How to Build a Daily Personal Journaling Habit

That being said, you should try a handwritten journal first, and give it at least a few weeks. Your personal journal will be more authentic, because you can't edit your words with a few clicks.

Research also shows that writing by hand stimulates the brain's reticular activating system, which means that whatever you're thinking about is brought to the forefront of your mind, helping you to focus on it.

Create the Right Journaling Environment

The key here is to make sure you won't be distracted if you hear a notification. This will make your journaling about you and your writing, and nothing else.

Keeping your journal private is important, even if you don't care whether other people read it or not. You may not mind if someone reads your personal journal, but if you don't trust that your thoughts are private, then you aren't going to be completely honest.

You may consciously or sub-consciously avoid writing about certain topics for fear of what others could think. This fear may hold you back from writing about stuff that matters in your journal.

Remember that this is your own private, personal journal. It is important in daily journaling that you be honest with yourself - or what's the point?

A journal is a reflection of your thoughts and emotions, so treat it that way and don't limit what you write. Be open and honest about how you're feeling, because if you can't be honest with yourself, you can't be honest with anyone.

Record how you really feel, not how you think you should feel.

When you start your journaling habit, make that your main priority, commit to it for at least 30 days, and, to get the best results, tie it to another pre-existing habit of yours. For example, if you start your day with a cup of coffee, you could decide to journal every morning while you drink your coffee.