> Do you keep a personal journal?
Yes, I find it very useful.
> What tools would you recommend? Is there any specific methodology that you follow?
Sure, here is my current framework:
https://pastebin.com/djyFiZkz
I keep all text files in a journal folder with subfolders for each year. At the end of each week I review the last week's journal entries for information which is applicable to future projects or needs, and move that information into systems of frameworks, which are also described in text files in a different location.
> When journaling, do you try to track any specific aspects of your life or just write about anything that is currently occupying your mind?
Both.
I track my mood, as you can see by the DaySCOR item (this rating system is a work in progress and has an alternate look when I use it on paper; it's more of a multidimensional graph on paper).
I've learned that most days are around a 3/5 _no matter how much I accomplish_ unless I make a conscious effort to enjoy the day and just be a happy person. That has been a lesson I didn't expect. I thought that getting more done would make me a happier person, but upon reviewing my numbers, that hasn't been the case at all. Productivity is something of a psychological fake-out, but I haven't gone too deep into why just yet. Psychologically, it seems that a person is much more than just their accomplishments. Also at HN many of us tend to project a very strong productive aspect, which could compound this issue. (That would indicate that we repress an inner lazy person, for one...lack of time off, time out, time away, inability to give the finger to work and just waste a day...the boundary there is not an easy one to navigate for productive people)
I also open a new file for each client project and keep those separate. It's helpful to be able to open my last client project file when working on a new file. I also try not to let information build up in email threads and immediately move project information out of emails and into text files. This is in part because GMail search is so slow and long threads are a pain to search.
> Any advice on how to get the most out of personal journaling?
Build your own journaling framework to improve your journaling system. Watch for leverage points that work for you, write them down, and change/refine your framework. This will keep the practice enjoyable and effective for you.
Through two years of journaling I went from obese to healthy weight and only did it by addressing the subject of my weight directly. If you feel like you cannot address tough subjects directly, you may need to change your journaling technology or system or it may fail in its role as a problem-solver. In order to address difficult subject in my paper journals, I leared the simple Ford Shorthand technique at fordshorthand.com and am worry-free when it comes to others possibly prying through my journals. I keep one on the mantle in my home, in fact. Being able to address difficult topics at a time of your liking is crucial.