How to start journaling (Even If You’ve Tried Before and Quit)
People look at journaling like it means you have to write out 10 pages, spilling your deepest thoughts every single day, treating it like it’s some big emotional task. That's why so many people avoid it. It feels dramatic, overwhelming, and honestly... a waste of time.
But here’s the truth: you’re overcomplicating it.
Journaling doesn’t have to be dramatic or intense. It can literally be:
A sentence about how your day went.
A bullet list of what you’re grateful for.
A quick note to your future self.
A random thought that popped into your head.
That’s it. No rules. No pressure. You’re not writing a novel, you’re just creating space to hear yourself think.
Journaling has plenty of benefits. It helps you clear mental clutter, reduce stress, and actually process what you're feeling instead of shoving it down and pretending you're fine. It forces you to slow down, reflect, and be honest, that’s something most people avoid.
You start noticing your habits, your mindset, your emotions, and the patterns you’ve been ignoring. And when you’re consistent, even just a few minutes a day, you become more self-aware, more grounded, and more intentional with how you live your life.
You don’t need a therapist-level breakthrough every time you write. But showing up for yourself even in small ways builds confidence, clarity, and emotional strength.
So in this edition of my blog, I’ll be sharing how you can start journaling, even if you’ve never done it before, even if you’ve tried and quit, and even if you feel like you “don’t have time.” This will be the easiest guide you’ll ever read. No complicated systems. No rules. Just a real, simple way to start journaling and actually stick with it.
Let’s get into it.
1.Choose Your Journal
There are 100’s of guided journals that are sold out there. If you feel like you need structure and guidance, then that’s what you should start with. You could also go on pinterest and find prompts that you can use.
You can also get a random notebook, your notes app or even a voice memo and just start writing. That’s how I started. It doesn’t matter how you do it. What matters is that you start. The more real and personal you let it be, the more powerful it becomes. So pick what works for you and just start.
2. Set a time and space
A habit without a time and place is just a good intention waiting to be forgotten. If you don’t set a specific time and place, you’ll never get it done.
An example of this is Lena Yeo, one of the best self-help creators, who recently moved into a new apartment with an open space by the window. Instead of leaving it blank, she created a journaling nook and dedicated that space for her journaling time.
Now, she doesn’t have to think about it. Every morning, she gets her journal and sits down at that spot.
This kind of setup creates a mental cue — like a physical reminder that this spot is where journaling happens. So every time you see it, your brain automatically shifts into journaling mode.
It’s actually one of the most well-known productivity methods: when you attach a habit to a specific place, your brain starts to associate that space with the habit. That way, you don’t have to rely on motivation. The space itself reminds you to show up.
3. Make it yours
This is the part where you romanticize it. It doesn’t have to be anything big, but it should feel special and personal to you. Small details like that turn journaling from a task into a routine, something you actually look forward to.
4. Be consistent, not perfect
Starting a new habit is hard, and you’ll sometimes face resistance. And that’s completely okay. The goal is to keep showing up, no matter how small the effort. It’s okay if you skip a day, life happens. But never skip two days in a row because skipping one day is a mistake, but skipping two days is the start of a new habit.
Journaling doesn’t have to be complicated or perfect. It’s about creating a simple habit that works for you – choosing your journal, setting a time and place, making it special, and showing up consistently.
Remember, it’s not about writing a novel or having deep insights every day. It’s about giving yourself space to reflect, grow, and understand your own story.
So don’t overthink it. Start small. Pick up a pen, open your notes app, or hit record on your voice memo. Find your spot. And just start. Because every habit begins with that first step and your journey to clarity and growth can start today.
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I hope this brought you some clarity and inspiration. Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you in the next edition. Until then, keep growing and showing up for yourself.