How to get started writing a journal

"Getting started is the hardest part" - how often have we heard this saying? Particularly when it comes to journaling, it's common to feel daunted and put off even starting. But here's some encouraging news: once you begin, the words can start flowing with ease, and you'll soon wonder why you hesitated in the first place.

So if you're toying with the idea of keeping a private online journal, read on for some friendly advice and motivation. These tactics will help you make the most of your journaling journey right from the start. Whether you're planning to use Penzu for your journaling adventures or not, our 15 years of experience can help you get started smoothly and steer clear of common stumbling blocks.

Embrace the journey

Journaling is a unique form of writing. Unlike composing an email, preparing a work report, tackling homework, or writing an essay for others to critique, journaling is an entirely private affair. It's all about the journey, where the act of writing itself is the goal. Your online journal offers a space to freely explore your inner world, unhindered by the fear of judgment or external evaluation. So, relax, let your thoughts flow, and embark on this exciting journey of self-discovery. Let's see where your words will take you!

Discover your thoughts in realtime

You may not always know what's on your mind until you start writing. This is the beauty of journaling! It's a voyage of discovery, unearthing thoughts and ideas that have been quietly simmering just below the surface. It's perfectly normal to feel a bit stuck at the beginning, grappling with what to write or how to express it. But don't worry, the solution is easier than you think.

"One weird trick"

It may sound obvious, but the best way to journal is to just start writing. Whatever thought first comes to mind, let it flow onto the page. Then, just keep writing as more ideas bubble up.

Don't worry if your thoughts seem trivial or scattered. As you write, you'll discover your mind weaving connections you hadn't anticipated. Unexpected insights will emerge, and new paths will appear.

This spontaneous stream of consciousness can be surprisingly revealing and valuable. Not only does it help process the events of the day, but it saves them for posterity. In the future you'll be so grateful you recorded this "snapshot in time" of your mind and its workings.

Your journal, your rules

Now that you've started, remember that this journal is exclusively for you. There's no need to stress about others reading it or judging your words. This is your private sanctuary, a safe haven for your thoughts and feelings. In your journal, honesty and authenticity triumph over eloquence or trying to impress others. Embrace this freedom to express yourself fully and unapologetically.

Keep it going

Simply put: the most optimal journal is the one that you keep writing in.

Once you start, the most important thing to do is keep the momentum going. Develop a journal writing cadence that works best for you. It could be daily, every other day or weekly.

We've found that people who write at least once per week tend to stick with their journals the longest.

You might want to setup a recurring reminder in your calendar app, or use Penzu's "Reminders" feature to notify you and quickly jot something down.

Remember every day that the trick is to just write something! It doesn't have to be long, or feel particularly groundbreaking at the time. You can always return later to clean up your writing or extract the best ideas. Over time, you might notice patterns or find hidden gems in your seemingly random thoughts.

Just start typing on Penzu

So, just put pen to paper, or in this case: fingers to keyboard! Even if your initial thoughts seem silly or unimportant, let it go and see where it takes you. Penzu is designed to make this process easy and enjoyable, offering you a private, secure space to express yourself freely.

In summary, don't overthink it. Let your thoughts flow naturally, and you'll be amazed where this journey will take you. Happy writing!