How to Commit to a New Journal

Journaling can be fun and stress relieving as it helps us keep track of our thoughts and goals. The experience is even better when we can customize the pages to our liking with a stash of stationery supplies on either a pre-designed planner or blank journal.

However, committing to a journal can be hard to maintain.

Let’s be honest. We all have stopped halfway through a notebook or planner because we have lost the incentive to continue. Instead of using up the leftover pages, we either put the notebook aside to take a break or buy a new journal to get a fresh start. There are tons of possibilities as to why we quit. Perhaps we decide that it is too time-consuming or maybe we dislike how the pages look.

Next time you buy a new notebook, consider these three tips to help you stay on track.

1. Go at your own pace

Oftentimes we start a hobby or routine under the influence of others in hopes of achieving the same outcome as them. The problem here is that we end up comparing ourselves when we don’t see the same results.

Know your incentive and commit to it from start to finish. Most importantly, set your own pace and learn when to take breaks.

2. Set the aesthetics aside

When turning to a new page, we think about how the content should be displayed.

People tend to focus too much on the layout of their journals. They put more effort into designing the pages than putting their thoughts onto paper. While the artistic spread might look aesthetically pleasing, this is the main reason why people lose motivation. The page’s appearance should be less of a priority.

Instead, stick to a simple layout for the entire notebook. The less detailed the layout, the more you will get done. Adding lots of colors and designs may distract you from the original purpose of journaling.

3. Relax and let your thoughts flow

Journaling is a practice of mindfulness. You are the author of your own book. No one is going to nit-pick at your thoughts.

Don’t stress when you feel stuck about what to write about! Feel free to browse through the internet for journal prompts or jot down anything that comes to mind. It is totally okay to not fill up the entire page or leave a page blank.

Whatever the reason may be to discontinue journaling, don’t feel guilty! It’s fine to make memories in the present and find other ways to cope with your emotions.

Thanks for reading!

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