Why (and How!) to Keep a Journal for Life
Writing problems out is the quickest way to get them solved. Only most of us don’t write nearly enough, and instead keep having the same circular conversations in our heads. Keeping a daily journal solves this problem. And then some.
Not to mention the fact that our lives keep passing us by, day by day, and we have no real perspective of where we’re going other than our memories. The easiest way to keep track is to have a journal you can look back to, and kind of get a third person perspective on who you are, and where you’re going.
But maybe you don’t need any convincing of the worth of keeping a journal at all. Maybe you just need that first push, to get started and stay with it, for the rest of your life. Well, I’m here to help.
I started (and quickly stopped) writing in 6 journals before I finally stuck with writing in one every day. For me, there just wasn’t a compelling enough reason to keep writing. I didn’t know where I was trying to take it, didn’t know how I should be writing, and really just felt lost. Every time I would think about writing, I’d get scared of the prospect of filling up a whole page.
Then I decided to try a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. It’s a 2,100 mile long hike from Georgia to Maine, and one hell of a personal growth tool. I knew I had to keep a journal of my progress, and so I committed to at least 30 days of writing in it every day. I didn’t finish the trail (only did half), but in the process I learned so much about myself that the journey was priceless anyways. I kept writing every day after the trail, and to this day (over a year later), I do the same. I now have 8 journals filled with ideas, sketches, and dreams. I’m proud of every one, and I see my writing and my thoughts get clearer from book to book.
How You can Start
Get a journal that’s aesthetically pleasing to you. When I first started trying to keep a journal I used just any old spiral notebook that was laying around. That didn’t work long. I ended up buying a nice Moleskine journal
Get a decent pen too. That’s right, a pen, not a pencil. Having a nice pen makes writing so much more fun. I use the Pilot G2
Then to actually write in the thing. Write down the full date before every entry. Then write whatever comes to your head first, whatever’s on your mind. If you have a problem you’re trying to solve, write it down, and then approach it by writing different solutions. You’ll quickly get the hang of it, and figure out your own style. Remember, you’re writing for yourself, and no one else. Don’t be hard on yourself if you’re unclear at first.
Make sure there are no distractions while you write. That means no television, no people talking to you, zero interruptions while writing. If you can’t find a quiet place, put some headphones on and drown out conversations around you. It’s so important to eliminate distractions if you really want your journal to be a big help.
Finally, commit yourself to 30 days of writing in your journal every day. It helps to have another goal you’re trying to achieve at the same time, like excercising every day. Write about your trials and tribulations of incorporating a new habit into your life, and you’ll see how writing helps you stay on task. It helps to have a set time to write at. For me, clearing my thoughts and getting focused is more important than any task, so I decided to make it a morning ritual. Maybe you’d rather write before you go to sleep.
Either way, get to writing. Keeping a journal is the best gift you can give to yourself.
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December 9th, 2006 02:22
[...] « Why (and How!) to Keep a Journal for Life [...]
December 11th, 2006 11:10
Well-said! I usually use a Lamy 200 or Dialog 2 in my journals.
December 11th, 2006 19:50
Why the insistence against pencil?
December 11th, 2006 22:31
Rav,
It’s a self-censorship thing. Writing in your journal should flow unrestricted, as quickly as possible. When you have a pencil, you’re tempted to stop and erase. Writing with a pen ensures you cross out and move on. It sounds like it’s not a big deal, but in practice, it is. Maintaining momentum while writing is the toughest thing to do. Using a pen makes it easier.
December 11th, 2006 23:39
Greetings,
I “teach” writing to Chinese University students. They love timed free writing, and we practice these principles: first thought, pure thought, keep your hand moving, don’t edit, don’t cross out. The editor and critic is asleep.
Quality tools are essential: fountain pen, whatever you have - a good Moleskine if your budget allows. The art and joy of getting it down and making sense of it later. It’s about process not product.
Peace.
December 12th, 2006 00:48
You should take a look at The Artist’s Way. One of the central and important parts of its process is writing morning pages, three pages (no mention of specific size) longhand every day. It’s fascinating work. I have also started and stopped when trying to journal. Right now, I’ve discovered Moleskines and the flow of a thin, rollerball tip (Uniball’s Micro pens are excellent, along with the Pilot G2) make for lovely ways to pass time and pour out my thoughts. Found your post courtesy of Moleskinerie. Excellent!
December 12th, 2006 03:27
Maria,
You should take a look at John Steinbecks “Journal of a Novel”. It’s basically a collection of letters he wrote when writing East of Eden.
It’s pretty much as you say, a way that he used to get into the mood of writing for the day.
Well worth a read.
Rav.
BTW he wrote in long hand and in pencil and like the rest of us, still searched for the perfect writing tool.
December 14th, 2006 19:47
[...] Most people are afraid of any amount of writing, and by starting to write in little bits you’ll become comfortable with the feeling of writing. If you haven’t written anything in a while, setting a goal to write one full page every day for 30 days will give you a huge head start. So will keeping a journal. Write With Complete Focus [...]
December 17th, 2006 22:53
[...] Stankley Ibcus presents Why (and How!) to Keep a Journal - for Life posted at Traveling Forever Blog. [...]