Overcome Writer's Block With These 5 Journaling Tips
“I don’t know what to write” has to be the most common answer I get when I ask people if they journal.
But I promise you, journaling doesn’t have to look a certain way or even be a daily task - you can make it your own so that you are never overthinking what to write or how to ‘do it right’.
I will share with you here my top 5 tips for getting started and maintaining a consistent journaling practice. If (and let’s be real - when) it begins to feel like a chore, come back to these tips to help you get back on track.
I started journaling about 7 years ago. I’m not going to pretend I’ve have a consistent practice ever since. In fact sometimes it’s like a distant friend you haven’t spoken to for a while that pops up in your mind and you know you need to make time for them! But whenever I have periods away from my journal I notice that my thoughts feel heavier, louder and the negative ones are on repeat!
I know first hand the power of journaling and it is now a tool that I use with my 1:1 coaching clients to help them work through life’s challenges.
So let me share my top 5 tips for getting started with your journaling practice and - how to make sure it’s not just a one hit wonder!
Don’t overthink what to write. If words aren’t following, I would suggest starting with journal prompts. Remember there is no right or wrong way to journal - use bullet points or even draw your thoughts, this is your practice. If you are still having a brain block and you can’t find the answers to the questions you are asking then give yourself time and space for these answers to come. One last thought - do you really not know the answer or are you too scared to write the answer?
Tag it onto another habit. Have you heard of James Clear’s book Atomic Habits? If not add it to your reading list! it’s my number 1 recommended reading for my clients. James talks about Habit Stacking which is where you stack a new habit onto an already existing one to help make it easier to succeed. I do this with my journaling practice most days. I enjoy making coffee in the French Press and taking time to drink it from my favourite tumbler. Whilst I am doing this - I journal, easy! It feels like a great use of my time and means I am also enjoying my morning coffee more mindfully versus drinking it whilst scrolling on Instagram! What habit could you tag it onto?
Make it easy. I carry my journal with me most of the times I leave the house, that way, if I find myself in a cafe with some spare time, I’ll use this to journal. I also recommend having a cute journal! It may sound silly but I love stationary so if my journal is something that I love to open and carry around I am much more likely to journal regularly compared to a boring lined notebook! Inspired Stories is my current favourite and where I buy all my journals (plus client gifts) browse their collection HERE and use my affiliate code KATHRYN10 for 10% off your order - they make great gifts too.
Write for your eyes only. People have expressed to me in the past that they are worried about other people reading it so it holds them back on the level of honesty. If this is a concern of yours, keep your diary private and ensure those around you know it’s not a library book! Stop worrying about your handwriting, spelling or grammar - this doesn’t matter. You are not being marked on your english skills! Just write in an honest and open way, remember that you don’t have to share any of your thoughts with anyone else if you don’t want to,
Get clear on why you want to journal. I often get asked - why I journal. I’m an over-thinker! Journaling helps me to process what’s on my mind and empty what can often be circling thoughts. When my journaling has tailed off, I notice I’m less productive, I struggle to make decisions and it can also affect my sleep. So this is my why - to curb my over-thinking. Why would you like to journal? Take some time to answer this question now.
I hope this has been useful and helped you to see that journaling doesn’t have to follow a rule book and be 3 pages long. You can do it your way. Remember - keep it simple and enjoy it.
If after reading this you are ready to give journaling a try, I created a simple free resource to get you started - you can download it HERE
And if you are looking for inspiration in what to write, check out my new product - Journaling Bookmarks. Purchase a set of 3 (prompts for morning, evening and daily) and never wonder what to write again. Just £5 + £2.50 p&p (currently only available for UK addresses). Get your set HERE.
