How to Journal Every Day for Increased Productivity, Clarity, and Mental Health
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- Опубликовано: 5 окт 2024
- Start your journaling habit in just a line a day! I'll send you daily email prompts here: dailyjournal.c... - great for Matt D'Avella's journal challenge too!
Want more help starting and sticking with a daily journal habit? Watch my free webinar here and get a special discount for my - matt.ck.page/j...
I've been thinking about journaling a lot this year, and not just because of the bullet journal method. Instead this is about more "traditional" journaling and logging ideas and notes from your day. I want to show you how I'm using a pocket size notebook to do this instead of the bigger bullet journal size that I'm using for organizing everything else in my life and work.
Journaling or keeping "morning pages" has been a key part of my personal development and mental health. I wanted to share how I was doing that each day.
There are 4 main points that I want to emphasize on how to journal every day.
1. Make it easy for you. Even one "word of the day" is fine to start with!
2. Use pictures and icons to make it more visual. Think stick figures!
3. Write down all of your ideas, notes, questions. It's not a letter.
4. Backfilling days is ok, even if it's just one moment from the day.
People get really stuck on journaling because it feels like you're supposed to have this amazing collection of thoughts and ideas that future generations are going to obsess over. That's probably not going to happen, so it's best not to worry about it!
First and foremost, a journal is for you and no one else. For me it's been a place to put my notes, ideas, celebrations, fears, frustrations, and much more. The fears and frustrations are why you'll actually see sticky notes throughout the journal! Practicing this daily has been a real source of improving my mental health by literally getting a thought out of my head and on the page.
I hope you enjoy this video, it's a little different than my previous bullet journal episodes so I'd love to hear what you think in the comments!
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My name is Matt Ragland and I make videos about using a minimalist bullet journal to focus on what matters most to you. I’ll show you how to use concepts like 10 Blocks, Time Tracking Grids, and Project Timelines to quickly see what needs to be done and when.
You can look for these videos every week, so please hit subscribe to stay in the loop for each new show!
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Download all of my Bullet Journal productivity resources, including the 10 Block Method, Time Tracking Grids, and Monthly Plan at bulletjournalgu.... You'll also be able to enter the 5 Day Time Track Challenge to see where your time is spent each day.
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I think we worry way too much about how people think of us and how our notebooks look. The only thing we should be worried about is our organization and productivity.
Totally agree Jessie :)
the ppl we try to impress aren't doing as well as us.
"We spend too much time worrying about what people would think about us. We would be surprised how seldom they do." Dr. Phil McGraw
I think your picture is adorable. Don’t worry about what I think though,
My opinion is irrelevant
💯
There's a book called Hidden Time Wealth, and it talks about how using some secret techniques, you can overcome procrastination and accomplish anything in life. It's not just a bunch of empty promises; it's the real deal.
1. Make it easy (one line on a day is a good way to start)
2. Use icons/pictures
3. Write about anything, use it for anything you want
4. Back-filling
Gracias ❤
Mi inglés básico apenas me ayuda a entender.
@@hinakulucis1461 your welcome :D
Thanks for emphasizing that you can put whatever you want in your journal! So many people make it seem like it has to be super structured. Just having all my random thoughts, to-do lists, poems, drawings, and feelings in one place is helpful for me. Its stresses me out trying to keep multiple notebooks for specific things.
Well said!
I’m constantly amazed at how people should all over themselves with their journals. A journal is for yourself, it’s not performative, it’s not competitive, it’s entirely personal. People seem to confuse helpful sharing of ideas with reified systems that must be followed. Why do we tie ourselves up in such knots?
I agree! Thanks for sharing :)
Lol
Love your comment! It applies to so much more than journaling :)
Definitely true!
Imo, I blame algorithms and social media for getting people to think that journals have to look a specific way, because they see a certain aesthetic they like and are focused on copying the aesthetic and the intended function is an afterthought. Something that would go a long ways away is to let people know that their journal is for themselves to enjoy and it doesn't need to fit the same look as a journal that has millions subscribed to look at. If they like the aesthetic and wish to learn how to make a similar one for their enjoyment, than that's perfect, but here's hoping people don't unintentionally go perfectionist mode on something that's meant for healing/self-care and/or productivity.
Currently struggling in accepting that knowledge. Thank you for sharing the idea, otherwise I would have been stressed just thinking about ways to expand my journaling experiences. ❤ Have a good day to anyone reading this. God bless. 🍀
I have a hard time writing fully uncensored in my journal because in the back of my mind I'm always worrying someone will get hold of it and read it. That's a huge amount of embarassing info in one place!
Exactly. I have looked into journaling apps, but worried the dev will see it lmao. But this process of journaling is so appealing to me that I've just decided to use paper, but guard it with my life. Also, I believe they make some notebooks with built in latches and locks. So that could be an option.
same
I'm late, but this is exactly what journaling helps with. It helps you care less about what people think. Just try it out.
Ceyx - Gaming Opened my eyes.
@@mohitdhuppad3671 Haha, that's great! Journaling is definitely something to try out if you're interested in bettering yourself.
Yaiii finally something that seems doable + helpful for someone who isn‘t artistically talented in the slightest 🙌🏼
You're perfect person for my channel then, welcome! New video today too! ruclips.net/video/MKoRtu9IvaA/видео.html
Matt: Fits right in my pocket
Women's clothes : *🙄*
Leon I was literally about to comment that.
@@kathrynh685 😂
Also thanks for commenting, I completely forgotten about this
*Fake pockets* 😂
..or carry it in handbags......jk
put it in your internal pocket ;))
aww it's so nice to see a guy keep a journal, most of the videos I see on the internet are of women doing it
Your more organized and aesthetic than any people I know
Why Bother thanks, I think? 😉
love this video. thanks reassuring us that our journals don't need to be a work of art and that it should be just for us, to serve our needs, not to impress others.
Absolutely, it's for you first!
Kim Sunny agree 😀
I like your idea of drawing little things in a journal because it kind of just uplifts and spices up the atmosphere of the journal and it makes it feels more personal/personable
This is one of the best videos I've watched on keeping a journal. I very often feel a lot of people make journaling way more complicated than it needs to be, writing should always be a cathartic and positive experience, so when people make journaling sound like an assignment, it turns many off the idea. I also think journaling is different for every individual. Personally, I'm not someone that really pours out my feelings in my diary, I think I'm getting slightly better at it, but I also really love to write about songs, quotes and books that I love. Journaling really is great for mental health, having that personal notebook where you can express yourself is very calming. Thank you for this video.
Love the simplicity of this, as someone who is terrible at making things look fancy, this is perfect.
James Hosgood thanks for watching man! Just published the follow up video yesterday: ruclips.net/video/6M5IKy8qM6w/видео.html
@@MattRagland Ace, I'll be sure to check it out :)
Thanks for the video! I have never written my thoughts or what has happened each day in a diary, but after watching this I'm thinking about giving it a try!
Cool thanks for watching! Did you see this link for daily prompts? dailyjournal.carrd.co
Really love how there was a page in your journal about God's plans and prayer, that really encouraged me because I was struggling with it, the self doubt and all and reading a little about it in your journal was so encouraging :)
❤ true
This is what I know about myself after journaling for a while:
I can't do it with drawings, it gives me anxiety.
Unless if they're done only at the very top or bottom page.
The only thing I can do to have a variety in my journal is by using different colours of pen.
No numbers for any to do list because numbers intrigued my rebellious nature, I'll deliberately not do it, even if it's going to make me angry afterwards.
Always have an enough empty space in each page, or else I'll get agitated just by looking.
I hate seeing crowded space.
Always have a list of gratitude to remind myself that my life is good, so if my suicidal thoughts comes again, I can go back and see it.
Always have a list of today's accomplishments.
Again, if my suicidal, worthless feeling comes to attack, I can see those writings and stop myself from feeling shitty.
Writing my expenses that day.
I suck at sticking with my budget, but I write it so I know how many useless things and how many important things I've bought the whole week.
It helps me to evaluate my shopping habits.
i’m so happy you found it useful for
The way Hidden Time Wealth dives into the concept of productivity is mind-blowing. Hidden Time Wealth tips are pure gold, and I wish more people knew about them.
Journal is a helpful tool
Whoever is reading start journaling NOW
Hidden Time Wealth blew my mind. I’ve shared it with friends, and they’re all amazed at how much more productive they've become.
Hidden Time Wealth is so unique. I can’t believe I hadn’t heard about it sooner. It’s amazing how life-changing this can be for anyone battling procrastination.
Awesome, I'm here from Matt D'Avella
email about journaling. Great idea, will get started right away tonight.
Andres Creates thanks for watching Andres!
I have been doing the journal since 2019... only in the last 60 days or so have I given myself permission to doodle and freestyle the things that I am trying to get done, or thinking about or just using it to clear my head. Thank you for your content, it has helped to change everything for me.
what a nicely done and simple video! often when you go look for journaling ideas and pictures you’re likely to find quite elaborate and artsy pages rather than a minimal structure, not that there’s something wrong with it! but realistically the average person won’t want to spend more than 5-10 minutes journaling :’)
thank you for inspiring me by the way, i can’t wait to get my hands on a journal and start asap
Thanks for the kind words Juliette! Agree that it's good to keep it minimal and get on with your day (though I do like to doodle still)!
I love your hand writing ✍
The thought that someone might find my journal is why I keep mine securely locked up in a drawer
I'm seriously blown away. Thanks for the hardcore ideas and helping me offload the hurdles that cause delays
Shaun Majozi happy to hear that!
Really like the way you are journaling!
Motivates to just start writing something down
Write it down my friend!
so do i
the best journel set up ... i watched many journel setup soo organized and that kept me away from the main thing but now I can freely focus after watching this.
The concept of Hidden Time Wealth blew my mind. It’s like finding a cheat code for productivity and defeating procrastination.
Discovering Hidden Time Wealth has been one of the best things I've done for my productivity. It feels like I’ve finally cracked the code to overcoming procrastination.
Thanks Matt! I have a journal, however, I judge myself for not writing enough and for not being structured with my writings. Watching your video helped me realize to relax and use my journal as my “thought sketch pad” and not another task that must be completed. Thanks Matt!
This is helpful. I write lots of notes nearly every day. I cut used letter size paper into fours and staple the upper left corner. I just never keep them very long and they get thrown out. This looks like a good way to keep them together.
I think you'll like it! May like the softcover notebooks too - fit in pockets much better.
Thank you Matt! I just started journaling again after a few years hiatus... I appreciate the reinforced idea that I can make and write in my journal any which ways I want...
Thanks for inspiring me! When I first started my morning practice, I started with writing down 10 ideas. That soon turned into journaling. I use Evernote on my Mac. Same as you, I wrote down my feelings, my plans, my dreams, my wins. I try not to make it a todo list. And I never run out of ideas. Today, my morning practice consists of meditation, a 6-mile bike ride, delicious French press coffee, and journaling. Everyday. I love my morning practice. Thanks again for a great video!
Thanks for sharing. I do a simple journal- just writing mostly- and love seeing others than aren’t meant to just “look pretty”.
Couldn't agree more! Thanks for watching :)
I'm so thankful for this video. I always see youtubers with such beautifully perfect layouts with so much to keep track of, and as much as I wish I could be one of those people, this is perfect for me! I love how you really emphasized it's for you, make it any way you want it. Especially backfilling!!! I get so discouraged because I forget or get too busy some days, then I don't even want to go back and have to re-explain myself, to myself lol. Thank you so much!!
Chloe White you’re welcome! So glad you found this helpful, don’t be discouraged. Just get down what you can 😄
I was taking notes every hour or 2 hour and writing what i did but after seeing your video I want to learn how to journal really deep like you.....I wrote todays decision to learn journaling deep like you in my old journal and making a new diary today...........Help me my friend and my saviour of life......and thanks
I recently started thinking about writing a daily log/journal just because there's so much I can do with it. I want to write songs, I need to keep track of my guitar practice, or even just getting my thoughts and feelings organized lately I've feeling really detached and just confused with myself and I thought that maybe a journal could maybe help that. I don't know why but i felt so overwhelmed by starting one even though i had a purpose to starting one, but this video kind of just reassured me that it can quite literally be whatever i want. Thanks
Forwago program helped me not just to build a better-looking body, but to feel healthier and to have more energy. I wanted to share this because I think more people should find out about this amazing program. Thank you, Forwago!
I like your journal a lot more than super organized ones that make me feel discouraged rather than inspired to start 🙌🙌
Hope you do! Ping me so we can celebrate with you :D
I really like your stuff! You don’t make me self conscious about the lack of color in my journal and you still make it look fun and easy to do. Thanks!☺️
Happy to hear that Elizabeth!
Why should you be self-conscious about lack of colour in your journal?
@@kimonaNo1 fr
All the videos I have found to date focus on using a bullet journal for increased productivity, but few delve into full-blown creativity, tackling huge projects like writing a novel where outlines, notes, research, and everything else except the draft in progress are kept and organized in the journal.
Fair point, I do think it's tough to do too much of that in a journal (in my opinion). I could see multiple smaller notebooks for that, or Ryan Holiday and Robert Greene's notecard system. ryanholiday.net/the-notecard-system-the-key-for-remembering-organizing-and-using-everything-you-read/
this was a great change from the “never settle” guys and their super structured journaling techniques.
Great! I'm new to journaling and this is the first 'how to' I've watched. So glad I found this! As a professional writer I tend to ... well ... write too much! I will keep my journal simple and bulleted. This all started because there are many life's moments I don't want to forget ... faith, family, and playing in a cover band!! Can't wait to start the process. Thank you for your post!
Wow this was refreshing. As with others, I was worried on how people would look at my journal. IDK why I stressed on that so much when this is truly for my own growth and not theirs.
Thank you
I'm really glad that you made it a point to say that back journaling is okay. I know it's okay, but sometimes, for some strange reason, there's still some... guilt? As productive, organized, and clear as we try to be, we can't always be 100% perfect in our planners and journals. Thanks for this video!
3YearsApart you’re welcome, thanks for watching! Totally agree with you
This is the simplicity I need in my life right now.
Keeping it simple solves so many problems :)
I love when other people share their journals 🙌🏻
THANK YOU, KIND SIR!! this was all the reassurance I needed to get back into journalling, I feel refreshed already.
Great video! I connected with the back-filling idea! I KNOW I get busy ...I am a busy person, but some days, I think to myself "What did I do today?" I think the day might have been wasted. But once I jot down a few things that were accomplished I can rest easy and sleep at night! I learned to backfill many years ago, some one else called it being 'busy as a backward bee'. Be productive and write it all down later. It is so satisfying!
Totally agree Patricia! Thanks for sharing :)
Hi from Matt D'Avella's mail squad!
Enes Yuksel hey thanks for watching! Welcome 👋🏻
Amazing, It's an eye-opener seeing this video.
I started journaling for our project in class since last year but the journaling part is starting to become a chore for me after 2 months of doing it, I even get stressed when I miss a day to journal, But after seeing this with a little of doodling it makes the journaling more fun and interesting when back reading it. Thank you for sharing your way of journaling it really helps to get rid of the struggle of journaling.
Trying to get back into this, after stopping and starting. Bit of a fear of mine tbh. I'm a taxi driver but outside of that my memory is terrible. I've used journals as a bit of a memory jogger in the past. I was with this girl, a long time ago. She made me promise to let her read my journal at the time if we got married. Wedding date set, she read the journal didn't like what was in it, after my daughter was born we split. As simple as it sounds, it never occurred to me to have a journal that fit in your pocket. Easy to keep the writing private and personal. Great video.
I love how you are incorporating your productivity and creativity in one video and in your journaling process. Thanks for sharing :)
Thanks from one Matt to another :)
This looks great. I forget what happens in my days especially because I work from home so much.
I was stuck in life, playing games all day and doing nothing, and then a friend introduced me to this program called Forwago. Now I'm on a clear path forward and enjoy every day.
Thank you Matt. I’ve just converted to a Pocket Sized Journal using the same concept as you have presented here. An absolute game changer for me! I think I’ve found my peace finally
Now I need a small pocket journal to go with all my other books! Thanks for the video.
Thanks Matt. I love to journal. Have my own system, everything notebook, creative notebook to 'art' in and one I use to actually write what's in my head down. I love notebooks so why not use three, all different sizes too. Your video is really helpful as my daughter was asking me how to... I think she will like your style. Thanks again
Thanks Maude!
Hi Matt, thanks so much for this its really put a lot of things in perspective, I have total journal vanity! So worried about how it looks and I end up with SO many journals with the intention of keeping things in categories and then it all gets too much and hectic and there's no way ill be carrying around 5 journals with me! At the moment I seem to be trying out so many different techniques and its boggling my mind a little so its nice to know I just need to find what suits me. Anyway, thanks again for this. Best, Alice
Loved the vid man. The not so crisped start is what got me wonting to watch the full video because I knew I was going to get genuine value out of it unlike the majority of RUclipsrs that post perfect starts with a video that you get little out of. Hope you get the recognition you deserve.👍🏽
Hi matt! I'm starting my first journal today :-)
I'm a little lost about this, but hopefully with videos like this I will insert journaling in my life sucessfully ;-)
Love it Flavio - I've been posting daily journal prompts to help - sign up here: dailyjournal.carrd.co
Amazing! I discovered the video thanks to Matt D'Avella and it's a really cool way of journaling. I'll start on May 1st with his new challenge :)
Libros para Cambiar de Vida welcome! Thanks for watching and coming over.
I like your ideas for the mini journal. I have carried a small travelers notebook which has four sections. I have fallen away from using it and often write something on a post-it note during the day (I work away from home) that I end up sticking inside the notebook to deal with later at home and the post-its are stacking up. I need to take that mini notebook out of my bag every morning at work so it's easy to access in the moment. Great video.
Hey Matt, thank you for sharing your journal with us. It has been really helpful.
Siddharth Shah thanks for letting me know!
This video makes me subscribe to your channel. This is what Im looking for. This is the real minimalistic journal.😊 No worries. You just write for yourself never mind who can see or read your journal. Anyhow, it represents your true self not for showy.
These are really great tips! I'm never really sure how to journal and keep it going. I've just started daily journaling to help with my anxiety and depression. My counselor recommended that I write down three positive things every day - and not to beat myself up if a miss a day, or a few. These positive things can be things I experienced, things I did for myself (self-care,) goals I have for the day, the week, or the month, things I accomplished that day or the day before, or simply that I woke up, I'm alive, I'm breathing. I tend to live in a very negative and self-admonishing mindspace. So she's hoping - and I'm hoping - that journaling will help me break free of that negativity in favor of a more positive life and mindspace.
Hey Lisa, thanks so much for commenting, hope this helps! Did you see the daily prompts to help with the habit? dailyjournal.carrd.co
Thank You Mr. Ragland . I stumbled on here on RUclips. Idid this for about 3 years but fell away for a while. You have inspired me to continue, from this New Years onward. These simp[e little pocket books lined and undated can be found in Walmarts Office Supply section Cheap, Cheap Cheap. You don't have to make a Sunday dinner out of an egg salad sandwich folks. Keep It Simple. Big Smiles. CMJ
Hi Matt!! I previously posted how journaling was a definite struggle for me. Its getting easier. Today i wasnt going to write about something that was really bothering me incase someone read it and their feelings were hurt. Well i went for it and felt better about the situation. I found im also doing fun doodles and zentangle in the pocket size moleskine. Thanks so much for this vieeo
You're welcome Jessica! I really find it's great for that same reason. Gotta get it out of my head!
Finally got a journaling channel which I can practice in daily life ❤
I like the way your pocket journals look, hopefully mine will become more like that as I keep journaling.
What a sweet man! OMG he swears at the end lmao. And he journals! you sir are a gem
Matt thanks so much for this video. I struggle so much with journaling. I just started back up a few days ago. Its definitely a challenge for me.
You're welcome Jessica, let me know how it goes!
I gotta tell ya. I never cared about journaling until I just watched this video. Great job!
Great video. Love to see an updated video just to see what you are doing now with your journaling
Can you make a video on how to have such perfect handwriting? Your journal is beyond neat!
I think this idea is incredibly useful, reflection is key in self improvement and expressing yourself.
Epic Michael thanks, totally agree!
Found and watched this video yet again! Tried and failed with so many journals, even pocket ones. Trying again, I’m going through it at the moment. Health is not where it was after covid, and my family I live with (for some reason) are really stressing me out, to the point i spend a lot of time in our bedroom. Hopefully this time I will get it all down so I can finally rest my brain a little.
Thank you for this journal tip. I am starting one over the weekend. So many challenges happened since August.
This is perfect for what I need right now. A step back from the artistic journals I'm seeing everywhere. Which I love, don't get me wrong. I try to do the same. Doesn't always work. But a reminder that it's okay to just write and doodle. It's okay not to create works of art every single day. Thank you. x Marieke. Plus 1 on the subscribers list.
I dunno why but this looks really fun
Yep. I'm here from Matt's email as well, though it took me several days to do so. What? I've been busy.
I've already been journaling daily since I began a social media detox on April 6 and am looking forward to continuing it throughout May.
Happy to hear that Kim, thanks for checking the video out!
This is the kind of journal I want to do. I tried the fancy stuff, but it's just too much work for me.
Thanx, that really helped me. I have always tried to journal, but I found myself lacking ideas .... that truly gave me some insight of what I should begin with.
This is great! I want to start journalling but didn't know where to start. I like your approach because there's no real structure, just going with it.
Finally something that makes sense. Thank you. Well done.
Jeremy Jo thanks so much, glad you like it!
Thanks for sharing. I love all the detail you give in your videos.
Thanks Brooke, your comment means a lot to me :D
I use the journal app for it. It also notifies me about the entry I recorded on the same date in the past years, which is a really cool feature when you want to see how's your journey been so far. :)
Journal writing is definitely a good habit, and I don't think you really have to push yourself to make it productive. Some things are just there to add value and fun to your life.
☮️
Thanks for sharing!
Name of the app??
i just got into journals a few days ago. After seeing i am feeling why didn't i started it more early.
a really good video. 😃👌
Hey everyone, thanks for watching! Do you have a journaling process? Do you want to? Let me know in the comments!
I use google keep, sketch on there, or type on there, it's just a lot more convenient been on my phone
Nice! Yeah the phone is definitely convenient :D
I have been journaling since i was 10 yo. I have digital journal but prefer notebook and fountain pens
vanezcha that’s great! I prefer pen and paper too.
Matt Ragland i have bullet journal and a diary which i write in detail. The disadvantage from people like us who journal is that uhmmm....actually, it can be quite hard for people to lie to us because sometime, everything is written in our diary (for someone like me who still have diary beside a journal)
I really enjoyed your video, I am trying to journal every day but am having a block doing it. I have subscribed and downloaded your pack. I use a lined journal rather than a blank-page journal so I will try using a blank-page journal. Thanks for the very informative video. Take care and stay well and happy.
Your handwriting is so amazing!
This is great Matt.. Awaited long time for a real Journaling method... Thank you...
Thank you for this! I recently started jotting down thoughts and feelings on my phone due to my anxiety and it sucks lol gonna start writing down everything on paper and this video really inspired me to do it. Thank you
Great video...I like your style and simplicity of journaling every day! I like small and compact so this was perfect to watch. TX
You're welcome, thanks for watching!
Love your journaling style. Thank you for sharing.
You're welcome Kiley, thanks for watching!
The most relatable journal
Thank you 😃
GREAT video! finally I find rest in NOT being so organized in journaling , but just doing it! THANKS love and light from Holland. make a video on how u use the daily STOIC (if you didn't do it already:-)
Thanks for the feedback and idea on Daily Stoic, hadn't thought to do a video on it!
I have a pocket sketchbook, but I never took it anywhere with me. Might try this, no pressure approach. Great video!
Dee Aden thanks! Let me know how it goes for you!