Would you like to start journaling, but you don't know how? The different types and styles of journals you've probably seen online may be making you think twice about doing it. You don't really need all of those, because what you need depends on your goal. Even if you only have a pen and a notebook, you can go ahead with journaling as long as you know what you want to write about.
Here are a few things to remember if you want to jump into journaling:
1. Get a Pen and Paper
According to Purists, journaling is done best using pen and paper because you can carry them wherever you go. You don’t need technology so you cannot make any excuse.
2. Schedule It
Don't procrastinate. Make time for journaling either first thing in the morning or last thing at night.
Here's why you need to start journaling first thing in the morning. Since you're just beginning your day, your mind is still fresh and you can write better. Besides, it only takes five to ten minutes. Surely, you can spare that amount of time for journaling.
If you can't do it in the morning, then do it before bed. This schedule is especially good if you're doing gratitude journaling. That way, when you go to sleep, you're thinking about positive things, what you are grateful for and not your problems and worries.
3. Write Every Single Day
If you decide to go ahead with journaling, set it up in a way that it becomes a habit. The better way of journaling is to do it every single day and not only when you feel like it.
4. Start Simply
When you're just starting, don’t overcomplicate. Don't think so much about style and substance. Your first goal is to make it a habit to use your pen paper to journal every day. If it’s easier for you to use your computer or smartphone, then do it. Do what's easiest and get going.
5. Start Now
Ready to start right now? What can you write about? Well, you can start by writing what important things happened today? How did you feel about it? If you could change anything, what is it? What would you do just the same?
6. Explore Other Types of Journals
When you have developed the habit of journaling, you can begin trying other types of journaling. For example, you might like bullet journaling or vision journaling. If you have a hobby like crocheting or sewing, you can do a project journal when you work on your next project.
7. Keep It to Yourself
Your journal is for your eyes only. Unless you want to share what you wrote to a therapist or a counselor. Or maybe you want to write a book or course that includes the thoughts you wrote in your journal. That is totally acceptable especially if it can help others deal with the same situation that you went through.
The main reason why you're keeping a journal is to help you remember what things happened and what did not happen to you. It helps you to reflect on what you did right and what you did wrong. Doing so helps improve your ability to make decisions when you are in similar situations.
So, get started journaling in a way that is easy and works for you.
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