5 Simple Strategies for Starting a Daily Journaling Habit

Journaling can be a simple and effective tool for personal growth and self-reflection. In my life, I’ve used journaling to process emotions, sort out my priorities when my to-do list is a mile long, and track progress toward my goals. 

However, when you’re just starting with journaling, I know it can feel overwhelming to figure out where and how to begin incorporating the habit into your life.

In this blog post, we’ll explore strategies for how to start a journaling habit and make it a regular and enjoyable part of your daily routine.

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1. Choose a Journaling Format That Works for You: 

There are many different ways to journal, and the format you choose will depend on your personal preferences and your goals for journaling.

Some people are happy to start fresh with a blank journal ready to be filled in, while others prefer a guided journal that has prompts on what to write. 

Personally, I enjoy using both a guided journal and a blank journal. While is may seem like overkill to some, the two formats serve different purposes in my life and have been a great addition to my daily routines.

I use The Five Minute Journal, a guided journal with simple prompts for the morning and evening. The journal prompts me to begin my day by expressing gratitude and setting my intentions and gives me an opportunity at the end of the day to reflect on what went well and what I’d like to do better on. 

I also use a simple lined journal as needed throughout the day for brain-dumping my thoughts, creating lists, and writing notes in an unstructured format. 

There is no right way to journal, so a key to creating the habit is to find a format that allows you to write without stressing about what you’ll write about. 

Be open to trying different formats and styles until you find what works best for you.

2. Set Aside Time for Journaling:

After choosing your format, the next step to starting a journaling habit is to make time for it in your daily schedule. This could be in the morning before your day begins, in the evening before you go to bed, or during a quiet moment in the middle of the day. The key is to find a time that works for you and make it a non-negotiable part of your routine. 

Try keeping your journal somewhere that will prompt the habit, like setting it by your coffee maker so you can journal first thing in the morning or placing it on your nightstand with a pen to easily journal before going to sleep.

3. Start Small:

When starting something new, it’s easy to be motivated to go all out for a new habit; however, we want to create a sustainable habit that will become part of your regular routine. In order to do that, you’ll need to start out journaling in a way that you can stay consistent with – even on days you don’t have much motivation to keep up with the habit.

Instead of starting out with lengthy, profound entities in your first couple of weeks, try starting with small, manageable goals, such as writing for just five minutes a day or writing a single sentence summarizing your day. This will not only be less daunting as a beginner but also help you become consistent when the habit feels easy. 

As you become more comfortable and consistent with your journaling habit, you can gradually work up to longer and more complex entries.

4. Make It Enjoyable:

Journaling should be an enjoyable and rewarding experience, not another chore to check off your daily to-do list. Look for ways to make this new habit enjoyable that you’ll look forward to! 

Pick a journal you love, find pens that write well, and make it a relaxing experience by having a cozy space to curl up with your journal and jot down your thoughts. 

Spend some time experimenting with your journaling setup to discover what time of day and environment make it the best experience for you!

5. Be Consistent:

Consistency is key in building a journaling habit (or any new habit). Make a commitment to keep up with your journaling practice – even if it’s just writing one sentence or one thought each day.

If journaling daily feels overwhelming, pick a few days of the week when it is easiest to stick to the habit. Once you are consistent with a few days, add additional days as you are ready until you work up to a daily journaling habit. 

The more consistent you are with your practice, the easier it will become, and the more benefits you’ll experience over time. 

Consider tracking your progress by marking off days on a calendar or using a habit-tracking app. Habit tracking will motivate you to keep your journaling streak going.

Related Post: How To Perform a Life Audit and Why It’s Important

 

 

By choosing a journaling format that works for you, setting aside time for it, starting small, making it enjoyable, and being consistent, you can create a sustainable and rewarding journaling practice that helps you achieve your goals and live your best life.