From 'The Lifelong Learner' :
The most important tool of free learning is a log-or journal, diary, notebook, whatever you choose to call it. Always have a pad and pencil on hand for jotting down ideas, thoughts, feelings, and even dreams. ... The purpose of a log is to help you keep track of those aspects of your learning and growth that seem most exciting. Express your ideas, insights, reactions, reflections, problems and doubts. Also use the log to record your reading, viewing, listening and interviewing. Later on it may be a useful place to project your plans, dreams, aspirations and experiments. ... Through this basic tool of free learning you will become increasingly conscious of what your daily experiences mean. You will be better able to see patterns in your growth that you might otherwise miss. You will heighten your awareness of your own learning process-what works for you and what doesn't and why. When you hit a plateau, reviewing the past month's journal entries will help refocus your self-education most effectively.