With the New Year settling in, we are all looking for New Year's resolutions that will leave a long-lasting, positive impact on our lives. Journaling and having a safe place to express ones thoughts and feelings is an important step toward self-growth and healthy mental practices. Here are 10 reasons why writing in a journal well-worth your time.

1. Personal growth

Journaling leads to personal growth and achievements. When you write down your thoughts, you get to express yourself in a healthy and constructive way.

2. You can write down your goals

Having a place to write down and visualize your future goals makes it that much easier to achieve them.

3. You can capture brilliant ideas

Anytime genius strikes and you want to remember the awesome ideas you have, you can use your journal to capture these ideas.

4. Receive clarity

If you are struggling with something and are seeking clarity about an issue, writing down your problems helps you view them through a different lens.

5. Keep track of past victories

It's important to remember all you have already accomplished. A journal helps you see your accomplishments and the things you have achieved over time.

6. Take control of your future

When you can write down your ideas and plans, you become in charge of your own future.

7. Speeds the decision-making process up

If you are contemplating big life decisions, turn to your old trusty journal to help guide you through the decision-making process.