It’s time to stop forcing your journal to be “perfect” and start letting it serve you!
Journaling isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s not just for bullet-point obsessives or artistic watercolour spreads. It can be messy, chaotic, colour-coded, beautiful, private, practical - or all of the above. The most important thing? That your journal works for you.
Here are some inspiring ways to tailor your journal to your life, your needs, and your creative energy.
1. Ditch Perfection – Embrace Purpose
Don’t wait until you’ve got the “right” notebook, the “right” time, or a Pinterest-worthy setup. Start with what you have. Whether it's scribbles or stickers, your journal is your space. Use it for messy brain dumps, doodles, daily logs, or emotional check-ins… whatever helps you feel grounded.
2. Mix and Match Methods
Who says you have to stick to one style? Use a mix of:
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Bullet journaling for planning
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Gratitude logging for mindfulness
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Habit trackers for motivation
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Art journaling for creativity
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Morning pages for clarity
Let your journal be a hybrid that evolves as you do.
3. Use It to Track What Matters to You
Forget arbitrary trends; what’s meaningful in your life? Track:
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Books you've read
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Moods or menstrual cycles
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Steps toward personal goals
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Meals, movement or sleep
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Quotes that lift your spirits
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Dreams and affirmations
When your journal aligns with your values, you’ll reach for it more often.
4. Create a Safe Space
Let your journal be a judgment-free zone. Use it to process emotions, talk to your future self, vent your frustrations or celebrate small wins. Don’t edit yourself - your journal is your companion, not your critic.
5. Make It Visually Pleasing (If That’s Your Thing!)
Love colour, stickers, and a good washi tape moment? Go wild. Creating visually appealing pages can be part of your self-care ritual. But if minimalism is more your vibe, a simple layout and a solid pen can be just as satisfying.
6. Keep It Convenient
If your journal isn’t accessible, it’s easy to forget. Try:
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A smaller notebook for on-the-go thoughts
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Sticky notes or tabbed pages for quick access
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A pen loop or pencil case for your must-have tools
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A regular journaling time that suits your lifestyle
Set yourself up for success by making journaling part of your everyday routine.
7. Use the Right Tools
The tools you use can make a huge difference. Smooth paper, pens that glide, highlighters that don’t smudge, all elevate the experience. (Need a little nudge? we’ve got a whole shop full of beautiful journaling goodies to explore.)
Your Journal, Your Rules!
There’s no “wrong” way to journal. The best setup is one that serves your mind, your mood, and your goals. Let go of comparison, start where you are, and let your journal be the tool that helps you flourish.
Ready to refresh your journaling kit? Explore our favourite notebooks, pens, and creative tools right here.
