👋 Hey Reader!

Here’s what I’ve got for you in today’s issue of WFH Dads:

• Why I'm changing my journaling practice after 15 years
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• What I’m checking out - Idea to income guide
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• Recent issues you may have missed

Why I'm changing my journaling practice after 15 years

I’ve been journaling for over 15 years (and almost every day for the last 10).

At first, it was a way to track how I spent my time—proof that I was getting things done. I’d log everything I accomplished, reflect on how productive I’d been, track my workouts, etc.

But recently, I reread last year's entries and realized something: the moments that mattered most—the small stories, fleeting thoughts, and reflections—were buried under a mountain of to-do's and status updates.

For a while, that kind of journaling served me. It kept me accountable and gave me clarity.

But these days, I’m craving something different—something less like a performance evaluation and more like a collection of moments worth remembering.

What I'm focusing on

I'm implementing a practice called Homework for Life.

It's a concept from storyteller Matthew Dicks. The idea is simple: when you journal, write down one story-worthy moment. It can be a moment of change, realization, or something that stuck with you.

It doesn’t have to be big or dramatic. Often, it’s the smallest things that carry the most meaning.

For me, an example of this practice was one night last year. I got home late from Bible study and pulled into the garage. As I got out of the car, I noticed my toddlers’ two little bikes sitting in the corner.

For a split second, I imagined my future 50-year-old self standing in that moment, wishing I could return to it—the season of life when those bikes were still there, when my kids were still small.

That thought only lasted a second, but writing it down made it more permanent. It’s one of those fleeting reflections I wouldn’t have remembered if I hadn’t taken a moment to capture it.

Everyday?

Additionally, rather than journaling every single day, I’m writing just 2–3 times a week. This shift helps me avoid the trap of just listing what I got done.

Instead, I reflect on the broader strokes of my week—the meaningful conversations, small realizations, or moments that made me pause.

The Homework for Life mindset keeps me focused on what truly matters.

Your homework

If you’re thinking about starting (or restarting) a journaling practice, here’s a simple framework:

• Homework for Life: You don’t have to do it every day. Start by capturing one story-worthy moment a few times a week. Keep it short—a sentence or two. Focus on a moment of change, realization, or connection.
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• Choose you medium—paper or digital:
  • Paper Journaling: There’s something special about seeing your own handwriting years later. I have journals from 2007 when I was in my 2nd year of college. Had those been Word docs, who knows if I'd still have them.
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  • Digital Journaling: The big advantage here is searchability. And being able to document more stream-of-consciousness if you type fast.
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  • My preference:Personally, I prefer paper journaling, but at the end of each year, I do a digital reflection where I compile the most meaningful entries into one annual review Notion doc. I can write more about that process if you're interested. Reply and let me know.
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    And of course, you can always print out any digital journals.

• Prompts to get you started: If you’re not sure what to write, try these prompts
  • What’s one moment from today that surprised me?
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  • What’s a conversation I want to remember?
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  • What’s something I noticed that I might otherwise forget?

Journaling is time travel

I love this perspective on journaling. Jilette actually talked about this on the Tim Ferriss podcast and how he re-reads old journals every day.

Busting out my old journals to take the photos you see above transported me back to moments I had completely forgotten about, particularly those from 2009.

If you’ve been journaling for a while—or are thinking about starting—I hope this inspires you to create a practice that serves you in this season of life.

What I'm checking out: Idea to income guide

One of the things I journaled on a lot last year was starting this WFH Dads brand. It's been fun to think through developing this newsletter and business.

I recently connected with Robby Fowler who helps folks start and scale their businesses.

If you're wanting to launch a product, course, coaching program, etc, check out this super helpful guide he just put together called Idea to Income.

It's a simplified look on how to flesh out your offer, get your first students, and generate income.

Check it out and let me know what you think!

Catch up on recent issues:

• ​3 simple questions to reflect on 2024 (and plan for 2025)​​
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• ​Work trips as a WFH Dad – What to do before, during, and after​
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• ​My 5 favorite apps as a WFH dad​

Do you journal? Or plan on starting? Reply and let me know. Would love to hear your process.

Thanks again for being a part of this community.

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Thom Gibson Founder of WFH Dads ​​​

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