Journaling: Clear Your Head, Reduce Stress, and Take Control of Your Business

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure what to do next in your business, this episode is for you.

I sat down with Anna Woolliscroft, founder of Writing With Purpose and journaling expert, to unpack how self-employed HR consultants can use journaling to:

• Clear their head and think more clearly
• Reduce stress that blocks progress
• And take back control of their business – and their life

Journaling isn’t about keeping a teenage diary. It’s about using a simple, powerful tool to create the headspace you need to make better decisions and build a consultancy you actually enjoy running.

In this conversation, you’ll hear:

• How journaling gives you space to think and plan without the noise
• Why even five minutes a day can reset your stress levels and improve focus
• Practical ways to use journaling for business planning and personal growth
• Nick’s own routine and why he swears by pen and paper
• Where to grab Anna’s free PDF journal planner to get started today

This isn’t “one more thing” on your to-do list. It’s a simple way to make business feel easier — and life a whole lot calmer.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Why HR consultants need clarity to grow
Nick on why getting out of your head is the first step to building a £70K consultancy.

01:05 – Meet Anna Woolliscroft
How the Writing With Purpose founder helps people use journaling for clarity and confidence.

02:45 – Journaling vs “dear diary”
Why journaling is a powerful self-awareness and growth tool.

04:30 – Creating space for smarter decisions
How journaling clears your head and supports better business choices.

06:00 – The simplest way to start journaling
Stress-free tips to begin — even if you don’t know what to write.

07:30 – Why pen and paper beats typing
The science behind why writing by hand boosts focus and creativity.

09:10 – Using journaling to manage stress
Nick on how his notebook helps him reset during busy periods.

11:20 – The five-minute habit that changes your day
Quick journaling routines for busy consultants.

13:10 – Directed vs intuitive journaling
The pros and cons of prompts vs free-flow writing.

15:00 – Journaling prompts that unlock clarity
Easy questions to help you think deeper and solve problems faster.

17:00 – Journaling for less stress and better client relationships
Why writing helps you regulate emotions and show up stronger.

19:20 – Spotting patterns that hold you back
Using your journal to find triggers, habits, and opportunities.

22:00 – Morning pages, gratitude, and more
Popular techniques to help you find the routine that works for you.

25:10 – Planning your consultancy’s future
How mapping thoughts makes goals clearer and more achievable.

28:50 – Get Anna’s free journal planner
Download prompts, exercises, and a guided meditation to start today.

Want My Help to Build Your £70K+ HR Consultancy?

1️⃣ Grab a copy of my book – The Complete Guide to Building a £70K HR Consultancy – and discover how to get every lead and client you need.

2️⃣ Apply to Join The Fastlane Formula – so we can work together 1-to-1 to get you earning £70K+ faster (and easier) than going it alone.