How to Journal: Journaling Tips for Beginners to Help You Succeed

These are the journaling tips I used when I first started keeping a journal. Give it a try. Let me know how you get on.

Journal writing, when it becomes a ritual for transformation, is not only life-changing but life-expanding. – Jen Williamson

Journaling means different things to different people and many people journal for different reasons, what will work best for you will depend on your goal, so before you start journaling, consider what it is you want to get out of journaling. For example, you might want to record your life and see how you’ve grown over the years, or you might struggle with depression or anxiety and keeping a journal as a method of managing and keep track of your moods.

Keeping a journal is a technique that can help you make improvements in your life, help you attain your goals and become self-aware of what you really want. Whether you keep a consistent daily journal, an occasional journal, or simply jot notes to yourself when ideas come to you, this technique can have powerful implications in helping you succeed in achieving your goals.

Journaling requires self-discipline and commitment and many who try it, find it to be a struggle and give up, but those who persist in journaling will bring about complete self-transformation and personal growth. I want you to succeed, that’s why I am sharing the journaling tips that have helped me on my journaling journey, hopefully, may help you on yours.

1. Choose a journal that is right for you

As I have mentioned before, the journal that works best for you will depend on your goals, so before you start journaling, consider what it is you want to get out of keeping a journal. Here are some questions to ask yourself.

What goal do I want to accomplish? Do I truly desire what I want to achieve? What do I want to write about in my journal?

Select a journal that resonates within you, something that you feel comfortable and confident writing in. You can purchase a journal from a bookstore, create your own, or simply collect loose pages in a binder. The right journal will inspire you to use it. It really doesn’t matter where you record your life; all have their advantages and disadvantages. Just choose something that works for you.

1.1 Paper notebook

Writing with a pen and paper helps to tap into your subconscious, write whatever comes into your head without self-editing, avoid judging any of your thoughts, let your thoughts flow freely, you will be surprised by what you receive.

Decorate a plain notebook or making a book from scratch you are making a greater commitment to the project itself. Your notebook will mean more to you and you will feel a greater connection to it when you use it. After all, if you are writing positive thoughts inside it, you also want to feel happy and proud when you see it.

1.2 Journaling apps

When journaling apps you can include photos from your phone or posts from your social media feeds to make the journaling experience more satisfying. You are limited only by your imagination. The more of these types of media you incorporate, the better. You also have the ability to search your journal entries and schedule reminders.

Some of the best journaling apps:

Day One for Mac and iOS users

Momento for social media power users

Grid Diary for templated journaling

Diarium for Windows users

Journey for cross-platform journaling

Penzu for secure journaling

1.3 Digital notebooks and planners

Digital notebooks and planners are PDF document designed to open on iPad or tablet using Goodnotes or other annotate apps, you can tie in graphics, videos, audios, and other media types. You are limited only by your imagination. It can be a lot of fun to produce a journal in this fashion. You can choose to print out hard copies and store them in a paper notebook if you’d like.

2. Make it a habit

If you use a notebook, keep it by your bed, that way you won’t miss it. Set a reminder on your computer. It makes more sense to do it at the end of the day as you reflect on your day, but any time is better than never. Choose a time and stick to it, so that it becomes a new habit. Make sure to establish a practice that works well for you.

3. Start short

When you start journaling it is better to keep the writing short, you’ll be more likely to do it regularly. Even just a few bullet points can be enough to capture the essence of what happened in your day. When you write on a daily or weekly basis, you’ll find greater consistency in your thoughts and reflections.

4. Write whatever comes to mind

Write quickly and write the first thing that comes to you. Let the ideas flow onto the paper without dwelling on one thing for too long. Writing in this manner will allow your goals, dreams and wishes to flow out freely beyond what you thought possible!

5. Track your progress

List the things that are most relevant to you at the time. For example, if you’re trying to track your mood, mention related triggers, coping strategies, and your progress. Make comparisons about where you were previously to where you are now. Are you happy with the progress? If not, what is it that is holding you back? Look for signs in your journal and discover ways to get where you want to be. Read the post: >> How To Set Goals

6. Refer back to your past writing regularly

When you feel lost or unsure about yourself, look back over your goals and insights to find guidance. There’s a wealth of vital information in your journal if you use it consistently, and you can turn back to this information to show you where to go next.

7. Be honest

Be completely honest in your journal because no one else will read it but you. Share your thoughts, desires, words, dreams and actions. Be truly your authentic self, Invest the time in yourself and be open and true to yourself.

8. Ask yourself self-reflective questions

Ask yourself questions about where you’re at in life and where you want to be so you can brainstorm the necessary steps in the self-improvement process. Self-exploration will give you a new perspective on yourself and how you want to live your life. Be willing to challenge yourself, to go beyond your limits. This will enable you to grow and to reach your full potential. Being aware of who you are and what you are capable of achieving will give you the ability to go beyond what may challenge you.

These were my journaling tips on how to journal. Give it a try, start journaling Today!

**This post was originally written and posted on https://www.wellnessprintables.com/**