One of the most frequently asked questions I see is: What’s your advice for people new to journaling?

I’ve resisted drafting this blog because my advice is dead simple. Here goes nothing:

Just write.

That’s it. There are no magic formulas. No ‘tricks’. No ‘quick fixes.’

Start writing today. Continue tomorrow and be as consistent as possible.

If journaling or diary writing—whatever you call it—is a priority to you, treat it like one. Think of any skill you have. How did you build the skill? Repetition. Trying again and again. 

Now, I know you likely clicked on this article looking for actionable tips, so I’ll include some pointers below. However, my key message here is to stop overthinking and complicating everything and just write. 

Tip #1: Ditch the social media highlights reel

If you’re a regular on Pinterest and Facebook and actively look at anything related to journaling, you’ll see a bunch of pretty journals or diaries. Some people have a real artistic flair and love making their journal or diary look pretty. I don’t. And if looks are the barrier holding you back from getting started, hit the reset button. All you need is paper and a pen. Anything else is a bonus. Sure, I like a pretty-looking journal when I want to treat myself, but it doesn’t change what I write. The magic is in the process and in the act of writing. Not thinking about writing. Not admiring pretty journals on social media. Not contemplating which glitter pen is the perfect colour for today.

Tip #2: Apply goldfish mentality

So many people are attached to writing streaks. Life happens. If you miss one day or even two days in a row, who cares? Writing isn’t supposed to become another thing to add to your to-do list. I know writing makes me more present and more self-aware in every aspect of my life. I don’t think I’d be who I am today without writing. It’s the one habit and practice that never leaves me. Writing is there for me in good, bad and boring moments.

So, be real with yourself and understand there is no streak to protect. There’s no gold star system. If you miss a few days or even weeks, just get back to writing when you can and don’t beat yourself up.

Tip #3: Writing prompts can be helpful, especially if you are limited for time

If you only have 5-10 minutes to write, you don’t want to spend that time staring down a blank page. Once you get into a groove with a regular writing practice, you’ll notice your writing organically flows without too much effort. When you’re just getting started, use my free Gentle Journaling Jumpstart printable, which includes seven writing prompts to get you started.

You don’t need complicated exercises. If you’re unsure what to write, you can even start with:

“I don’t know what to write today.”

Often, clarity follows honesty.

Prompts can remove the pressure and open the door to your stream of consciousness.

Tip #4: Stop romanticising journaling

Life is not a movie. You don’t need candles, soft music, essential oils or whatever else makes the ‘perfect scene’ in your mind. If you have the time, effort and energy to create the perfect environment to write, good for you. Go for it. Most of us don’t.

Journaling or writing is not a performance. It’s a chance to be real with yourself. Ideally, your journal is for your eyes only (unless you find benefit in sharing your words with a professional).

You don’t need:

• Perfect grammar/spelling - this isn’t being published.
• Deep insights - life can’t always be deep and meaningful.
• Neat handwriting - I often type, using the Reflection app.
• Positive thoughts - allow yourself to exist without your standard filters and censorship for a bit.

Your journal is allowed to hold contradictions. Anger. Repetition. Confusion. Petty thoughts. Half-finished ideas. 

Messy journaling is honest journaling.

And honest journaling is where the magic happens.

Tip #5: Journal your way

Don’t worry about what works for your best friend down the road, whose life circumstances are completely different to yours. Try journaling:

• First thing in the morning - if that suits your schedule.
• Last thing at night - if you find this helps you sleep.
• And doodling at the same time - if this approach works for you and you’re struggling with words.

Find what works for you.

Your life is not a coming-of-age novel, movie or television show

You don’t have to be a professional writer to journal.

You don’t have to be insightful to journal.

You don’t have to feel calm to journal.

You just have to begin.

Start small. Stay honest. Let it be imperfect.

Meet yourself where you are and just write.

Free 7-Day 'Guided Journal Prompts for Self Care' Trial

I want you to try journaling for yourself with my free 7-day Guided Journal Prompts for Self-Care trial. Learn more via this web page. This is a safe space to land if you’re done with putting yourself last. After the 7-day trial ends, you’ll pay AU$11 monthly. You'll also gain access to me via WhatsApp, so we can connect and chat through whatever you're experiencing.