The Simple Habit to Clarity and Growth: How to Start Journaling Like a Pro

I journal.

I mean I journal a lot.

Like a lot.

I've been consistently journaling since 2017/2018.

This is the latest stack of completed journals.

The earliest one is from mid-2021.

The rest are in boxes in the garage.

Like I said I journal a lot.

And from such a volume, I’ve learnt and grown a lot through this simple practice.

So simple that all you need is a pen and paper (or a notebook in my case).

A little background on what got me journaling in the first place:

For most of my teenage years, I struggled with anxiety and depression.

I struggled a lot with being stuck in my head and in spirals of thoughts that never seemed to end.

2017-2018 was a big transition in my life as I finished high school and was entering university.

Everything was new and everything was happening fast.

Between adjusting to the new city I had moved to,

figuring out how the university worked and

how to make friends all over again,

I was lost, overwhelmed and confused.

My anxiety was increasing and I felt on edge a lot.

If my anxiety wasn’t up, then I was spiralling down into a depressive episode.

After the first semester, I went back home for the holidays.

While going through my shelves and clearing out old stuff, I found an empty notebook.

I couldn’t remember why I had it or where it came from.

But I had it now.

I remembered how as a kid, I had a diary.

And I wrote the most random things in it:

• Juicy gossip (as juicy as grade 4/ 5 gossip could get).

• Drawings of my favourite character in Dragon Ball Z.

• Why I was mad at my mom or dad.

• What I did at school that day.

• A crush

And as inconsistent as I was as a kid, I wrote in that diary.

Then I thought, “Why don’t I start writing again?”

Writing ‘Dear Diary’ in a notebook at my age felt quite weird.

So I got onto the internet and Googled, “how to start journaling.”

And it's crazy to think, a single search changed my whole life:

• My thinking improved

• My mental health improved

• Regular emotional regulation

• Mental clarity is a day-to-day norm

• I make clear, well-informed decisions

• I write better (no doubt journaling is why I started writing online)

And overall I’m a better version of myself.

So many incredible benefits have poured into my life because I spend 15-20 minutes a day writing on a page.

And I want the same for you.

Since I’ve been journaling for so long, my journaling practice has evolved.

So I want to show you the powerful ways on how you can use journaling in your life.

If you’re feeling scattered, uncertain, or constantly stuck in reaction mode, it’s likely because there’s no time or space to reflect and plan. This is where journaling can be a powerful ally—providing you with mental clarity, focus, and a clearer path to personal and business growth.

Here are 3 ways to get started with journaling so it works for you:

1. Journaling for Clarity

Every entrepreneur has moments of uncertainty and overwhelm.

A lack of clarity can mean missed opportunities and wasted time.

Journaling is a way to dump out your thoughts, process challenges, and make sense of the mental clutter that clouds decision-making.

How to Start:

• Set aside 5-10 minutes each morning or evening.

• Write freely about whatever’s on your mind—challenges, thoughts, ideas, or even questions you’re stuck on.

• Focus on letting your thoughts flow; there’s no right or wrong here.

By journaling regularly, you’ll start seeing patterns in your thinking and better understand what matters and come up with new solutions and perspectives.

In anything you do, you want to have clarity.

And clarity comes from clearing away the clutter.

Especially the clutter in your head.

2. Journaling for Planning

Once you gain clarity, use journaling to plan and structure your time.

With better planning, you’ll make more intentional moves, grow your business faster, and avoid the endless cycle of busyness that leads to burnout.

How to Start:

• Dedicate a page each week to outline your top goals.

• Break down these goals into actionable steps and timelines.

• Reflect on what you accomplished each day or week and set new intentions for the upcoming day or week.

This will help you set purposeful goals and reach them, giving you a competitive edge and propelling your business forward.

3. Journaling for Reflection

Reflection is the secret to consistent growth.

Personal and professional growth.

It’s not just about what you’ve achieved but understanding how you achieved it—and where you can improve.

Journaling for reflection helps you identify successes, challenges, and growth areas, making sure you don’t repeat mistakes and consistently level up.

How to Start:

• Take 5 minutes at the end of the day to jot down key takeaways.

• Ask yourself: What went well today? What could have been better?

• Reflect on wins and challenges, noting insights to guide future actions.

Reflective journaling keeps you focused on progress, empowering you to adjust your approach, work smarter, and maximise each opportunity.

My journaling practice doesn’t follow a specific structure.

I usually let the page and the words guide me as I write.

Don’t focus on being perfect.

Especially in the beginning.

It’s going to be messy.

Let it be.

With time and consistent effort, the mess will fall away and you’ll be led to pieces of gold that were waiting to be discovered.

When you commit to a simple journaling routine, you’ll build a powerful habit that grounds you, enhances your decision-making, and keeps your goals front and centre.

You’ll be better equipped to overcome challenges, catch growth opportunities, and make more impactful moves.

Getting Started

As I’ve said, this is a simple practice.

All you need is a pen and a piece of paper.

You can do this digitally too, I just prefer the analogue style because it forces you to slow down.

Bringing you more into the present moment.

Grab a notebook and start with just 5 minutes today.

When it gets uncomfortable, challenge yourself to push through it, there’s so much beauty on the other side.

Your future self will thank you.

And I’m saying this as my ‘future’ self to my 17/18-year-old self who started with that simple notebook she found in her room.

If you’ve read this far, I want to thank you.

I can’t believe we’re already in the last month of 2024.

It’s been quite the year.

Reply to this email with your 2024 notes, I’d love to hear about your year.

Anyway, that’s all from me.

I hope you enjoyed this newsletter as much as I enjoyed writing it.

See you in the next one.

— Shana