So, one of the big wins this year is I became a published author! How mad is that, sadly it's not actually for a book you read, but a journal that I created for men - just like us.
I've been journaling for about 4 years now and it has been a bit of a life saver. You guys know i've been through a physical transformation from 'fat' strongman to 'tasty' husband and a large part of that is because I learned how to not abuse my body with food. A lot of people who drink, smoke or do lots of drugs (caffeine was my drug of choice) simply need to get some ownership of their life and journaling can be a large piece of that puzzle. Before you click off because you've no interest in journaling, let me tell you that over the last 4 years of my life I have become a better person in every way. Man, husband, father, friend, financially, spiritually, pragmatically and emotionally. A lot of the work I did on myself, I did in my journal.
Through trial and error, studying neuroscience and psychology I created a system that wasn't time consuming and was optimal for a 'mans' brain. I then applied my 'creed' or way of thinking to it and got it made by digital media creator. it's called the STRIKE Journal and you can buy it here on amazon: BUY MY BOOK! It is also available world wide on Amazon so if you're not in the UK simply search STRIKE JOURNAL on amazon.
Just to be clear, my journal has nothing to do with 'fitness', my goals are set around my wellbeing and physical fitness because I will be dammed if I die of something like heart disease or a stroke, your goals and how you use the journal are simply how YOU choose to embrace your brand of masculinity.
What is it? Well here is a summary below:
S.T.R.I.K.E Journal
Welcome to the strike journal, the premium men’s journal designed to keep you accountable and ready to strike at every moment of your day. After having used multiple different journals available on the market I found that none of them gave me the direction in my day that I required. I wanted to focus on what my needs are as a man and how my brain is motivated – specifically, not generally. Journaling is a tool used by all of the greats (Tim Ferris and Matthew McConaughey to name just two) to focus the mind and set priorities for the day, then to reflect on the successes and areas for development. I want you to use this journal to conquer each day and be the best man you can be.
What is S.T.R.I.K.E?
The 6 skills that I focus my day around and how I choose to embrace my masculinity in a way that benefits myself, my family, my goals and my communities. This doesn’t mean being a macho robot with no emotions and being as stoic as a rock. Being a man requires balance. Here are the 6 skills a man will use and work on every day:
Strength - the strong protect the weak
Taking Responsibility – you are the only person responsible for your actions, emotions and reactions
Resilience - life is survival of the grittiest, motherfucker!
Integrity - if you stand for nothing you’ll fall for anything
Kindness – kindness is born of confidence, only a confident person can truly be kind
Empathy - you never know what someone else has been/is going through
At the end of each day in this journal you need to tick next to each of these skills that you successfully used as a reflection of how often you use each skill, hopefully you can show the balance of all 6.
How to use this journal?
I have designed this system to be as easy as possible but deliver maximum effect.
Step 1:
In the morning set your intentions. There are three boxes to complete.
Firstly, set out your positive affirmation:
Today I am going to be strong/happy/fun/a good dad/a good leader etc.
Secondly, set out what you are going to improve that day, sometimes this comes from what happened yesterday or from the S.T.R.I.K.E skills:
Today I am working on being calm/resilient/myself/more considerate/a monster!
Thirdly, at the bottom of the page set out your non-negotiables for the day.
I put in steps, nutrition goals, training and cardio goals, breathing techniques and if I’m doing ice bath or sauna that day. Step 2:
In the evening before bed you reflect on your day and put everything to rest. There are 4 boxes to complete.
Firstly, what went well today? Discuss your big or little wins of the day, reflect on all of the positives no matter how small.
Secondly, what caused you concern, worry or stress? Be very specific about who or what caused an negative impact to your mental health. Don’t hold back, vent.
Thirdly, what was out of your control? You have to learn to let go of what you cannot control, name it here, is it the same as number 2? Often times you will find it is and can therefore work on removing the stress in the future.
Lastly, what are you grateful for?
What or who are you grateful that is in your life? Your partner? Children? Pet? Something that happened? Yourself? Your body and it’s abilities?
Step 3:
Throughout the day at any point you can reflect on how well you are meeting the skills of the S.T.R.I.K.E journal and your non-negotiables. There are two boxes to use here.
Firstly, tick next to each skill from S.T.R.I.K.E that you used successfully that day
Secondly, your non-negotiables for the day, have you met them?
I put in steps, nutrition goals, training and cardio goals, breathing techniques and if I’m doing ice bath or sauna that day. If I achieve them, I tick it off.
It’s as simple as 1,2,3. However, at the end of each day you should feel a sense of accomplishment and gratitude whilst having let go of any of the stresses for the day.
Oh, one more thing. Throughout this journal you will find reflection pages, on each page is either an in-depth look at each S.T.R.I.K.E skill or a quote that I find is particularly motivating, moving or useful as a man. You are encouraged to reflect on how this information makes you feel and if you can set an action to implement the ideas within it.
Now, go and S.T.R.I.K.E your day!