How can I use journaling to stop fixating on limitations at work and focus on what I can control?

Try a quick daily page that channels your attention toward agency. Use these prompts: 1) What limitation is on my mind today? 2) Which parts of this are within my control, influence, or acceptance? 3) One small action I can take in the next 24 hours. 4) Evidence I’m already moving forward (even if tiny). 5) One thing I’m grateful for in my work today. Writing this in the Stoic app each morning helps shift focus from the “glass ceiling” to your process, making progress feel tangible and self-directed.

I feel there’s a glass ceiling in my field. How do I journal about it without getting discouraged?

Separate what exists from what defines you. Try this reflection: 1) Structural reality I observe (facts only). 2) The story I’m telling myself about it (feelings, fears). 3) My values in this season (e.g., craft, learning, impact). 4) A skill or habit I’ll practice this week that aligns with those values. 5) A next right step I can take regardless of gatekeepers. 6) A metric I can influence (hours of practice, pitches sent). Logging this weekly in Stoic reframes the ceiling as context, not identity, and keeps your effort values-driven.

I keep comparing myself to others and it limits me. What journaling prompts will help me refocus?

Use comparison as a compass, not a cage. Prompts: 1) Who triggered comparison today and why? 2) What need or value does this reveal in me? 3) My strengths I can apply this week. 4) One past win that shows I can create momentum. 5) Today’s definition of success I control (e.g., ship draft, ask for feedback). 6) One boundary for my attention (what I’ll mute/skip). 7) Evening check-in: Did I honor my definition of success? In Stoic, revisit these prompts to train attention on your lane and reduce energy spent on what you don’t have.

QUOTE

Ignore the glass ceiling and do your work. If you’re focusing on the glass ceiling, focusing on what you don’t have, focusing on the limitations, then you will be limited.

Published on

Mar 6, 2024

Written by

Ava DuVernay

Journal in Stoic

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QUOTE

Ignore the glass ceiling and do your work. If you’re focusing on the glass ceiling, focusing on what you don’t have, focusing on the limitations, then you will be limited.

QUOTE

Ignore the glass ceiling and do your work. If you’re focusing on the glass ceiling, focusing on what you don’t have, focusing on the limitations, then you will be limited.

QUOTE

Ignore the glass ceiling and do your work. If you’re focusing on the glass ceiling, focusing on what you don’t have, focusing on the limitations, then you will be limited.

Ignore the glass ceiling and do your work. If you’re focusing on the glass ceiling, focusing on what you don’t have, focusing on the limitations, then you will be limited.

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