6 Ways to Start Journalling This Year

Did you receive a new diary for Christmas this year but have never kept one before?

Is one of your New Year’s resolutions to begin writing in a journal and you’re unsure how to start?

If you answered yes to either of these questions – or are just looking for renewed journalling inspiration – then you’ve come to the right place!

Journalling is meant to be a cathartic writing experience that allows you to let out your innermost thoughts, desires and creativity. But sometimes staring at a blank page can be overwhelming and nothing comes to mind. That’s perfectly natural! Journalling, like any hobby, can take practice until you find the style that best suits you.

Here are six tips to help you put pen to paper, and never look back.

1) Make a Time Commitment

Even if it’s just fifteen minutes a day, set aside a specific time to pause and reflect. You don’t even have to write anything down! Carving out a quiet moment for yourself is the first step to letting your inner voice speak out.

2) Choose a Writing Implement

The experience of writing with a pencil can be vastly different than a fountain pen, and the writing implement you choose plays an important role in the journalling experience. Think about whether you want to have the ability to erase a word, make it more permanent or even decorate your entries so that you can be sure you choose the right tool (or tools) for the job.

3) Start With Today

Tackle the first page with filling in the blank: “Today was a _____ day.” Just write whatever comes to mind first, and then spend some time unpacking why you answered the way you did. After a few days of this, you’ll be journalling up a storm!

4) Don’t Worry about Spelling

The best part of journal writing is that you don’t have to worry about anyone reading and judging it. So check your self-consciousness at the door and open yourself up to freely explore without worrying about spelling, grammar or how neat your writing is.

5) Ask “Why?”

Once you’ve started to get into the habit of writing, ask yourself why writing in a journal is important to you. Discovering what’s driving you will help give you a theme to write on and make you more aware of what you hope to get out of the experience. Whether you want to get at the root of a nightmare, become more organised or simply find a new means of self-expression, choosing a focus will help you tailor your habits and focus to achieving that goal.

6) Give It a Chance

Nobody develops a new habit or hobby overnight. If journalling feels awkward at first, that’s okay! Just give it enough time to feel like a regular part of your day before you decide whether or not you’re getting anything out of it. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t feel like a “natural” journal-keeper right away – that’s part of the self-consciousness that journalling will help you move away from.

How did you get into journalling?

About Paperblanks: 25 years ago, we created Paperblanks to help keep book heritage alive and vital in our modern age, and to offer an inspiring space for people to express themselves. Thanks for joining us on this journey! For more about Paperblanks, go to our website at paperblanks.com.