I have more Computer files than I have space on both my hard drives. So I burn CDs. (Have not invested in a DVD burner.) When I need material that is on a CD, I temporarily add that CD to my system.

Your brain can only retain a finite amount of material in your memory. Although there are ways to expand your memory and although there are techniques for memorizing a great deal of information, eventually, your brain needs some assistance. This is the reason that people write things down. Writing something down allows you to access the material later while frreing your brain's memory capacity for more immediate needs.

Could you start exactly one year ago from this day and recite to me from memory at least one event from every day in the last twelve months without missing a single day? Could you list, from memory, one important lesson which you learned each week for the last 52 weeks without missing a single week?

In order to preserve what you have learned as you develop, it is a very good idea to keep a journal. The purpose of a journal is different from the purpose of a diary. Diaries are usually used as a "confidant." A journal is used by the person seeking self-development both as a tool of accountability and as a tool for retaining what has been learned.

A journal should be kept private. Although a journal is not for the same purpose as a diary, they both can be misunderstood if read by someone who does not share the same paradigms and convictions which you share. I once read a biography of John Adams which attempted to conduct a psychoanalysis based upon Adams' journals. The biographer's assessment of John Adams was very negative because his view of these journals did not allow for the amount of wrestling with self that is required for personal change. Because Adams engaged in recording his efforts to hold himself accountable and yet did not make easy and rapid progress but found himself frequently struggling with the same issues, the biographer seemed to view the journals as the shallow self-indulgence of a puritanical hypocrite.

In point of fact, Adams is a great example of a person who was constantly struggling to be true to his beliefs and values. I do not agree with all of Adam's beliefs and values and Adams, himself, would be first to state that he was not always successful in his efforts to be true, but he was constantly striving to be true to his beliefs and values.

On the other hand, in spite of his brilliance and of his great achievements, Thomas Jefferson, is an example of a man who tried to spend his life coping with internal dissonance.

What should you record in your journal? Well I have already alluded to keeping track of lessons that you have learned and to holding yourself accountable, but you should also keep track of character milestones that you have reached and things which positively reinforce your effort. For example, Rosa Say recommends keeping track of things for which you are grateful.

Sometimes if we start to feel "blue" we need to review those things which help us to be re-encouraged, but other times we may begin to border on egomania - and we need to good healthy dose of "getting a reality check." A journal can help you maintain an even keel and help you to make course corrections to pursue your personal ideal of who you want to be.

I would love to hear from you regarding things which if recorded in a journal are beneficial for personal development, internal cohesion and integrity of character.