I’ve been journaling for over 5 years now, and let me tell you, it’s been quite the journey. When I first started, I never expected it to change me so much. With each entry, I’ve learned more about myself and how I think. Over time, I’ve realized a few things that held me back from getting the most out of journaling at the beginning. In this blog post, I’m excited to share these insights with you so that you can start enjoying the benefits of journaling from Day 1.

Here are 8 things you should avoid doing while journaling:

1. Judging and shaming what you are writing

When I first started journaling, I struggled to be honest with myself. I found it nearly impossible to confront my inner feelings without judgment or shame. Sometimes, I avoided the negative aspects and only focused on the comfortable parts. But I soon realized that this wasn’t the true essence of journaling. By avoiding vulnerability, I was denying myself the opportunity for growth and self-discovery.

But now I understand that it’s okay to have doubts and fears. I’ve learned to embrace my vulnerabilities and appreciate the courage it takes to confront them. Even the darkest parts of myself, once acknowledged in my journal, lose their power to haunt me.

Journaling isn’t just about documenting the good; it’s about embracing the full spectrum of experiences and emotions. I’ve committed to being vulnerable with myself, knowing that it’s all part of my journey towards self-improvement and self-reflection.

2. Being Untruthful

This is crucial. I personally haven’t done it, but if you find yourself doing so, please stop. Remember, your journal is for your eyes only. The essence of journaling lies in expressing your true feelings, even if they’re uncomfortable. Being honest with yourself is key to reaping the full benefits of journaling.

3. Manipulating words

During my early days of journaling, I used to meticulously craft paragraphs, striving for perfection as if I were writing an essay contest entry. There’s no shame in this; It’s just how our brains tend to work. Initially, switching to a more free-flowing, stream-of-consciousness style of writing was challenging, which has since become my favorite journaling method.

Looking back, I realize that I focused more on creating the perfect journal entry rather than delving into my inner feelings. As a result, journaling started to feel like a chore, and I struggled to uncover anything meaningful. When we don’t see results, it’s natural to lose interest. However, I’ve since learned to let go of perfectionism and write in my own authentic voice. Now, I don’t worry about sentence structure, grammar, or spelling. I simply write whatever comes to mind.

Sometimes, my thoughts jump from one topic to another, but I’ve embraced this fluidity. Drawing a line and continuing to write without interruption has become second nature. This approach has been incredibly beneficial, allowing me to uncover insights about myself that I may not have discovered otherwise.

4. Writing mundane details

Although I didn’t fall into this trap myself, I’ve noticed friends who do. It’s easy to get caught up in jotting down repetitive, everyday occurrences like brushing your teeth or going to work. However, these mundane details don’t necessarily add value to your journaling practice. Instead, focus on writing about experiences that offer insight or bring happiness.

For me, I prioritize writing about things that weigh on my mind (which has led to many self-discoveries), moments of joy, my fears, insecurities, goals, and my vision for the future. Each entry should serve a purpose and be driven by intention. By doing so, you can make the most of your journaling journey.

5. Blaming yourself and focusing solely on the negatives

When you’re journaling, it’s totally your personal space, but try not to spend all your time venting about everything that went wrong. It’s okay to let off steam, but remember to use your journal for more than just complaining. I’ve noticed that dwelling too much on the bad stuff just makes me feel worse. Instead, after venting a bit, I switch gears and give myself some positive advice, like I would to a friend. It really helps to lift my mood.

Also, steer clear of putting yourself down or being overly negative. You should always be your own biggest fan and accept yourself completely. Don’t be too hard on yourself; even if others criticize you, don’t join in. You’re awesome just the way you are!

Check out this article if you’re interested in learning how journaling helped me transform my self-talk and self-awareness. It truly changed my life.

6. Pressure to write everything and everyday

Don’t feel pressured to journal every single thing every single day. When I first started journaling, I used to get worried if I didn’t write down every little thing that happened each day. It might sound silly now, but back then, it felt like a big deal. I’d even stress out if I missed a few days in a row, thinking I wasn’t getting any benefits from journaling if I didn’t stick to a strict schedule. But you know what? That’s not how it works.

These days, I journal when I feel like it, and if I miss a couple of days, it’s no big deal. I’m living my life, so I already know what happened—I’m journaling to discover things about myself that I might not have realized otherwise. So, I don’t have to write about every little thing that doesn’t serve that purpose for me. Journaling is like art—it’s a personal practice, and we should tailor it to our own needs. That’s all there is to it.

7. Comparing your journal to others

I’ve come across lots of cute journals on Pinterest and other sites, and at first, I thought that’s how journaling should be. But the truth is, I’m not much of an artist, and I don’t have a ton of time for fancy layouts or decorations. So, I stuck with my own approach—and you know what? It worked for me! I realized that I don’t have to do what everyone else is doing for it to work for me. While I enjoy seeing what others create, my journal is mostly just filled with text—and that’s perfectly fine.

8. Writing just for the sake of journaling

During my early days of journaling, I lost interest in the practice due to the pressure of perfectionism and the need to manipulate words. I found myself just going through the motions, checking off journaling from my daily list without really engaging with it. I set a timer for five minutes and would write until the timer ran out, even if I had nothing substantial to write about. This monotonous routine left me feeling bored and uninspired, and I worried that I might eventually give up on journaling altogether.

However, over time, my perspective on journaling shifted dramatically. I’ve come to love the process, eagerly anticipating my journaling sessions each day. Journaling has become a source of calmness and stress relief for me, providing invaluable insights into myself and boosting my self-awareness and confidence. Whether I fill five pages or just a few lines, I no longer set limits on my journaling. I’ve learned that journaling is an inherently personal activity, and each individual must tailor it to their own purposes and goals.

When you start journaling, you might struggle to adapt to this new habit. This holds true for any new habit we try to cultivate; mastering it takes time, trial, and error. Journaling follows the same pattern.

Reflecting on my journal entries from five years ago, I notice that they were quite basic and mundane. However, I persisted and kept writing, and now I genuinely appreciate the benefits of journaling. My advice to you all is simple: start journaling, no matter your writing style. Don’t judge your entries; just keep writing with a basic intention in mind.