A journal can be a chronicle of your daily activities, a summary of your innermost thoughts, or simply a way to track your progress while carrying out a job. What you write in your journal is a personal choice, but here are some guidelines to get you started.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Write a Personal Journal
Step 1. Find something that can become your diary
You can use a notebook, a notepad, a computer, programs for writing diaries like RedNotebook, or you can buy a real diary with a lot of padlock. Just make sure that what you choose has lots of blank pages to write on and that the sheets can't get confused or lost.
Step 2. Choose the tool to write with
If you chose to use a computer in the previous step, skip this step. Otherwise, look for a pen you like (you could use a pencil, but it will fade more and more over time). Some people who write journals prefer a certain brand or type of pen. However, the pen you choose should be comfortable and should allow you to write at your own pace.
Step 3. Create a routine
You could carry the diary with you at all times, so you can write at any time, or you could choose a specific time of day to sit and empty your mind on paper. Whatever you choose, make it a habit. If you write your journal as part of a routine, it will be easier to keep doing it.
Step 4. Write in an environment that is easy to write
Choose an environment that makes you feel comfortable while writing, whether it's in your bedroom alone, or in a café full of people. If you have no idea what place is right for you, try a few at different times of the day.
Step 5. Write down the date each time you write
It may sound boring, but it's the only real thing that sets a journal from a messy collection of thoughts. You will be surprised how useful it is to have written all those dates.
Step 6. Start writing
To begin, write down the thoughts that come to your mind. If you're stuck, start describing your day, or any of the topics you've been thinking about recently. These topics could inspire you to write something interesting.
- Look at your journal as if they were thoughts on paper. Your thoughts don't have to be grammatically perfect or with flawless punctuation. Your diary should be a place to organize and write down your thoughts and feelings.
- Don't worry about the opinion of others. If you don't plan on having someone read your journal, remember that what you write is for your eyes only. Feeling free to express yourself is a key part of writing a journal.
Step 7. Be creative
Try using different writing styles in your journal, such as lists, poems, scripts, and streams of consciousness. You will also be able to insert drawings, collages and sketches.
Step 8. Know when to stop
You may stop writing when you feel you have run out of thoughts, or after you have reached a certain page limit. Whatever you choose, stop writing before you've drained all your inspiration - otherwise you risk not writing anymore.
Step 9. Reread what you wrote if you can
Reread immediately after writing, or take a moment to read what you've recently written. You can clarify many things by rereading your diary.
Step 10. Keep writing
The more you commit to writing regularly in your diary, the more it will acquire value. Find a way to make writing a habit, and keep writing.
Step 11. Hide the diary
It's something personal, encompassing all your private thoughts, good and bad, and you may feel violated if someone reads them. Make sure you keep your innermost secrets safe by hiding the diary somewhere.
Method 2 of 2: Write a School Journal
Step 1. Try to understand the task well
Have you been asked to keep a journal of your personal experiences, or a journal of your thoughts while reading a book? Whatever the assignment is, be sure to read it until you get it right.
Step 2. Set deadlines and meet them
You will probably need to write a number of notes in your journal to finish the task. Instead of trying to write everything down the night before you have to turn in the journal, try to give yourself deadlines. If you keep forgetting to write, put an alarm on your phone, or ask someone to remind you.
Step 3. Write down the date each time you write
Start each note with the date. If you want, you can also write down the time.
Step 4. Start writing
A line or two below the date, start writing. Here are some tips to consider if you're writing a journal as an assignment:
- Reflect on what you have learned. How do you plan to apply it in life?
- Mention parts of the book or assignment that you found significant. After writing the quote, explain why you like it.
- Share your thoughts and impressions on the assignment. For example, if you have to write a journal while reading a book, you can talk about your thoughts on a certain character or chapter.
Step 5. Write in the first person
A diary must be a collection of your thoughts, so you should write it using the first person. This means using "I", "me", "mine", "me" in sentences.
Step 6. Make sure you write enough
If the assignment specifies the length of each note, hit that number. Otherwise try to write 200-300 words per note.
Step 7. End each note with a concluding thought
To finish your note of the day, a good way can be to summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two. For example, you could write "What I really learned today is …" or "I'd like to think more about …"
Advice
- If it's been a while since you last wrote, don't try to write about all the interesting past events - this would be the end of your journal. Start writing about the present, and if something significant, recently happened, is still in your head, you can add it. Think of your diary as "snapshots" rather than a detailed video of your life.
- You don't have to start with "Dear Diary". It may seem strange to you. Write to anyone, yourself or anyone.
- In some cases, a shower or bath can help you remember the day.
- Give a temporal context to the activities you have done. Eg morning from x to x.
- Write real dialogue. Make your diary look like a book.
- Write the addresses, phone numbers, emails of your best friends, so you can find them in the future.
- Writing a diary could almost become an obsession if you do it regularly. Don't expect to quit easily!
