A lot of times when I suggest journaling to people, they express their confusion on what to even write in their journal. I think this question could be common among a lot of people. So, here’s the whole guide on “how to journal” from my experiences.
What To Write In Your Journal?
When you’re asking what to write, also ask yourself, “What is my goal with this journal?”
Is it to become more disciplined? Is it to heal your emotional scars? Is it to become more aware of your daily life happenings and growth? Or is it to manage your emotions better?
Once you’ve figured it out, you’ve already got 70% of your answer. Now, to get the rest, let me take you through the types of journals.
5 Types Of Journals
There are 5 types of journals that you can choose from, according to your goal with journaling. Let’s start with the most popular journal around the Internet.
1. Gratitude Journal
Mention 5 things you are grateful about, everyday. It could be your family, a friend who saved you from falling for a fraud, or just anything!
A gratitude journal will help you feel happier with yourself and your loved ones, and softer at heart.
2. Daily Journal
In your daily journal, write about your day. How your day went, how you felt, and the highlight of your day. It will help you in regulating your emotions before bedtime.
3. Visual Journal
Some people love to draw. Oftentimes, their drawings reflect upon how they are feeling. So why not create a visual journal? It’s nothing new, but another form of daily journal.
4. Goal Planning Journal
Some people love to draw. Oftentimes, their drawings reflect upon how they are feeling. So why not create a visual journal? It’s nothing new, but another form of daily journal.
A goal planning journal is particularly effective for people wanting to stick to their goals religiously. I know, once the momentum falls apart, it’s hard to become disciplined again.
Therefore, I have a process to not let that happen.
In your goal planning journal, write your major, long-term goals. Break them down into small milestones. These milestones will give you confidence and a sense of growth. Finally, add your process and ideas to achieve those milestones.
5. Reflective Journal
Reflective journals are great to reflect and think upon your thoughts, ideas, opinions, and even your routine. In simple words, you reflect on yourself to gain your real potential.
You can ask yourself questions such as, why do I not wake up early? Think on your reason and add a solution.
Maintain Journal Consistency
I know, maintaining the consistency to write in your diary everyday is sickening. However, here is a tip that I personally use:
- Write before sleeping in your room’s dim light.
Tell yourself how your day was — good or bad, don’t be afraid to mention it. If it was good, what was the best thing that happened in your day? If it was bad, what was the ‘good part’ of it?
Remember, your diary is your story. You can always turn it into a happy story, if you want to.
Don’t Fear Imperfection
For a long time, I feared what would happen if my handwriting wasn’t good enough. Or what if I scrape off a word? It will ruin the whole page!
I’m sure you also feel the same way…at least in the beginning. But here’s a reminder — you write for yourself, not to show someone else. So, don’t try to achieve perfection with your writing. Just write.
Scribble, If You Feel So
Sometimes, we can’t describe our feelings enough with words. For instance, when falling in love, we draw hearts all around. So, if you’re feeling anything like happy, sad, anxious…scribble in your journal.
Final Words
Journaling is easy when you are used to it. If you ask someone like me who’s been writing for 5 years now, journaling can be your best friend. Give it a try…without waiting for new year’s day.
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