I'm addicted to journaling, have been doing it most of my life...I'm 59 years old. I can't put my journal down throughout the day. I start with a morning pages, and I do gratitude, story telling, daily log, doodles, drawing and art. I am in tune with myself, it reminds me of my why, vision and to be kind. At the end of the day the only thing that matters are people...Family and Friends💜
Finally got my journaling time down 4 days a week! All because I put a desk in my kitchen, every morning first thing I do is make coffee, sit journal and scripture study. I think this was James Clears idea, that if you can figure out what will trigger you you’ll have it tackled. Still working on the workout schedule,Ugg ,but feel it coming! Thanks
Ive been journaling for about 5 years just doing daily log, Im now going to add the Highlight and Gratitude, thank you for this video its very interesting and helpful.
I've been journaling for.. almost 2 years now, and your tips and journals helped me so much, like for trying new things and organize my ideas, thank you very much
I did this when I was working taking notes off everything I bought for my work on expenses and evry job I had done when I was working around Scotland taking notes has saved me losing holidays when my employer thought I was on holiday but was at work when my employer inquired what I bought for doing jobs I could look back and explain what I bought and why it's also nice to look back in some of the wonderful places I have worked in
Daily practice does strengthen whatever is practiced! Articulating your thoughts helps make you more articulate, and clearer about your thoughts and perspective. Art practice helps the non-verbal side of your brain express itself. Gratitudes bring awareness of joy, and help relieve sourness or depression. Writing prompts develop creativity and ability to connect ideas. Logs or highlights document our lives for later review, including perspective on what was important to us at the time. Brain dump teaches us to unclench our grip on our fear or responsibilities so that we can relax the constant vigilance against forgetting. A good journal is one that is used for whatever is needed at the time, freely flowing between all the ways it can be used (including many not mentioned here). A journal is a tool, not a master. A newbie to journalling should feel free to explore many different layouts and ideas for usage, and never worry that their journal won't look pretty enough or be tidy. I recommend a first journal should be something you don't mind destroying, so you can get fearlessly messy with it and not feel intimidated because it's "too nice" for your bad handwriting, bad art, bad life, or bad ideas. Rip a page out and blow your nose on it if you must, just to break the fear of over-respecting the book. But use it daily and let it be the soil that grows your mental clarity and health.
I’ve had a small “Field Notes” notebook in my pocket for over 40 years, but only the past couple years as a daily notebook, using it as a simple BuJo. Also, in my 3rd year of writing “morning pages” 3 pages a day in an A5 journal 📓 book after years of trying on & off without success, until I changed the rules a bit. In order to keep going on the “write 3 pages every day” I allowed myself an occasional lapse of skipping a day or 2. Because every skipped day gave me 3 surplus pages available for the occasional day I felt like writing more than 3 pages so it was ok to write 4 or 5 or even 6 pages.
You deserve more recognition Matt, I've been journaling on and off since I was 16 or 17 years old I am 28 now and in my experience, the power of pen and paper combined with our thoughts and consistency with using it can do remarkable things for us. Recently I was thinking a lot about how I should use a journal and what for to be precise and I was stuck with this constant pressure I was putting myself in by all those meaningless thoughts and fear. Although consistency is what I need the most; journaling has always been a part of my life and I won't be able to function without one. After watching your video I finally know what I want to do with my journaling technique and I will use highlight, daily log, and gratitude all in one journal. I also like the idea of a commonplace book so that's also going into the same. lots of love from India.
I really love the 1 setence highlight for the day. Sometimes it is a struggle to celebrate even the little of wins, and I think this would help that. Also the end of day Captain's log, sometimes at the end of the day I have my whole day replaying over and over again. This would be a good way to process the day. Thanks for the ideas!
I have been doing the morning Pages (at night though to write about my day) after only 4 days of doing this I can already feel better, not as stressed and so much more mental clarity. I was skeptical at first that just writing on a piece of paper would help but it does for sure!
Thanks Matt for these 5 suggested ways to journal. I have been all over the place starting journals and then starting a new BUJO before the other is even underway. Your talk is helpful. I already use the Hobonichi 5-year notebook for something similar to the 'Captain's Log'. But there is limited space each day by the format in the notebook. I have started what a pastor has called 'A Blessing Journal' which is dedicated to the gratitude writing only and nothing negative. For my other 'regular' journal, I think the One Line-A-Day will be where I start. Appreciate your suggestions.
Thanks for the reminder to keep it simple. I have really paired back my journal. I am now starting to put back my reflections pages now that I can see what helped and what didnt.
Super helpful video. When I paused at one point, I noticed some ministry goals/prayers. I'd love to see a video on how your walk with God has been affected by journalling! thanks again!
Daily Log is what I call a Diary. I'm putting my daily ToDo list in the morning, and Log what happens to it as the day goes on. Usually I fail miserably, but sometimes I was wildly successful, and into the Gratitude Log it goes! I don't do stream of consciousness as Morning Pages, but as Reflections at the end of the day. Unfortunately, doing it in the mornings caused me to remember my dreams in vivid details and somehow that caused me to lose touch with reality! But the idea is sound, and maybe I can pick it up again as a relaxing method to go to sleep. Thank you for reminding me of the joy of streaming my consciousness.
Amazing video! I've seen your content for many years and always find inspiration. I truly hope you the best in finding what works for you in content creation. We've seen so many creators come and go. I hope you can continue to share valuable videos with us.
loved the fact you brought up an HP scene in your videos. always a pleasure to learn from your videos! Thank you for inspiring me to bring out my journal - i know i've been overthinking and have a lot of clutter in my mind right now which is why i'm hesitating to start journalling for some reason
Thank you for an easy to follow video. I have a journal-type of a book I write in everyday, both morning and evening ( to sum up the day) but sometimes also throughout the day. Sometimes just one sentence and sometimes a half page. I love to fill the pages with words about my day, sometimes highlighting words if something really special happened. I also love the look of the created pages, the colours, the stickers, the washitapes. I love a quick glance through the pages. Although it feels I usually fill the pages with nonsense I love the feeling they make together. Right now I have mixed feelings because the book I have now is almost to an end and I will miss it. But I also looking forward to the new one I have waiting.. happy greetings from Sweden. Wish you a great holiday coming up.
Thank you for this video! I have 2 notebooks. I want to do the morning pages in a bigger one and the gratitude (in the evening) using a smaller one. I used to write in the Day One app, but for some reason, I don't feel too attached to digital writing. I guess I'll be printscreening pages and saving them.
@MattRagland Yes, I like the idea of writing a one-liner highlight of the day. My grandfather taught me to do one at least one thing that makes you happy each day, even if it's a little thing!😉
The Artists Way!, im on week 5, of it, but I do love the Morning pages. Its the first thing I do before even getting out of bed. The Book is a lot, but its a great practice. Currently reading the Creative Act, next to it which has been a really enjoyable read so far. Love this Video. I bullet journal as well, but going into 2025, since i lost my job, its been a bit empty but I started just recording my days kind of like a captains log. So itll still keep me motivated doing that, which I really enjoy the Bullet Journal method.
Thanks so much! Sorry to hear about the job, but I’m glad you’re still keeping in the daily log. You’ll look back on it and remember how strong you are 💪🏻
@@MattRagland yea things happen things change, can't fight change.. Just bummer the time of the year, but high hopes going into next year. Always like starting anew, just getting the opportunity is tought these days.
OMG, yes, Pensieve. That's how I see and what I call my other journal notebook, too. The idea is after Dumbledore's Pensieve which is a basin where he stores and reviews his memories.
Hello people! I love that we're together in this. I want to ask can you combine for example morning pages with daily log? I'm hardly capable of writing early in the morning ( not a morning person) so can I write this in the evening just how my day was and what were my intentions in the morning.
I am going to start January 1 with what I will call A Day Book, using a smallish size journal I was given. It will be a bullet journal for each day, starting with a Bible verse. Then for each dayI will do a daily log, a high Ishtar entry and a gratitude entry. Hope I can keep it going.
Last year I spent like two or three months journaling daily and I still think of that time of the year as a time full of success, organization and peace. I would write my feelings, what I had read that day, ideas, reflections, songs I was listening to, etc. i really should go back journaling every day. Anyone knows where I can buy pocket A7 notebooks like the ones shown in the video?
Matt - I just stumbled across your channel and am really enjoying it. In terms of "Pivot", I really want to become much more intentional and Reflective in 2025. With this particular video, I do have a question. What are your thoughts about combining (or separating) the journals from the BuJo notebook. Do you tend to recommend a separate notebook for each journal type?, or just intermingle them within the BuJo pages? I could see having a Highlight (or Gratitude) Page as part of the monthly spread ... but the longer form journal techniques, I'm wondering if they are better suited as standalone books. Looks like you might be using Field notes for some of those. Just curious about your thoughts as I try to start this journey
How do you get around the need to 'categorize' every journal? I've tried so many times and end up with 5 journals that I never use because I get frustrated with picking a system for each one.
Hey matt, thanks. I am 54, and have journaled every day of my life since the last day of 6th grade. I took 2 one year breaks for mental health reasons. WHen I was young, it was 3 subject college ruled spiral notebooks. Now it is moleskine. With the occasional never okay deviation. When I pass, my journals are willed to a life long friend. You should consider where yours will go, not to be morbid. My question is this, I am interest in expanding to the daily bits. Do you put them in a separate notebook? I have a field notes pocket as my every day catch all. Never leaves my pocket. And a Luecherteriem (whatever) as a modified bullet thing, but that sort of stays in the bag or at home. Then I have my journal journal, and that now stays at home. How do you do the daily bits?
@@MattRagland So, here is the thing. I sort of took a little of that Elsa of Elsa Rhae and Barron thing, mixed in some bullet journal. But, I do not think I can get it all combined into one. So, my goal would be to have my journal journal (the internal feelings stuff), and then the Luechtereremem (whatever) as the sort of end of day thing. But, I do not know how to get the captains log into that model. I think maybe I am limiting myself by thinking the captains log needs to be a whole page. I want LESS notebooks, collecting more of my history and life. This is why I asked about the notebooks. Is the captains log a single notebook?
Was really invested and interested to watch this then the ai imagery at 02:26 changed my mind on being able to consume your content ethically and mindfully. You do you but just wanted to feed back.
I try to journal but it just doesn’t seem to do anything for me. I don’t see where my daily events just need to be written down. Nothing is really that important.
Pensieve: It's pronounced "pen-siv". It's a pun based on pensive "to be thoughtful" but using "sieve", that is, "to sift". Thank you for your ideas. I like the idea of journalling and really want to make it work for me.
I'm addicted to journaling, have been doing it most of my life...I'm 59 years old. I can't put my journal down throughout the day. I start with a morning pages, and I do gratitude, story telling, daily log, doodles, drawing and art. I am in tune with myself, it reminds me of my why, vision and to be kind. At the end of the day the only thing that matters are people...Family and Friends💜
It's great you've incorporated so many different types of journaling to make it your own!
I can’t do it 😢
Why is your picture on your profile a monkey
Finally got my journaling time down 4 days a week! All because I put a desk in my kitchen, every morning first thing I do is make coffee, sit journal and scripture study. I think this was James Clears idea, that if you can figure out what will trigger you you’ll have it tackled. Still working on the workout schedule,Ugg ,but feel it coming! Thanks
I’m tried journaling off and on for the last 5 years or so. The advice you gave is giving me hope that I’ll finally keep up with it.
You got this!
I got into Journaling of spring of last year...and at the tail end of 2024 I REALLY got into it, and this video REALLY helps me
Thank you for these techniques. Really trying to journal consistently and it’s been a challenge.
Ive been journaling for about 5 years just doing daily log, Im now going to add the Highlight and Gratitude, thank you for this video its very interesting and helpful.
I've been journaling for.. almost 2 years now, and your tips and journals helped me so much, like for trying new things and organize my ideas, thank you very much
I love to hear that! I’m so glad I could help.
I did this when I was working taking notes off everything I bought for my work on expenses and evry job I had done when I was working around Scotland taking notes has saved me losing holidays when my employer thought I was on holiday but was at work when my employer inquired what I bought for doing jobs I could look back and explain what I bought and why it's also nice to look back in some of the wonderful places I have worked in
Daily practice does strengthen whatever is practiced! Articulating your thoughts helps make you more articulate, and clearer about your thoughts and perspective. Art practice helps the non-verbal side of your brain express itself. Gratitudes bring awareness of joy, and help relieve sourness or depression. Writing prompts develop creativity and ability to connect ideas. Logs or highlights document our lives for later review, including perspective on what was important to us at the time. Brain dump teaches us to unclench our grip on our fear or responsibilities so that we can relax the constant vigilance against forgetting.
A good journal is one that is used for whatever is needed at the time, freely flowing between all the ways it can be used (including many not mentioned here). A journal is a tool, not a master. A newbie to journalling should feel free to explore many different layouts and ideas for usage, and never worry that their journal won't look pretty enough or be tidy. I recommend a first journal should be something you don't mind destroying, so you can get fearlessly messy with it and not feel intimidated because it's "too nice" for your bad handwriting, bad art, bad life, or bad ideas. Rip a page out and blow your nose on it if you must, just to break the fear of over-respecting the book. But use it daily and let it be the soil that grows your mental clarity and health.
It sounds like you have a lot of experience with journaling. Love your perspective on how it can benefit our lives!
I’ve had a small “Field Notes” notebook in my pocket for over 40 years, but only the past couple years as a daily notebook, using it as a simple BuJo. Also, in my 3rd year of writing “morning pages” 3 pages a day in an A5 journal 📓 book after years of trying on & off without success, until I changed the rules a bit. In order to keep going on the “write 3 pages every day” I allowed myself an occasional lapse of skipping a day or 2. Because every skipped day gave me 3 surplus pages available for the occasional day I felt like writing more than 3 pages so it was ok to write 4 or 5 or even 6 pages.
I appreciate the clear presentation of this video, and how you show examples!
Glad it was easy to follow!
You deserve more recognition Matt, I've been journaling on and off since I was 16 or 17 years old I am 28 now and in my experience, the power of pen and paper combined with our thoughts and consistency with using it can do remarkable things for us. Recently I was thinking a lot about how I should use a journal and what for to be precise and I was stuck with this constant pressure I was putting myself in by all those meaningless thoughts and fear. Although consistency is what I need the most; journaling has always been a part of my life and I won't be able to function without one. After watching your video I finally know what I want to do with my journaling technique and I will use highlight, daily log, and gratitude all in one journal. I also like the idea of a commonplace book so that's also going into the same. lots of love from India.
I really love the 1 setence highlight for the day. Sometimes it is a struggle to celebrate even the little of wins, and I think this would help that. Also the end of day Captain's log, sometimes at the end of the day I have my whole day replaying over and over again. This would be a good way to process the day. Thanks for the ideas!
Thank you, Josh Brolin!
My new stress is " how to journaling"
One line or morning pages the best for that imo
I have been doing the morning Pages (at night though to write about my day) after only 4 days of doing this I can already feel better, not as stressed and so much more mental clarity. I was skeptical at first that just writing on a piece of paper would help but it does for sure!
That’s awesome to hear! Keep it up!
I have done morning pages before and have felt the same. It’s a noticeable difference.
Making the time for them is difficult tho
I find "evening pages" really helpful for sleep. You go to bed with less junk floating in your mind and you can shut off faster
Thanks Matt for these 5 suggested ways to journal. I have been all over the place starting journals and then starting a new BUJO before the other is even underway. Your talk is helpful. I already use the Hobonichi 5-year notebook for something similar to the 'Captain's Log'. But there is limited space each day by the format in the notebook. I have started what a pastor has called 'A Blessing Journal' which is dedicated to the gratitude writing only and nothing negative. For my other 'regular' journal, I think the One Line-A-Day will be where I start. Appreciate your suggestions.
Thanks for the reminder to keep it simple. I have really paired back my journal. I am now starting to put back my reflections pages now that I can see what helped and what didnt.
That's awesome to hear that you've found what works for you. Keep it up!
I have referred to my freeform journal as a pensieve for years. 😊 Love the connection!
And I believe it's pronounced pen-SEEV in US English. 😎
Ah thanks so much for the pronunciation!
Super helpful video. When I paused at one point, I noticed some ministry goals/prayers. I'd love to see a video on how your walk with God has been affected by journalling! thanks again!
Daily Log is what I call a Diary. I'm putting my daily ToDo list in the morning, and Log what happens to it as the day goes on. Usually I fail miserably, but sometimes I was wildly successful, and into the Gratitude Log it goes!
I don't do stream of consciousness as Morning Pages, but as Reflections at the end of the day. Unfortunately, doing it in the mornings caused me to remember my dreams in vivid details and somehow that caused me to lose touch with reality! But the idea is sound, and maybe I can pick it up again as a relaxing method to go to sleep. Thank you for reminding me of the joy of streaming my consciousness.
I like how you've adapted the methods to fit your own needs!
Amazing video! I've seen your content for many years and always find inspiration. I truly hope you the best in finding what works for you in content creation. We've seen so many creators come and go. I hope you can continue to share valuable videos with us.
Appreciate that! I'm always trying to create content that's helpful for people.
loved the fact you brought up an HP scene in your videos. always a pleasure to learn from your videos!
Thank you for inspiring me to bring out my journal - i know i've been overthinking and have a lot of clutter in my mind right now which is why i'm hesitating to start journalling for some reason
I'm glad you liked the Harry Potter reference! Deep cut in the video!
Thank you for an easy to follow video. I have a journal-type of a book I write in everyday, both morning and evening ( to sum up the day) but sometimes also throughout the day. Sometimes just one sentence and sometimes a half page. I love to fill the pages with words about my day, sometimes highlighting words if something really special happened. I also love the look of the created pages, the colours, the stickers, the washitapes. I love a quick glance through the pages. Although it feels I usually fill the pages with nonsense I love the feeling they make together. Right now I have mixed feelings because the book I have now is almost to an end and I will miss it. But I also looking forward to the new one I have waiting..
happy greetings from Sweden. Wish you a great holiday coming up.
Wonderful! Glad it was so helpful but obviously you’re doing great 👏🏻
❤ Illustrated journaling
감사일기를 쓰고 싶어졌어요😊 훌륭한 인사이트 감사합니다
New sub. Keen to get the daily journalling prompts. I've been journalling since 2009, however in 2025 gonna mix it up with your suggestions. 🤓
Thank you for this video! I have 2 notebooks. I want to do the morning pages in a bigger one and the gratitude (in the evening) using a smaller one. I used to write in the Day One app, but for some reason, I don't feel too attached to digital writing. I guess I'll be printscreening pages and saving them.
I love that you’re sticking to paper!
Nice video, thanks for sharing the methods and your insights!
I already journal, but found some helpful tips by watching, thanks!
Glad you found some new inspiration!
@MattRagland Yes, I like the idea of writing a one-liner highlight of the day. My grandfather taught me to do one at least one thing that makes you happy each day, even if it's a little thing!😉
I really enjoyed this video…. Practical and helpful tips … THANK YOU!
Awesome video. Just starting on my journaling journey. This was definitely helpful.
I'm glad to hear that, I hope you see some benefits from it!
The Artists Way!, im on week 5, of it, but I do love the Morning pages. Its the first thing I do before even getting out of bed. The Book is a lot, but its a great practice. Currently reading the Creative Act, next to it which has been a really enjoyable read so far. Love this Video. I bullet journal as well, but going into 2025, since i lost my job, its been a bit empty but I started just recording my days kind of like a captains log. So itll still keep me motivated doing that, which I really enjoy the Bullet Journal method.
Thanks so much! Sorry to hear about the job, but I’m glad you’re still keeping in the daily log. You’ll look back on it and remember how strong you are 💪🏻
@@MattRagland yea things happen things change, can't fight change.. Just bummer the time of the year, but high hopes going into next year. Always like starting anew, just getting the opportunity is tought these days.
OMG, yes, Pensieve. That's how I see and what I call my other journal notebook, too. The idea is after Dumbledore's Pensieve which is a basin where he stores and reviews his memories.
Thank you 🇧🇷
Hello people! I love that we're together in this. I want to ask can you combine for example morning pages with daily log? I'm hardly capable of writing early in the morning ( not a morning person) so can I write this in the evening just how my day was and what were my intentions in the morning.
I am going to start January 1 with what I will call A Day Book, using a smallish size journal I was given. It will be a bullet journal for each day, starting with a Bible verse. Then for each dayI will do a daily log, a high
Ishtar entry and a gratitude entry. Hope I can keep it going.
I love the idea of starting with a Bible verse!
Thank you!
You're welcome!
Last year I spent like two or three months journaling daily and I still think of that time of the year as a time full of success, organization and peace. I would write my feelings, what I had read that day, ideas, reflections, songs I was listening to, etc. i really should go back journaling every day. Anyone knows where I can buy pocket A7 notebooks like the ones shown in the video?
So clear and precise, thanks for an awesome video
I'm glad it was easy to follow!
Love the video
Thanks for watching!
Amazing! Love this! Can I ask what size your Yosemite sticker journal was?
Matt - I just stumbled across your channel and am really enjoying it. In terms of "Pivot", I really want to become much more intentional and Reflective in 2025. With this particular video, I do have a question. What are your thoughts about combining (or separating) the journals from the BuJo notebook. Do you tend to recommend a separate notebook for each journal type?, or just intermingle them within the BuJo pages? I could see having a Highlight (or Gratitude) Page as part of the monthly spread ... but the longer form journal techniques, I'm wondering if they are better suited as standalone books. Looks like you might be using Field notes for some of those. Just curious about your thoughts as I try to start this journey
How do you get around the need to 'categorize' every journal? I've tried so many times and end up with 5 journals that I never use because I get frustrated with picking a system for each one.
Is the idea that you pick one of the 5 to go with, or do you recommend doing all 5?
Hey matt can we still get your stickers at all, I for you get your head out of your apps a few years ago but would like to order some more
Hey matt, thanks. I am 54, and have journaled every day of my life since the last day of 6th grade. I took 2 one year breaks for mental health reasons. WHen I was young, it was 3 subject college ruled spiral notebooks. Now it is moleskine. With the occasional never okay deviation. When I pass, my journals are willed to a life long friend. You should consider where yours will go, not to be morbid. My question is this, I am interest in expanding to the daily bits. Do you put them in a separate notebook? I have a field notes pocket as my every day catch all. Never leaves my pocket. And a Luecherteriem (whatever) as a modified bullet thing, but that sort of stays in the bag or at home. Then I have my journal journal, and that now stays at home. How do you do the daily bits?
It sounds like you have a great system going!
@@MattRagland So, here is the thing. I sort of took a little of that Elsa of Elsa Rhae and Barron thing, mixed in some bullet journal. But, I do not think I can get it all combined into one. So, my goal would be to have my journal journal (the internal feelings stuff), and then the Luechtereremem (whatever) as the sort of end of day thing. But, I do not know how to get the captains log into that model. I think maybe I am limiting myself by thinking the captains log needs to be a whole page. I want LESS notebooks, collecting more of my history and life. This is why I asked about the notebooks. Is the captains log a single notebook?
Hola 👋 podrías poner subtitulos en español? Gracias
FEAR IS THE MIND KILLER
ONLY I WILL REMAIN
Was watching and then I caught your last name. 😊
Wow fun!
Great video. Thank you
You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed it!
Was really invested and interested to watch this then the ai imagery at 02:26 changed my mind on being able to consume your content ethically and mindfully. You do you but just wanted to feed back.
If I understand correctly you keep 5 different journals at a time ?
No, I usually do the daily log and highlight is all.
Excellent, thank you
You are welcome!
I think Morning Notes from the Artist Way.
Let me know how it goes!
@MattRagland Thank you sir, will do. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
You look like Travis Head
Had never heard of him but I can see the resemblence!
I try to journal but it just doesn’t seem to do anything for me. I don’t see where my daily events just need to be written down. Nothing is really that important.
You should put your RUclips comments in you journal. 😅
Keeping a journal sounds great but if one does nothing and goes nowhere it’d be a blank book for me 😢
You could still try gratitude journalling
Travis head
I am doing the daily log in 2025
Prompt journaling sounds like homework.
3 days wages on FROYO!? 😲😱
*Bratan*, now is the time!
What is wrong with the speed 0.9 … right?!
Jim Carrey? Is that you?
Pensieve: It's pronounced "pen-siv". It's a pun based on pensive "to be thoughtful" but using "sieve", that is, "to sift".
Thank you for your ideas. I like the idea of journalling and really want to make it work for me.