How to Start a Journal: A Simple Guide for Beginners
Starting a journal is easier than it sounds, and harder than it should be. The blank page makes people freeze. The trick is to make the first step so small that you cannot fail. Here is a simple guide to starting a journal that you will actually keep up.
Step 1: pick a notebook you like
Choose something that lies flat and feels pleasant to open. Our Beauty in Becoming hardcover journal has 150 lined pages (75 sheets), a sewn casewrap binding that lies flat and a matte laminated cover. Perforated sheets let you tear out a page you want to share or throw away without messy edges.
Step 2: choose a tiny routine
- Pick a time that already exists in your day, such as morning coffee or before bed.
- Start with three lines, not three pages.
- Keep the notebook and a pen where you will see them.
Step 3: use easy prompts
- What is one thing I want to remember about today?
- What am I looking forward to this week?
- What is taking up space in my head right now?
- What is one small thing that went well?
- What would I like to do differently tomorrow?
Different ways to journal
| Style | What it is | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Free writing | Write whatever comes to mind for a few minutes | Clearing your head |
| Gratitude list | List three good things from the day | A quick, positive habit |
| Bullet journal | Short lists and dated notes | Planners and list-makers |
| Prompts | Answer one question a day | People who freeze at a blank page |
What if you miss a day?
Skip the guilt and pick up where you left off. A journal is not a streak to protect. Even a few lines a week add up to a record you will enjoy re-reading.
Make it yours
Add a sticker to the cover, such as the Create Your Own Sunshine sticker, which is made for journal covers and laptops. Keep a favorite pen with it, and a cup of tea nearby to make the habit feel like a small ritual. Our gifts for journal lovers has more ideas.
A gentle note
Journaling can be a helpful way to think things through, but it is not a substitute for professional support. If you are struggling, consider talking to someone you trust or a professional.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I journal each day?
Start with two or three minutes. You can always write more when you feel like it.
What should I write about?
Anything. Small details from the day are a good starting point.
Lined or blank notebook?
Lined pages suit lists and daily notes. Blank pages suit sketching. Our journal has 150 lined pages.
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