Have you ever stared at a blank journal page, feeling like journaling is just another task on your to-do list? If the thought of putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) fills you with dread, you’re not alone. Many people struggle to make journaling a meaningful habit, and they hate journaling as a result.
I’ve seen it time and time again. A friend gets all excited about starting a journal. They buy a beautiful notebook, maybe even some fancy pens. They’re ready to transform their lives!
Then… nothing. The notebook sits there, mostly blank. They try a few times, but it feels pointless. They give up.
If this sounds familiar, you’re definitely not alone. Journaling has so many proven mental health benefits. Studies show it can reduce anxiety, improve mood, help you process trauma, and even boost your immune system! And so many famous artists and writers deem it crucial to their creativity. So why does it feel so pointless for some?
The answer often lies in common mistakes that make journaling feel forced, unproductive, or simply boring. So, let’s break down why that happens and what you can do about it.
1. What Are You Even Trying to Get From It?
One of the biggest reasons journaling feels pointless is a lack of clear intention. What do you want to be getting out of it?
- Do you want to reduce stress?
- Do you want to gain clarity on a specific problem?
- Do you want to track your progress towards a goal?
- Do you want to boost your creativity?
- Do you want to have a better understanding of your feelings and emotions?
Journaling can do all of those things, but it can be more effective when you have a focus. If you’re just writing aimlessly, it’s easy to feel like you’re not getting anywhere.
- Try this: Before you start, write down a sentence or two about your journaling goal. “I’m journaling to reduce my anxiety about work.” “I’m journaling to brainstorm ideas for my novel.”
And this is where trying different formats comes in.
- If your goal is to process emotions, a stream-of-consciousness style might be great.
- If your goal is to plan and organize, bullet journaling could be more effective.
- If your goal is creative inspiration, Morning Pages are incredibly helpful.
- If your goal is to cultivate happiness and focus on the positive, gratitude journaling is a powerful tool.
- If your goal is to address specific topics like dating, fitness, or career, guided journaling, with its targeted prompts, can provide structure and direction.
2. “It Has to Be Every Day”
The pressure to journal daily is real. You see all these “morning routine” gurus, and they’re all like, “Journaling! Every. Single. Day!”
- Reality Check: Rigid schedules can lead to burnout. Life happens. You’ll miss days. And that’s okay.
- Try this: Find a rhythm that works for you.
- Maybe it’s 3 times a week.
- Maybe it’s only when you feel the need to journal.
- Start small: Even 5 minutes, a few times a week, can be beneficial. Consistency is key, but consistency doesn’t have to mean daily.
3. “I Don’t Have Time!” (Or, “It Takes Too Long”)
Similar to the above. This is a big one. We’re all busy. And the idea of adding another “thing” to our to-do list can feel overwhelming.
- Reality Check: Journaling can take a long time, especially if you’re aiming for perfection.
But it doesn’t have to.
- Try this: Set a time limit. “I’ll journal for 5 minutes.” “I’ll write one page.”
I love the idea of set page counts or time limits. Artist’s Pages, for example, are three pages. That’s it. It’s not about writing the next great novel; it’s about getting the thoughts flowing. But you don’t need to stick to such a rigid format, force yourself to write long, detailed entries or follow specific prompts that don’t resonate with you.
Experiment with different journaling styles. Try free writing, bullet points, sketches, or even voice recordings. If you’re artistically inclined, try art journaling. Find a format that feels natural and enjoyable for you. Don’t think you need to journal every day for a certain amount of time, and don’t feel discouraged if you miss a day or two. Instead, focus on having a quality journaling session when you can—a session where you feel really focused and mindful. When you feel ungrounded, lost, or antsy—that’s a sign that a quality journaling session may be helpful.
4. “It Has to Be Perfect/Beautiful/Eloquent”
This misconception is a mood killer. You sit down to write, and suddenly, you’re worried about grammar, spelling, and whether your words sound “smart” enough. Let go of the pressure to be “perfect.” Journaling is a space for raw, unfiltered thoughts and feelings. Embrace imperfection and brain dumps. It doesn’t have to even be readable—let your pen follow as your mind wanders. Some of your best insights will come if you let your mind wander and follow that train of thought.
- Reality Check: Your journal is for you. It’s not a performance. No one else is going to read it (unless you choose to share it). You don’t even ever have to re-read it again! You can throw it in the trash (though I never do this because I like to see how much I’ve grown over time… My teenage journals are cringe in an endearing way!)
- Try this: Embrace “messy journaling.”
- Write fast.
- Don’t edit as you go.
- Use bullet points, lists, drawings, whatever helps you express yourself.
It’s about getting the thoughts out, not creating a literary masterpiece.
5. “It’s Just For Emotions” or “It’s Childish/Self-Indulgent”
The common idea of writing in a diary evokes reminders of childhood and melodramatic entries. If you harbor this thought, it can make journaling feel silly or self-indulgent. Or, you may not feel comfortable with spending so much time thinking about your emotions, seeing it as a waste of time.
- Reality Check: Journaling is so much more than just “pouring your heart out.”
- Try this: Explore the many uses of journaling.
- Goal setting: Track your progress, brainstorm ideas.
- Problem-solving: Analyze a situation, weigh your options.
- Tracking habits: Monitor your progress, identify patterns.
And even when you are dealing with emotions, it’s not childish. Understanding yourself and your emotions is crucial for self-awareness and saves you from taking out unprocessed emotions on other people. It’s actually incredibly mature.
Guided Journaling: A Helpful Middle Ground
If you’re still feeling lost, guided journaling can be a great option. It provides prompts and structure, which can make it easier to get started and stay consistent.
If you’ve tried journaling in the past and found it unfulfilling, a guided journal might be the perfect solution. Guided journals are designed to make journaling easier and more rewarding by providing:
- Thought-provoking prompts: To spark ideas and help you explore different topics.
- Structure and guidance: To help you organize your thoughts and create meaningful entries.
- Inspiration and motivation: To keep you engaged and excited about journaling.
Our guided journals are carefully crafted to help you connect with your inner self, discover new insights, and cultivate a deeper sense of self-awareness. Whether you’re new to journaling or looking to reignite your passion for it, a guided journal can be a powerful tool for personal growth.
Don’t Give Up on Journaling
Journaling isn’t a waste of time – not when done right. I hope this post has inspired you to give journaling another try, or maybe try it for the first time, but on your own terms. Forget the rules. Forget the pressure. Find what works for you.
Because at its core, journaling is about connecting with yourself, understanding yourself, and supporting yourself on your journey. And that’s never pointless.