The Best Way to Begin Journaling Everyday
When I say “journal” or “journaling” I’m not referring to a blank sheet of paper, nor writing in a diary.
1 - Today I am Grateful For…
Peaceful early mornings, exercise, and space-heaters :)
2 - Today’s Inspiring Quote:
“Failure will never stand in the way of success if you learn from it” — Hank Aaron
3 - The Best Way to Begin Journaling Every Day
I hear it all the time.
You’ve probably had the thought, too:
But what would I even write about?
It’s common, I get it.
But I don’t want you to overthink it.
I need you to understand something: When I say “journal” or “journaling” I’m not referring to a blank sheet of paper, nor writing in a diary.
What Journaling Isn’t
First, let’s talk about what journaling isn’t. At least, the type of journaling I’m referring to.
Most of you probably aren’t writers, so you’re not going to love sitting down with a blank piece of paper waiting for your thoughts to rush in like a cool summer breeze.
Don’t worry, I’m not asking you to.
Journaling isn’t discussing your feelings and how you felt when the cashier looked at you the wrong way, or when the lifted Ford F-350 cut you off downtown.
In my opinion, a lot of people look at a blank piece of paper and feel intimidated.
“I have to fill this whole thing up?”
Nope, you don’t.
Let’s discuss
What Journaling Is
Now that we got “what it isn’t” out of the way let’s discuss what it is.
It’s a system.
And truthfully, it only needs 2-5 minutes to be EXTREMELY effective.
We will start at the baseline, where anyone can start.
Because, as with anything worthwhile, you need a system that can be accomplished every single day. That’s where the real compound benefits come to play.
Just like exercising once a month won’t get you ripped, journaling once a month won’t transform your mindset and turn you into a productivity machine.
What does the system look like?
Here’s what I believe to be the baseline for the most powerful journaling system;
1 thing you’re grateful for.
1 positive affirmation.
1 sentence (answer a specific question/journal prompt).
And then if you’re working towards goals you can add:
1 (most important) goal for the day.
If you look at that, that’s a total of 4 sentences. I think even my dog, peso, could do that every day (she’s a good writer, though ;)).
This can be done in less than five minutes.
Yet the accumulated effect can be transformative. You’ll find as this gets easier and your journaling muscle gets stronger, you’ll begin to expand.
Customize it as you wish, right now I do:
3 gratitudes
1 affirmation
3 goals
1 journal prompt
And when I begin my day this way my focus and demeanor is completely different.
I’m more aligned with the direction I want my life to go and less distracted.
You’ll feel it, soon. This is the quickest way to go from unwillingly going through the motions to relentlessly pursuing your dreams.
Moreover, I have gained a deeper understanding of who I am and what is truly important to me.
At the root of it all, I believe that most stress and anxiety that you experience is a result of a lack of understanding of who you are at a deeper level.
This lack of understanding makes you feel
Stuck
Unsure
Doubtful
The more you understand, well, yourself. The more you understand what progress you need to make in order to keep moving forward.
If You Haven’t Noticed Yet
Journaling is quite simple, and yet, extremely profound.
Yet, most people put it off as an unnecessary task. Once you begin you will quickly feel how necessary it actually is.
My goal is to help you realize:
It’s easy
It’s profound
You can start now.
Key Takeways
Journaling isn’t just random thoughts about your day.
Starting small and simple is key to making it a habit.
You’ll quickly discover more meaning and feel a sense of motivation.
It’s simple, yet profound.
As always, I appreciate you.
Dallen
Think + Write + Discover + Be