How To Start Journaling And Make It A Habit

Aug 02, 2018

Many people find it easy to start journaling. The difficult part is making it a habit. After a couple of journal entries the pages go blank.

Here are the top five questions asked when you are considering to start journaling.

Why should I journal?

Journaling takes away the overwhelm of what you’ve been thinking about and actually addresses some of the difficult decisions you have been trying to make. Get everything out of your mind and written down that you’ve been thinking about. Use journaling as a stress reliever to organize your thoughts. Journaling your thoughts on a topic can clear your mind and allow you to focus on what you need to accomplish.

What should I write about?

Start writing about what’s going on in your life. Write down what you did that day, decisions you’re struggling with, things you’re grateful for, what you’re reading or listening to, and what you’ve learned. Once you start writing and get in a flow, you will find it easy to keep going.

When should I journal?

Some people journal in the morning when their mind is fresh and creative. Others journal in the evening after their day has wound down. Either way, it is so refreshing to get your thoughts out of your mind and written down. Choose a time that works best for you where you won’t be interrupted or rushed.

Where should I journal?

My recommendation is to journal in the same spot every day. This can be on your computer or in a paper journal. Many people love to take pen to paper and write their journal entries. I personally love this website called 750words.com. The goal is to write at least 750 words daily for 30 consecutive days. It can seem daunting to write that much but after you’ve gone past 250 words and the basics of what’s going through your mind, you really start to dig deeper. If you’re not a fast typist, use a paper journal. Do what you feel most comfortable with.

How do I stay committed?

When you’re new to journaling, the hardest part is making it a daily commitment. Growing up I remember buying a dairy and trying to write in it daily. I would usually end up failing after a few entries and many empty journals. The key is to create a trigger that will remind you to journal daily. It’s easiest to attach this trigger to something you are already in the habit of doing daily. This can be drinking your morning coffee, brushing your teeth, getting ready for bed, etc. Put your journal next to your trigger. If you’re using a paper journal, lay your journal on your coffee cup, across your sink, or next to your bed. If you’re using an electronic device then try a sticky note reminding you to journal. Schedule some time each day to journal around your current habit.

See what clarity and focus you gain from getting your thoughts out of your mind and written down. Sometimes what we are struggling with mentally seems so silly. When we actually take the time to write down how we feel and what we are thinking the clear path reveals itself.

My challenge to you is try journaling for at least 5 days.

AMY HANSEN