I started journaling regularly, and I like it. So much so, I thought I would start sharing what I learn here on my blog. For a few days, maybe weeks, I will write about blogging. My purpose is to encourage you to start blogging as well.
Getting started journaling is not something that you need to think about too hard. Yes, there are numerous types and styles of journals and ways to do this that may or may not be more effective depending on your goals, but you can get some paper (or your computer) and get started today.
* Dust Off Your Pen and Paper – You do not need anything special to keep a journal; in fact, purists believe that using pen and paper is the best way to journal because you can carry it with you anywhere you go; you do not need technology. So, there will be no excuses.
* Do It First Thing in the Morning – Do not procrastinate about keeping your journal. It is best to do it in the morning before you begin your day to have the right frame of mind for the day. Plus, you only need five to ten minutes, so it is not that big of a deal.
* Do It Last Thing at Night – Another time to do it is before bed. It works incredibly well for gratitude journals. That way, you can sleep thinking about all the things you are grateful for instead of something that worries you.
* Write Every Single Day – Whenever you choose to do it, try to set it up so that it becomes a ritual and a habit. Journaling every day will be more effective than just doing it when you feel like it.
* Start Simple– Do not start being worried about style and substance right now; work on the daily habit with pen and paper (or, if it is easier for you, a computer or smartphone). Do not make it hard – get going.
* Begin with Today – Start right now and write about your day today. That is the easiest thing to do. What of significance happened today? How did you feel about it what happened? What would you do differently, and what would you do the same?
* Try Different Types of Journals – Once you develop the habit, you can start trying different types of journaling like a bullet journal, or a vision journal, or maybe even a project journal for your next project.
* Keep It Private – The main thing to remember about your journal is that it should be kept private. The only exception is if you want to share thoughts with a therapist, counselor, or coach. Or if you are going to turn it into a book or course, to help someone else overcome whatever you overcame.
Keeping a journal will help you deal with the things that happen to you and the things that have not occurred to you. The main reason is that writing it down helps you remember what you did right and what you did wrong. It enables you to improve your decision-making capacity for similar situations. The main thing is just to get started journaling in any way that works for you.
I hope this helps you get started journaling. There is so much more I have to share with you, so stay tuned.
Until next time, stay safe, and keep the faith.
