Agribusiness Leadership provides the necessary tools to unveil the fundamental principles of
Empowered Leaders that Trust themselves and the relationships they lead and leaders who are curious to discover who they are and who they lead.
So when I started my leadership jouney I refused to journal until a friend and coach encouraged me to start. As a guy I thought it was the dumbest thing ever.
Once I jounaled for a few days I found I had more clarity and I was more intentional. I discovered that my mantra became real and no matter what I owned my purpose and I was Intentional and I could trust myself.
Most of the small business leaders I work with say the same thing:
“I don’t have time to journal.”
And I get it. When you’re running a business, managing people, and putting out fires, journaling can feel like a luxury—or worse, a waste of time. But I discovered my 15 minutes journaling in a day is the most productive time in my day!
But here’s the truth: If you’re not taking time to reflect, you’re likely just reacting. And reaction is the opposite of leadership.
Journaling isn’t about being emotional or writing long essays. It’s about creating space to think. To slow down. To lead with clarity instead of chaos. And it’s one of the most practical tools I know for building the three things every leader actually needs: Purpose. Intentionality. Trust.
1. Journal to Reconnect with Purpose
Journaling gives you a way to ask: Why am I doing this again?
When your days are full of problems, it’s easy to lose your “why.” And when that purpose fades, leadership turns into survival mode.
Even a few minutes of reflection each day helps you zoom out. It reminds you what matters. It gives you language for what you believe and why it’s worth fighting for.
That’s how you stay grounded in the middle of stress.
2. Journal to Build Intentionality
Most leaders don’t need more information. They need more clarity.
When you write—even messily—you begin to notice patterns. Where you’re stuck. Where you’re blaming others. Where you’ve stopped leading and started drifting.
You stop winging it. You start leading with thought. With direction.
That’s intentionality—and it doesn’t happen by accident.
3. Journal to Practice Trust
We talk a lot about trust in leadership. Usually, it’s about trusting your team. But trust starts with you.
If you can’t slow down long enough to be honest with yourself, how can you expect to build real trust with others?
Journaling is private. It’s not about proving anything. It’s about telling the truth on paper. And over time, you begin to trust your own voice again. That self-trust becomes the foundation for leading others with strength—not control.
You Don’t Need to Get It Right. You Just Need to Get It Out.
This isn’t about writing a novel. I’m talking about 5 minutes a day. A few sentences. A question you’re sitting with.
It’s not about having all the answers—it’s about making space to see clearly.
Purpose. Intentionality. Trust. They don’t just show up. They’re built. Day by day.
Journaling is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to start.
If this blog empowers you—or if you’re ready to begin building your Factor Journey—I’d love to talk. Let’s take the first step together. Contact me.
—Arlen
Nic Barker of Barker out Loud – Instagram
