If you’d told me a year ago that I’d be someone who journals almost daily, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. But since January 1st, 2025, journaling has quietly become a regular part of my mornings. I don’t have an exact routine—sometimes I’ll jot something down right after waking up, other times it happens after breakfast or just before I start my workday. It all depends on how busy the morning is, but at some point between 7am and 11am, I always manage to fit it in. What started as a typical New Year’s resolution to organize my thoughts has grown into a habit that grounds me, motivates me, and helps make sense of everything going on in my life.
How It All Started
Journaling wasn’t a totally new idea to me. I’d always liked the sound of it, but I’d never wanted a physical diary—too risky for prying eyes! Still, that new year, I thought maybe it could help me declutter my mind and boost my productivity. I tested out a few different journaling apps (there are loads), but eventually landed on Journey.Cloud, which I’ve ended up really liking and have stuck with for the past seven months.
To be honest, those first entries? Awkward. I had no idea what to write, and even found myself googling “journal entry template” just to get started. But after a few weeks, something shifted: the words started coming more easily, and I realized I could write about literally anything—my goals for the week, what I was thinking about, how my day went, or what I’ve got planned next. It became a structure that helped me reflect, plan, and keep my life organized in a way nothing else ever has.
What Journaling Does for Me
The biggest surprise has been how much journaling helps me actually get things done. I use it to keep myself motivated as I work toward different goals, and to track everything from work progress to finances. Sometimes, when my partner points out something I could do better (as partners do), I write it down—making myself accountable for the next day. When I journal again, I check in: did I actually do what I said I would?
It’s become a great tool for reflection, especially for someone like me with a not-so-great memory. Life moves fast, and I realized I want to have a record—a way to look back at all the places I’ve been, things I’ve done, and everything I’ve achieved in a year. Whether it’s a career win, a memorable weekend, or just a string of good days, the process of noting it down helps me actually appreciate it.
Another unexpected bonus? Scratching my writing itch. I’ve always wanted to write a fantasy or sci-fi book (I’ve got pages of half-baked ideas), but fiction is tricky, and I only enjoy it when inspiration actually strikes. Journaling has been a way for me to explore that side of myself in a low-pressure way. Sometimes, when a story idea pops into my head, it goes straight into my journal. If nothing else, it keeps me writing, and I’m convinced that practicing in any way I can—journaling included—brings me one step closer to finally tackling that book on my bucket list.
How I Journal (and Why It Works for Me)
When it comes to how I journal, I’ve found that digital is the only way that really works for me. I’ve never been interested in a handwritten diary—partly because I just don’t enjoy writing by hand, but mostly because I like knowing my entries are private and safely tucked away where nobody’s going to stumble across them. After trying several journaling apps, I landed on Journey.Cloud, which I use on both my phone and laptop, and it’s become my go-to for the past seven months.
My journaling “schedule” is pretty flexible, but I do aim for entries most mornings during the week. For example, I might sit down on a Thursday and write about how I handled a difficult conversation at work, or use my entry to break down a financial target and list out the actual numbers I’m aiming for. If my partner mentioned something I need to improve, I’ll jot it down as a specific reminder, and make sure to check in the next day about whether I acted on it. Sometimes I’ll brainstorm about a goal I’m working toward—like saving for a holiday, or prepping for a big project.
On Mondays, I tend to write a little more, catching up on whatever happened over the weekend since I usually skip journaling on Saturdays and Sundays. I’ve also found myself using my journal to record creative ideas, especially when I’m struck with inspiration for a story or some world-building for the sci-fi book I hope to write someday. There are even days when my entry is literally just a bullet list of what’s on my mind. What matters is that it’s a space where my thoughts and plans can flow, see the light of day, and not just spin around in my head.
Misconceptions & What I’ve Learned
A lot of people (my old self included) worry that journaling “the right way” means you have to write every day, or pour your heart out, or fill pages with beautiful prose. The truth is, you can set your own rules. Your journal doesn’t have to have a set length or frequency—it just needs to work for you. The more you do it, the more natural it gets. At first, it might feel forced, but if you stick with it, you’ll find your own rhythm.
What I’ve discovered most is that journaling is about being honest with yourself and giving yourself the space to reflect, dream, and improve. It’s not always deep—sometimes it’s just what you had for lunch or your to-do list for the week. But gradually, through these small entries, you get a clearer sense of who you are and where you’re headed.
Thinking of Starting? Here’s My Advice
If you’ve been thinking about journaling, my advice is: start simple. Write what you feel—don’t stress about eloquence or structure. Try different apps or methods until you find what feels the most comfortable. And don’t worry if you miss days or weeks. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about capturing your journey in a way that makes sense to you.
So, Why Do I Journal?
It began as a resolution, but journaling has become a daily act of self-care and self-improvement—a place for goals, accountability, memories, and ideas big and small. Maybe you’ve thought about trying it, too. If so, what’s held you back? Or if you already journal, what’s been your biggest discovery? Let’s talk in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Leave a comment