First, find two journals: one for reflecting on your day, and one for planning the next day (daily planner). Blank pages work best for me. I like one hard-back journal and one soft.

Then, designate a special place, just for you, just for journaling. This helps to make journaling a ritual. Turn off your electronics and prepare to reflect for 20 minutes. Then, write about your day from start to finish: your thoughts, actions, achievements, letdowns, feelings. Everything.

Some of my clients have difficulty with this because their lives aren't exciting, or they're ashamed of how they live. Don't be ashamed. When you track the details of your life, then you can change your thoughts, actions, and habits to make an extraordinary life. But you have to write down the details first—no matter how boring. (No one will see the journal but you—remember that. Write down everything.)

Pay special attention to your morning. What were your waking thoughts? What were you feeling like? How did you start your morning? Was it positive? What were your rituals? Did your morning thoughts lead to an empowered day? Or did you let negativity swamp you? How can you fix that?

Then write how your day unfolded. Where did you dig in and give it your all? Where did you choose the hard right? And, just as important, where did you let yourself down? Where could you have put more effort? Then, accept yourself despite any letdowns. Imagine putting all your effort into overcoming those challenges. Feel the satisfaction of breaking through your barriers and living the life you want. Revel in the accomplishments.

Visualize what tomorrow's success looks like: What goals will you reach? What weaknesses will you strengthen? What success rituals will you stick with? Write it down—all of it.