The idea of journaling and making a decision to get started can seem quite daunting for beginners, so we have created a list of 7 tips for journaling success which should help.
What should I write about? When should I write in my journal? Which journal should I use? These are just some of the questions that are often asked by beginners, so the journaling tips in this post can be used as a quick guide to help you get started.
Whether you want to organise your thoughts, express your creativity, or simply record your everyday experiences, journaling has been proven to provide numerous benefits for personal growth, well-being, and more. So if you are new to journaling or looking improve, read on!
Tip 1: Start with the right journaling tools
Invest in a journal that you will enjoy and find comfortable to use. If you need a little inspiration and a few ideas to reflect on, you could try a journal with guided prompts and inspirational quotes. Or, you could try a themed journal that is targeted towards a particular topic, such as gratitude, personal growth, or even fitness and mental health. To be honest, you could grab any old notebook and a pen and start with that. The key is to get started, then over time, you can decide what works best for you.
Tip 2: Set aside dedicated journaling time
The best way to experience the amazing benefits of journaling is to be consistent with it. When and where you journal is up to you, but scheduling regular journaling sessions into your daily routine will certainly help. This could be first thing in the morning, during your lunch break, or before bed, just find a time that works for you and stick with it. The key to turning your journaling activity into a habit is consistency.
Tip 3: Write freely and honestly
Many feel self-conscious and a little uncomfortable when they first start journaling. It can take a while to relax, think deeply, and journal about meaningful things, so give yourself permission to write freely and honestly. Your journal is a safe space where you can truly be yourself, express yourself openly, and intimately explore your thoughts and feelings about anything and everything. Authenticity is key to journaling success.
Tip 4: Try different journaling styles
One size certainly does not fit all when it comes to journaling. There are many journaling styles and techniques, so try different approaches until you find one that suits you best. As mentioned earlier, using journaling prompts and quotes is one approach, but you may find that ‘freestyle’ journaling without any external input works best for you. You could write paragraphs, make bullet points/lists, or express yourself through sketches and drawings. You could use colours, stickers, pictures … the point is, there is no right or wrong way to journal, so don’t be afraid to experiment until you find a method that resonates with you.
Tip 5: Focus on the process, not on perfection
Self-expression and creativity can be messy, especially when expressing deep thoughts and emotions, so don’t be too hard on yourself. Let go of the need for perfection and focus on the process of journaling. Allow your journaling to be imperfect. You can make mistakes, crease the pages, or use messy handwriting, it’s okay! Always remember that your journal is your own personal and intimate space, so don’t allow the need for perfection to rob you of the many benefits of journaling.
Tip 6: Review and reflect
After adding entries to your journal, you may wonder what happens next. What on earth are you supposed to do with it? Well, while writing in your journal is extremely beneficial, re-reading what you have written can be equally, if not more valuable. Revisiting your journal entries weeks, months, or even years later is a powerful way to reflect on your journey, your resilience, and your growth. You may read about things you completely forgot about, or you may uncover valuable insights that you couldn’t quite see at the time. So, re-visit and treasure those journals because they are an important part of your story and an equally important factor in your journaling success.
Tip 7: Enjoy the journey
Journaling shouldn’t be hard and it shouldn’t be stressful. Once you decide to embrace it, it should become easier and more enjoyable over time. Your journal is a simple but powerful way to document your story, so enjoy the process of self-expression, self-discovery, and personal development, but above all, enjoy the journey!
We hope you find these tips for journaling success helpful. Apply these suggestions and hopefully the result will be a happy and rewarding journaling experience.
