12 Journaling Tips For Beginners
My daughter was four when she started dancing. What started out as a tiny tot in a tutu quickly turned into jazz hands and a feel-good beat and competitions by age five. I had never done anything like this, and I did not know how to help her practice basic techniques, how to have a stage presence or any of the other things I didn’t even know I didn’t know.
One day, while crammed into the dance hall entryway at the end of the dance class, I bravely stated that I wasn’t sure how to help Kendra prepare for a dance competition.
“Oh, I will tell you the biggest tip that was ever told to me,” the dance instructor confidently announced.
My mom heart skipped a beat in relief to know we would get some expert insider advice.
“Listen to the song.”
I waited.
There must be more coming.
In response to the blank stare on my face, she added,
“Over and Over. Everyday.”
Listen to the song, on repeat.
REPETITION? Was that the secret sauce?
I mean, I guess it made sense to absorb the music, not just for the twice-a-week class but daily.
But it seemed too SIMPLE.
Getting into the truck after class, we played the song. That became the plan.
Repetition; To let the beat become a part of her day and the vibe soak into her movements. Over and over.
Journaling works best when you have a plan to bring it into your daily life.
Here are 12 tips to help you become a journaling pro in your everyday life.
Journaling at the same time every day can create a repetition of your new habit.
A reminder on your phone, a post-it note by your coffee pot, or placing your journal on your bedside stand can be your prompt to journal at your selected time. It is essential to know that it isn't written in stone. If you cannot do it at the alert time, take a moment to think and select a new time later in the day.
It is best to have a place set aside for journaling.
A place where you can be alone with your thoughts is ideal. You may need to think about this and plan a time and location that will allow you to be in a separate room, quiet corner or have the house to yourself for a short time.
Journaling is a habit you build.
Screenwriter Shonda Rhimes says there is no such thing as writer's block if you keep writing. This tip involves writing on days you don’t want to. Make a note as to why you don’t want to journal and see if it is something you can fix. Is it the time of day? A pattern of behaviour? You can change your journaling theme and write about why you didn’t want to journal. There are no rules in building consistency, except pen to paper.
Get a Journaling Partner.
Sometimes life is so hectic that you just feel there are only 20 hours in a day. Journaling with a partner will motivate you. There is no need to share what you are writing; just use each other to get a boost of creativity and accountability.
Set the tone for journaling.
You choose the intention for your journal such as a greater self-awareness, gratitude, or a loving kindness relationship with yourself. What is the environment that would support that? Would it be beneficial to choose a relaxing music playlist, an essential oil to diffuse or a relaxing tea you can consistently enjoy while journaling? Layering activities will activate additional reminders to incorporate journaling as a habit.
Have a list of journaling prompts on standby.
Staring at a blank page is not everyone’s kickstart to creative thinking, so I created the Force of Happiness Journal - Mindfulness Edition. A journal that has prompts with the beginner in mind, to calm a busy mind or relax a tired mind. For example, here is a prompt you can start with, “When was the last time you were happy.”
Journaling is freedom.
This means that there are no rules, processes or procedures, instead journal with an open mind. Some days, you may have specific things to write in your journal, but leave your mind open to let it download feelings that have been hanging around and not yet expressed. Putting words onto paper is a very freeing experience.
Keep your goal small and achievable.
Instead of saying I will journal 7 days a week in the morning for an hour, state that you will journal 2 to 3 minutes daily. Journaling is a habit, and you need to build trust yourself. Set a small goal that you can achieve with practice and consistency.
Place your journal where it is easily accessible.
Many people leave the journal by their bedside. Or where you sit for morning coffee. Choose the best spot for you, and remember the time of day and where you journal is up to you.
Enjoy journaling.
When you surround yourself with others doing the same type of activity, it is easier for you to learn it. Do you know others on the journaling journey? The Force of Happiness Journal - Mindfulness Edition has a group of people on the exact same process as you. Join us or choose the way you can enjoy the process.
You do you.
Do a journal in your own style. Avoid thinking you need to do what someone else is doing. Just because your friend writes long paragraphs, that may not be your thing. One day, you might write a list of words. Another day, it might be bullet points. Or long, flowery sentences. Your journal is personal, and how you use it is up to you.
Remember your why every day.
Why are you journaling? What do you hope to achieve? Do you want to be more organized, and creative, or resolve some internal feelings that have bothered you? Write out your why on the journal cover or inside page.
Journaling is meant to be enjoyable. It might not start out as fun as jazz hands and an uptempo beat, but let it sink in, become part of your day, and let your mind wander, letting new thoughts in.
Then repeat. Over and over.
Much love,
Leanne
