Two weeks ago, I received the greatest gift.
An academic, Katherine, who is now recognised for outstanding work in her field approached me and said:
“You probably don’t remember me, but many years ago I was afraid of speaking in public and you encouraged me to just get out there and do as much as I can. It’s advice that’s had a huge impact in my career.”
I was overjoyed to hear this, especially given the ‘encouragement’ happened about 12-years ago when she attended a confident speaking skills workshop – a business endeavour of mine with a short shelf life!
However I’m happy to say that, based on this feedback, it clearly added immense value to at least one person.
I’m sure there are times in your life where you’ve had an enormous impact on a person or group of people and you found out about it well after the fact?
It’s so important to enjoy these moments because, for every ‘win’, there may well be 2 or 10 or 50 that you never know about!
How did the idea of an Impact Journal come about?
At the start of this calendar year I had a crisis of confidence – I wasn’t sure whether I was making a difference at the scale that I really wanted to.
It led me to think critically and ask: What data do I have to prove or disproved this feeling?
That’s where the idea of the impact journal was formed. I started tracking all the things – little and large – that were proof points of positive outcomes for people, teams and organisations.
It’s like a reverse gratitude diary.
At the same time I thought I should also kept track of the gratitude part – how other people had helped me and, at the end of each week, I reflect on what I’ve logged and how it looks over time.
I’m evaluating quality, quantity, any patterns that emerge and how much I’ve been contributing versus receiving.
It leads me to question: What should I do more of, do differently or do better in my work and life?
If you take it up it’s really up to you whether you want to confine it to work activities or to your home life – or include both, which is what I do.
It is a really simple template, as per this one page PDF download.
In an age where the complexity of our lives is ever-increasing, it’s really satisfying to find something simple that adds so much value.
You may want to add it to your daily or weekly routine?
If you already have your own system I’d love to hear about it? Or about a high impact moment you’ve had this year? Or about the overwhelming gratitude you have for something you’ve received?
You’re welcome to share with friends and colleagues and, of course, recommend me for speaking or a workshop on this topic if you like?!
I wish you all the best for your impact journaling into 2026 and beyond.
🎄 🎄 🎄
Phil Preston helps leaders and teams navigate change with clarity, confidence and purpose. He’s a keynote speaker, facilitator and event host who can be contacted at phil@philpreston.com.au
