Cerebrate Weekly: How to Start Journaling- Tips and Prompts to Get You Going

Issue-10: March 25, 2023 by Sabith Mohammed | ,

Do you want to know a simple habit that yields a high return on investment? Start journaling. It involves reflecting on your life and writing down your thoughts. It’s an easy habit to develop.

Despite its simplicity, the journaling habit has been a common practice among some of the greatest minds.

Some examples include Leonardo da Vinci, who kept extensive journals filled with sketches and observations; Anne Frank, who wrote about her experiences in hiding during World War II; and Marcus Aurelius, the Roman emperor who wrote a series of philosophical meditations that have become known as Meditations.

These journals not only provide a glimpse into the lives of these individuals but also serve as a testament to the power of journaling as a tool for personal growth and reflection.

Journaling is a powerful tool that can help with habit-building, personal growth, and memory improvement. By providing a system to keep track of progress and hold oneself accountable, journaling can be a way to make sure you’re on the right track to achieving your goals.

How to Get Started ?

If you’re looking for inspiration to start journaling, consider starting with a gratitude journal. Write down three things you’re grateful for each day, no matter how big or small. This exercise can help you focus on the positive things in your life and improve your overall well-being. Once you’ve established this habit, you can build on it by exploring other types of journaling, such as reflective or goal-oriented journaling. Here are a few tips to help you begin:

  • Choose a journal that you like: This might seem like a small thing, but if you enjoy the look and feel of your journal, you’ll be more likely to use it.
  • Set aside time each day: Try to make journaling a habit by setting aside a specific time each day to write.
  • Write freely: Don’t worry about spelling, grammar, or punctuation. Just write down your thoughts and feelings as they come to you.
  • Be honest: Journaling is a way to be honest with yourself. Don’t hold back – write down everything that comes to mind.

💬Quote of the Week

“The best way to predict your future is to create it.” – Abraham Lincoln


🧭Weekly Compass

Here are some resources to help you on your journaling journey:


🧠Food for Thought

Consider these journal prompts to help you get started:

  • What are three things I’m grateful for today?
  • What is one thing I’m proud of myself for today?
  • What is one challenge I faced today, and how did I overcome it?
  • What is one thing I can do tomorrow to make myself feel happy?
  • What are three things I want to accomplish this week?

📖Read & Rise

Here are some recommended articles from our archives:


    🛠️ Tools for Thought

    Here are some tools to help you on your journaling journey:

    • Day One: A journaling app for Mac, iPhone, and iPad.
    • The Five Minute Journal: A physical journal with prompts to help you start your day with gratitude and intention.
    • 750 Words: A website that encourages daily writing by tracking your progress and providing badges for achievements.

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