How to Journal

So if you want to start journaling, it's actually quite simple. There are essentially three steps. First, find a journal that you like. Personally, I've been enjoying the Lloyds terms soft covers lately. Second, choose a pen that you enjoy writing with. I personally prefer fountain pens, but you should pick whatever works best for you. And third, just start writing. Make it a habit to write every day if possible. If you can't write every day, write whenever you feel like it. It really is that simple.

However, whenever I discuss journaling on this channel, I always receive the same question: What should you write about? In this video, I'll provide you with a journaling guide. I'll tell you what to do when the words aren't flowing, and I'll also discuss the relationship between journaling and self-improvement. Many of us journal for this reason, as well as the underlying philosophy behind it.

When I struggle to write, I've found a reliable structure that allows me to write about a page's worth of content. First, I write a paragraph about a notable event that happened that day. If I'm journaling in the morning, I write about something that occurred the previous day. This is simply a factual account, highlighting a specific event in my life. I'm selective in what I write about, as I'm not aiming to provide a comprehensive account of my entire day.

For example, a few days ago, I wrote about a stressful incident at work. The details aren't crucial for this video, but it was ultimately a misunderstanding on my part. It took some time and caused stress until the situation was resolved. This event was significant enough for me to include it in my journal.

After writing the factual account, I then write about something I did well. This could be an achievement, a small victory, or even a moment where I relied on a habit I've developed over time. Going back to my example, I wrote about my ability to investigate and understand the problem, even though I didn't have to do much to solve it due to the misunderstanding. I was proud of breaking the problem down into smaller parts and tackling the most important ones.

Next, I write a paragraph about what didn't go well. This allows me to identify areas for improvement, including recurring mistakes or bad habits I want to break. Personally, I tend to spiral into anxiety when a problem arises. Although I can eventually calm myself and find a solution, I want to avoid going through that anxious spiral. I strive to recognize when my anxiety takes control and analyze the conditions or thought processes that contribute to it. Reasoning with myself has proven to be an effective technique for managing anxiety.

After writing about an event, something I'm proud of, and something I'm not proud of, there is still something else worth exploring. This is when I zoom out and reflect on the bigger picture. This part isn't necessarily limited to a single paragraph; it can often extend to pages, particularly on days when I have a lot to contemplate. The goal is to find connections between this event and others in my life, fitting it into a larger narrative about my life. My journal provides me with an opportunity to give a sense of internal logic to my life story.

Now, let's delve deeper into the philosophy behind journaling. Many philosophers, such as Charles Taylor, Alasdair MacIntyre, Mario Scheckman, and Martin Heidegger, among others, consider humans to be storytelling beings. What sets us apart from mere animals is our ability to construct and tell a narrative about ourselves. It's not necessary for everyone to have a formal, written autobiography. Despite consistently journaling for a decade, I haven't written a comprehensive account of my life. Even those who write autobiographies don't cover every aspect in complete detail.