The ULTIMATE guide to keeping a Journal (2024)

A journal is as a comprehensive tool for personal growth, documenting life experiences, tracking personal progress, and facilitating goal-setting by acting as a repository for your valuable ideas, dreams, and goals.

Choose a blank sketchbook or journal. The absence of lines encourages freedom of expression and creativity.

Personalize the inside of the front cover with inspirational quotes, images, or anything that motivates you. This is the first thing you'll see each time you open your journal, so make it impactful.

Write your name and the current year on the spine of the journal for easy identification and archival purposes.

Write the number of remaining days until you turn 90 on the first page or inside front cover of your journal. This countdown acts as a daily reminder to live intentionally and utilize each day to fulfill your life's missions.

Reserve an initial page in your journal to record your strengths and personality traits, using insights from self-assessment tests or surveys like Myers-Briggs, which can drive your journaling focus and understand your strengths.

Divide the journal into six main sections that will cover different areas of your life or interests.

[The "6-in-1 Method" encourages journaling in when inspired, not out of obligation, and emphasizes functionality over aesthetics.]

1. Personal Growth
2. Goals
3. Daily Reflections
4. Gratitude
5. Learning
6. Creativity

Allocate approximately 15-20 pages (front and back) for each section, adjusting based on your anticipated needs. This allocation ensures a balanced approach to journaling across various life aspects.

The back cover of the journal serves as a map, outlining life goals in the realms of work, rest, and play, to ensure a balanced and fulfilling life journey.

Commit to a regular journaling routine, whether daily or several times a week, focusing on the sections that resonate most with you at any given time. Use this as a tool for reflection, planning, and tracking progress.

Periodically review your journal entries to assess progress towards your goals, reflect on personal growth, and adjust your focus as needed. This can be done monthly, quarterly, or at a cadence that suits you.

At the end of the year, review your journal in its entirety to celebrate achievements and learn from challenges. Then, start a new journal for the upcoming year, carrying forward any unfinished goals or continuing reflections.