5 Life Changing Journaling Habits from the Stoics

Summary

In this script, Ryan Holiday discusses the transformative power of journaling, particularly in the context of Stoic philosophy. He shares his personal journey with journaling, which has become an integral part of his morning routine. Holiday emphasizes the importance of starting small, using tools like the 'one line a day' journal to build the habit. He also touches on the value of physical journals over digital notes, citing the enduring legacy of historical figures like Leonardo da Vinci and the practical benefits of having a private space to reflect and process thoughts. The script offers insights into how journaling can serve as an ongoing practice for self-improvement and a tool for navigating life's challenges.

Takeaways

• 📔 Ryan Holiday emphasizes the importance of journaling as a daily routine, which he incorporates into his morning ritual.
• 🎨 Holiday was inspired to consistently journal after seeing his friend Casey Neistat's collection of journals filled with creative thoughts.
• 📘 He has written multiple books and credits journaling as an integral part of his philosophical journey, particularly in the study of Stoicism.
• 🔄 Holiday suggests starting with a simple journaling practice, such as a one-sentence journal, to build the habit and momentum.
• 🌱 He recommends using various types of journals like gratitude, one-liner, or daily Stoic journals to explore different aspects of one's life.
• ✍️ The script highlights that journaling is not just for recording thoughts but also as a tool for self-reflection and engaging with Stoic philosophy.
• 🗂 Walter Isaacson's anecdote about Steve Jobs illustrates the enduring value of physical journals compared to digital records that can become obsolete.
• 🧠 Journaling serves as a mental exercise, helping to externalize thoughts and gain perspective, which can reduce stress and anxiety.
• 📜 Epictetus's advice to keep thoughts at hand and engage with them regularly is echoed in the practice of journaling as a form of ongoing self-improvement.
• 🌟 Anne Frank's diary entry about paper being more patient than people underscores the value of journaling as a safe and private space for expressing one's thoughts.
• 🛠 Journaling can also be a form of creative practice, as seen with President Kennedy's notes during the Cuban Missile Crisis, helping to clarify thoughts and emotions.

Q & A

What is Ryan Holiday's morning routine after spending time with his kids?

Ryan Holiday's morning routine after spending time with his kids involves sitting down with his journals.

How long has Ryan Holiday been journaling?

Ryan Holiday has been journaling off and on for most of his life, but it became a consistent habit after a conversation with his friend Casey Neistat.

What inspired Ryan Holiday to start journaling consistently?

Seeing Casey Neistat's collection of journals filled with years of creative thinking inspired Ryan Holiday to start journaling consistently.

How many books has Ryan Holiday written?

Ryan Holiday has written 11 or 12 books.

What is the connection between stoicism and journaling according to Ryan Holiday?

Ryan Holiday believes that stoicism and journaling are inseparable, as journaling is a significant part of his philosophical journey through stoicism.

What is the Daily Stoic Journal and how does Ryan Holiday use it?

The Daily Stoic Journal is a journal with prompts that Ryan Holiday uses to reflect on questions daily, exploring topics such as preparation for challenges and viewing difficulties as lessons.

What is Ryan Holiday's advice for someone starting a journaling practice?

Ryan Holiday advises starting small, like writing one line a day, and not stressing about tools or time, emphasizing the importance of building the habit first.

Why does Ryan Holiday prefer physical journals over digital methods?

Ryan Holiday prefers physical journals because they are more enduring than digital files, which can become inaccessible over time, and he appreciates the tangibility and permanence of writing on paper.

How does Ryan Holiday view the role of journaling in personal development?

Ryan Holiday sees journaling as an active practice and a dialogue with oneself, which is essential for personal development and understanding one's own thoughts and feelings.

What historical figure's journaling practice does Ryan Holiday mention and why is it significant?

Ryan Holiday mentions Anne Frank's diary as an example of how journaling can provide a patient and forgiving outlet for thoughts and emotions during times of stress.

How does Ryan Holiday relate journaling to the actions of President John F. Kennedy during the Cuban Missile Crisis?

Ryan Holiday relates journaling to President John F. Kennedy's doodling and note-taking during the Cuban Missile Crisis, highlighting how it helped Kennedy process his thoughts and emotions in a low-stakes environment.