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Besigheidsbytjies: Keeping a diary helps junior entrepreneurs succeed

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By Leandie Bräsler

Some of the most successful people in the world view a diary or journal as one of their most important and powerful habits. By simply writing down your daily or weekly thoughts, ideas and experiences, you can reduce your stress, focus better and improve your overall well-being. You not only get rid of your anxiety and fears but also have the opportunity to write down your goals and create accountability for yourself.

It is good for children to learn from an early age what responsibility means and that they are responsible for certain things such as their own business. Those who would like to start their own business, or have already started, can also benefit from a diary. It provides an opportunity for self-reflection and to write down or draw their dreams.

Diary entries can influence the life of any child or teen who wants to pursue their dreams and start their own business in four ways.

1          Anyone can keep a diary

One of the myths about keeping a diary is that only writers can do it. Nothing can be further from the truth! You don’t have to be an excellent writer or even like traditional writing to take advantage of keeping a diary or to enjoy it.

Keeping a diary is not primarily about writing, but rather about identifying, understanding and cataloguing your thoughts. With a diary there are no rules! While it is important to always try to spell correctly because you are proud of your language, you do not need to use perfect grammar, spell perfectly, or use any predefined format. The most wonderful thing is that you can take your diary anywhere with you, whether you are writing on paper, a computer or a mobile app.

Junior entrepreneurs of any age, gender or background can benefit from diary entries – whether they write about their business or their personal lives. The following are some famous visionary and successful entrepreneurs who keep, or kept, a diary:

  • Albert Einstein (inventor)
  • Leandie du Randt (actress and entrepreneur)
  • Emma Watson (actress)
  • Oprah Winfrey (entrepreneur)
  • Albert van Wyk (entrepreneur)
  • Taylor Swift (singer)
  • Richard Branson (entrepreneur)

2          Keeping a diary helps with stress management

Running a business can be extremely rewarding, but it’s hard work. Sometimes it can be a little overwhelming and make a junior entrepreneur tense. Writing down your frustrations, anger or disappointment in your diary can help relieve stress and bring about inner peace. It also provides a safe space for things you don’t want to share with anyone else and encourages creativity. Writing down a problem can help you find a solution to that problem.

Remember, you can also share the positive side of your life and your business with your diary. Celebrating your successes is as important as writing down your challenges. It reminds you of how far you’ve come and how dedicated you are to your dreams.

3          Keeping a diary helps to reach your goals

One of the most powerful benefits of keeping a journal is accountability. Encourage your children to write down their business and life goals. They can write down short-term and long-term goals as well as the details they think are essential to help them reach those milestones.

Examples of short-term goals include a marketing plan to present their idea on social media to investors, increase their monthly sales, and thank their customers by email.

Examples of long-term goals include setting up an online store, booking a table at a local business or art market, approaching businesses they want to stock, and getting a team member.

Remind your children to regularly look at the goals in their diary and record their progress, setbacks and successes.

4          Keeping a diary is a never-ending gift

Keeping a diary is great for a child’s overall well-being – and it’s free, too. Your child can start today.

Allow your children to choose their favourite diary or a place online or on their computer to start their diary. If they choose the online route, they can use Google Docs, Word or a similar program to type in entries and save them to their computer. Other useful options include online diary programs and websites. Give them enough time to reflect on their business goals, their experiences as junior entrepreneurs and their journey through life.

Soon they will enjoy keeping a diary and develop into confident, successful entrepreneurs who are not afraid of taking risks.

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