How to Write a Journal Entry

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Find something that can become your journal.

   You can use a notebook, legal pad, blank book, word processor, journaling application like Red Notebook, or you can also buy journals with locks at Staples or whatever you like for your journal.
   
   Just make sure that it contains blank pages you can write on, and that the pages are bound up so they won't scatter and get lost. , If you chose to use a word processor in Step 1, you can skip this step.
   
   If you're using an actual book, locate a pen you like. (You can use pencil to write in your journal, but it will fade dramatically over time.) Some journal-keepers have a particular brand of pens that they prefer, or they favor a certain style (such as gel pen over ballpoint).
   
   Either way, your writing implement should feel comfortable in your hand and help you write at a pace you enjoy. , You might want to bring your journal with you wherever you go, so that you can write down your thoughts as they strike you.
   
   You could choose a particular time each day to sit down and clear your head.
   
   Whatever you decide, make it a habit.
   
   Journaling as part of a routine will make you more likely to stick with it. , Place yourself in an environment that makes you feel calm and want to write , whether it's the privacy of your own room or a busy coffee shop.
   
   If you're not sure where you like to write, try out a few different locations at different times during the day. , This may seem a real drag, but this is the only real rule when it comes to keeping a journal.
   
   You’ll be amazed just how useful having each entry dated can be. , As you begin your journal entry, write down your thoughts as they occur to you.
   
   If you're stumped, start out by discussing what you did during the day, or any major epiphanies you've had lately.
   
   These topics might lead you to other interesting topics about with you can write.
   
   Try to see your journal as "thinking on paper." Your thoughts don't need to be perfectly constructed or written with the right grammar and punctuation.
   
   Instead, try to think of your journal as a space where you can write out and organize your thoughts and feelings.
   
   Don't feel self-conscious.
   
   Unless you're planning on showing your journal to someone else, remember that it's just for your eyes and don't worry about what other people think.
   
   Feeling free to express yourself is a vital part of keeping a meaningful journal. , Try incorporating different styles of writing into your journal, such as lists, poems, screenplays or stream-of-consciousness writing.
   
   You could also include artwork such as sketches, drawings and collages. , You might stop writing as soon as you feel like you've exhausted your thoughts, or after you've reached a certain page limit.
   
   Whatever you choose, stop before you feel completely drained
   - remember, you want to have enough energy to come back to your journal and write again. , Either read it directly after making the entry or set aside a time to read your past entries.
   
   You can potentially gain a lot of insight from going over your journal. , The more dedicated you are to your journal, the more valuable it becomes.
   
   Find ways to make journalism a habit, and keep doing it.
2. 2

   Step 2: Find a writing tool.

3. 3

   Step 3: Set up a routine.

4. 4

   Step 4: Choose a setting that's conducive to writing.

5. 5

   Step 5: Date your entry.

6. 6

   Step 6: Start writing.

7. 7

   Step 7: Be creative.

8. 8

   Step 8: Know when to stop.

9. 9

   Step 9: Reread what you’ve written

10. 10

    Step 10: if you can.

11. 11

    Step 11: Keep writing.

Detailed Guide

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