Top executives who journal regularly use it to:
Reflect on daily decisions and meetings
Clarify long-term goals and strategic direction
Process emotions and interpersonal dynamics
Record lessons learned from both successes and failures
Challenge assumptions and reframe limiting beliefs
The Neuroscience of Reflection
Research shows that writing engages different regions of the brain, helping us distill thoughts, regulate emotions, and encode insights into long-term memory. It’s a metacognitive exercise — thinking about how you think — that strengthens decision-making over time.
Prompts to Get Started
You don’t need an elaborate system to benefit. Even 5–10 minutes can make a difference. Here are a few starter prompts:
What did I learn today — about the business, about myself, or about others?
What decision felt easy or hard, and why?
What am I avoiding, and what would happen if I faced it?
Where did I lead well today? Where could I have shown up better?
Analog Still Wins
While digital tools have their place, many executives prefer journaling by hand. The tactile process slows the mind, reduces distractions, and invites deeper focus. But whether it's a notebook or a private note app, the point is the pause — a dedicated space to think intentionally.
Final Thought
In leadership, it’s easy to get swept into action. But real growth comes from reflection.
Journaling won’t show up on your calendar. It won’t ping you with notifications. But day after day, it builds the inner clarity and emotional discipline that great leadership demands.
What are you learning from your own story — and are you taking the time to write it down?
At REF Northern Virginia, members are enriched by the diverse perspectives that emerge in peer-to-peer feedback, to make better decisions, foster innovation and drive growth. Learn more about us: REF Northern Virginia
You can access expert insights on the most relevant business topics while connecting with other leaders from our global community who have wide-ranging experiences of agility in their organizations.
Interested in learning more? Contact Me
Lee Self
REF - Northern VA
703-402-5065 - Schedule a meeting with me
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