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 clearlyReduce stress that blocks progressAnd take back control of their business – and their lifeJournaling 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 noiseWhy even five minutes a day can reset your stress levels and improve focusPractical ways to use journaling for business planning and personal growthNick’s own routine and why he swears by pen and paperWhere to grab Anna’s free PDF journal planner to get started todayThis 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, e Want my help getting more leads and clients for your HR consultancy? 1️⃣ Start with the book — The Complete Guide to Building a £70K HR Consultancy Discover the Client Control method so you attract better clients, win more valuable projects, and charge what you’re worth. 👉 https://theinfluentialconsultant.co.uk/the-book/ 2️⃣ Work with me Join the Fastlane Formula to plug the Client Control method and the 3 Phase Funnel into your business and build a predictable pipeline of premium clients — so you never face feast-or-famine again. 👉 https://theinfluentialconsultant.co.uk/fastlaneformula100/