Have you ever asked yourself: “How to write a personal journal?” If you have, you reached the right place. These essential tips will effortlessly elevate your journaling practice from mundane to masterful.
When I started my journaling routine, I wanted to become good at it as soon as possible. Not that journaling is a competition, but my A-type personality can make even keeping a journal a race, even if it is with myself.
Don’t worry, even if you are not as intense as me, this blog post can still benefit you. Journaling is a powerful tool for navigating the complexities of our inner world and so deeply personal.
There is no right answer on how to write a personal journal. There is only guidance, and these tips offer just that. Whether you’re a seasoned journal keeper or just starting out, incorporating these essential tips into your journaling routine can elevate your experience and help you write like a pro.
Here you will read all about the essential tips on how to write a personal journal masterfully.
Before hastily buying your journal, take a moment to clarify why you’re journaling.
- Is it to keep track of your day?- that is called bullet journaling.
- Is it to better understand your emotions?-that is a personal journal.
- Do you want to paint your feelings?- that is an art journal,
- Do you want all of them in one journal?
A journal is a deeply personal book. It is okay to want to do just dreams or special moments. It is okay to use a journal not to forget your appointments and important dates. Are you seeking self-discovery, self-reflection, emotional release, or personal growth? Defining your purpose will guide your journaling journey and set a base for everything you do.
To set your journaling goals and pages use this FREE GUIDE TO SETTING GOALS AND JOURNAL PAGES:
2. Establish a Consistent Journaling Routine for Success
From selecting the right time to include your writing practice in your daily routine, to setting sufficient goals, a journaling routine is a cornerstone for successful journaling. There is a whole post written about that. It focuses on setting your journaling routine and all the tips and tricks you should keep in mind. Give it a read!
3. Embrace Authenticity: Tips for Genuine Journaling
Seriously, write what you feel and think. Don’t try to be pretty and aesthetic. That doesn’t serve anyone. Journal is YOUR PLACE to express however you see fit.
Here are some tips on HOW TO WRITE GENUINELY:
- Write freely, with no judgement. Let your thoughts flow!
- Be honest about your feelings, thoughts and experiences.
- Write for your eyes only!
- Embrace imperfection, it is a natural process in keeping a journal.
4. Master Stream of Consciousness Writing
If it is the first time hearing of stream of consciousness, don’t worry. This is essentially a brain dump.
It is a process where the natural flow of thoughts, feelings, memories, ideas and sensations are put to paper without structure or logical sense. It is a powerful practice, that taps into your inner being.
HOW TO DO STREAM-OF-CONSCIOUSNESS WRITING?
- Set aside a block of time (10 or 15 minutes).
- Relax with deep breaths and let go of expectations, judgement, and worry. Empty your mind.
- Start writing whatever comes to mind. Don’t censor, let your thoughts flow naturally on the page. Write down whatever comes to mind, even if it seems unrelated to your original topic. (For an easier start you can use journal prompts.)
5. Engage Your Creativity with Journaling Prompts
Journaling prompts are a great way to expand your writing. If you are sick of writing about the same problems or topics day after day, then using journaling prompts is a great way to expand your writing and spark new ideas.
You can find some amazing ones in the Library writing prompts and ideas.
6. Enhance Your Entries with Artistic Pizzazz
Adding visual elements and personal artistic touches will add depth, creativity and personal pizzazz to your diary. Additionally, expressing creatively is a great alternative when words don’t flow. You know the saying: “A picture is worth a thousand words.”
HOW TO ADD ARTISTIC PIZZAZZ?
- Draw some sketches and doodles.
- Make collages from old photos and newspapers.
- Hand letter or calligraphy a title.
- Use stickers and washi tape.
- Add colour with watercolours.
- Use dry flowers, leaves and feathers.
- Insert dear items like tickets, bills, part of clothing…
- …
7. Create Structure in Your Journal Entries
Having a set routine will help you organize your thoughts, track your progress and be a motivator on an energy-low day.
HOW TO STRUCTURE YOUR JOURNAL ENTRIES:
- Begin with time and date.
- Set an intention for the day.
- Add mood scoring.
- Write 5 things you are grateful for.
- Write out a to-do list and circle the 3 most important ones.
- Write your day in hours and add the important obligations.
- Add the quote of the day.
- Add a favourite memory.
- Write about progress (on books, films, series, goals…).
- Add favourite songs.
- Write affirmations.
- …
Basically, you can add whatever you want! Be creative and authentic to your needs.
8. Navigate Writer's Block and Resistance
Understanding the origin of writer’s block is essential when dealing with it. If you can figure out why the words don’t seem to flow, you can remove the obstacle.
Try asking yourself these questions:
- When did you first notice that you were experiencing writer’s block?
- What emotions or thoughts arise when you attempt to work on your writing?
- Are there any patterns or triggers that seem to exacerbate your writer’s block?
- Have you experienced writer’s block before? If so, how did you overcome it in the past?
- Have there been any recent changes or disruptions in your life that might be affecting your creativity or focus?
If that doesn’t work, go on a walk, dance it out, and change the scenery. Try to relax and do some self-care.
9. Celebrate Your Journaling Journey
What is better, than getting a present for yourself after accomplishing a goal? To me, nothing.
It is imperative to spoil yourself when you successfully reach a journaling goal. This will provide time to reflect on the journey and all the things you learned, motivate you when you want to stop and create a sense of accomplishment. Since journaling is a process, creating and celebrating set goals is important for growth.
I love to take time and read my old journals. They provide an insight into my past versions of myself. But I don’t do this while sitting by the table. I pamper myself.
HOW TO PAMPER YOURSELF:
- Take a bath.
- Go to a museum or art show.
- Order a favourite expensive drink.
- Eat a favourite meal.
- Visit a favorite place.
- Have a picnic.
- Go dancing.
- Have a DIY spa day.
- Buy fresh flowers.
- Plan a mini adventure.
- Visit a friend.
- Buy lingering, clothes, jewellery…
- …
Self-care looks different for everyone. Ask yourself What makes me feel expensive? and simply do it.
In this post, you read all about how to write a personal journal.
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