Why Journaling is a Designer’s Best Friend
As a designer, I've come to realize that reflection is just as important as action. Just like learning to relax, journaling is an active process that helps me slow down, think clearly, and learn from my experiences. It's a way of offloading my thoughts so I can focus on what's in front of me, especially because I know my short-term memory isn't always reliable.
Journalling as a Professional Habit
My time as an assistant interior designer at Lumi Design taught me a key lesson in the importance of documenting everything. I was tasked with taking photos of every contractor’s work each day to archive their progress. This allowed us to keep track of who did what and ensure we were always on schedule, especially with multiple contractors on-site. It was a tedious process, but it was a crucial step in maintaining quality and accountability.
This practice showed me how a detailed journal is an invaluable tool in a professional setting. It helps you remember what you've done, what challenges you faced, and what you learned along the way.
Journalling for Personal Growth
This isn't just a professional habit; it's a personal one. When I was learning to dive, I started journaling my air usage and fin techniques. This helped me track my progress and avoid repeating mistakes. It was an active process of self-improvement.
Ultimately, journaling is about dedicating a specific piece of your time to think. It's not about multitasking or rushing through your thoughts; it's about giving them the space they need. This focused reflection makes your thinking clearer and more substantial, which is a skill that translates to every area of your life, from a simple hobby to a complex design project.
