On 19th December 2023, amidst the holiday slowdown, I found myself seeking direction after the pandemic’s disruptions to my business. A casual scroll through LinkedIn led me to something transformative. As they say, some of the best discoveries happen when we least expect them.
In my previous article, “North Pole Shift,” I emphasised the importance of having a clear direction. Knowing your destination is key; the journey often matters more than the arrival. This philosophy is at the heart of “Travel with Purpose.”
We can learn from Winnie-the-Pooh: it’s not how he gets there, but that he arrives, ready for new “Expotitions” with Christopher Robin. However, unlike Alice’s unplanned adventures, Pooh and Christopher Robin often have a shared goal. So, what does this have to do with getting organised?
I knew I needed a change. I yearned to return to my passion: travel. It was time to get organised, to create order from the chaos, especially for my ADHD brain. This led me to the power of Interstitial Journaling.
Without realising it then, but realising it now, I stumbled upon a powerful tool for personal growth and productivity. Having completed “The Better To-Do List: Interstitial Journaling” course by Tony Stubblebine on LinkedIn Learning on December 19th, 2023, I appreciated how this framework resonated with my interests in mindfulness and intentional action. The course highlighted key skills such as organisation and journaling. You know Tony Stubblebine, right? The CEO of Medium. The very same.
At its core, Interstitial Journaling is a simple framework that is more powerful than any over-hyped app. Inspired by techniques like the Pomodoro, it helps clarify thoughts, promote decisive action, and boost overall productivity.
As a Portuguese woman with half-Italian sons who love tomatoes as much as Pooh loves honey, it felt like a perfect fit!
The beauty of this technique lies in its adaptability. Understanding the concept is quick; the challenge — and the skill — tailoring it to your unique needs. Like no two travel journeys are identical, no two people will implement Interstitial Journaling in the same way.
We all have to-do lists, take notes, and brainstorm ideas. Interstitial Journaling empowers you by harnessing the simple act of putting pen to paper. But let’s be clear: the “devil is in the detail”, and this is why I have left out some key factors.
This article only scratches the surface, and I purposefully want you to crave more. To understand the transformative effect and the power of going down rabbit holes, searching for Honey, building puzzles and planting seeds. In my new book, Travel with Purpose, I go into greater detail about what this looks like.
Interstitial journaling is an excellent starting point for anyone looking to improve their focus and organisation. The magic is simple: Start anywhere and simply start.
As Seth Godin says, “Once you see it, you can’t unsee it.” Remember: The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago; the second-best time is today. We all start somewhere, we all start at zero.
It does not matter how Pooh came down the stairs the first time; what matters is that maybe the next time Christopher takes his friend on a new “Expotition,” he will carry him down the stairs to ensure our furry friend avoids any sustainable injury.
If you’ve enjoyed this glimpse into the world of Interstitial Journaling and are eager to dive deeper, I invite you to explore my new book, Travel with Purpose. I share insights, practical tips, and personal stories to help you make the most of your adventures — both on the road and in your daily life. Learn more at www.cotravel.co.za/bookstore/
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