THIS 5 Part Journaling System Changed My Life Completely (How to Journal)

Summary

In her video, Liz, a graphic designer turned calligrapher, shares her 20-year journey with journaling, revealing its profound impact on her life. She outlines a five-part journaling system that includes a yearly goal tracker, monthly habit tracker, daily reflections with five key prompts, a monthly review known as the Wheel of Life, and time blocking using a digital app. Liz emphasizes that journaling is a tool for transformation rather than aesthetics, encouraging viewers to find their unique methods and embrace the process, regardless of setbacks. Her insights aim to inspire both new and seasoned journalers to engage deeply with their practice.

Takeaways

• 😀 Journaling can significantly transform your life by helping you clarify your thoughts and goals.
• 📝 A structured journaling system, like Liz's five-part approach, can enhance the effectiveness of your journaling practice.
• 📅 The yearly goals tracker serves as a daily reminder of your top priorities, keeping you focused throughout the year.
• 🔄 A monthly habit tracker helps ensure daily actions align with long-term goals, fostering consistency and accountability.
• 💡 Daily journaling prompts can guide self-reflection and provide insights into your feelings and responses to daily events.
• 🎨 Aesthetics in journaling should not overshadow its purpose; focus on clarity and personal growth instead.
• ⏳ Flexibility in journaling is essential; using undated sheets can help you overcome the pressure of missed entries.
• 🤝 Reflection on relationships and personal growth can be visualized through tools like the Wheel of Life diagram.
• ✍️ Handwriting can be more beneficial than typing for journaling, promoting better memory retention and deeper thought organization.
• 💪 Embrace the process of journaling as a tool for transformation, allowing yourself to evolve in your unique way.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of journaling according to Liz?

The main purpose of journaling is personal transformation, helping individuals filter and organize their thoughts and feelings to make meaningful decisions in their lives.

What are the key components of Liz's five-part journaling system?

Liz's five-part journaling system includes a yearly goal tracker, monthly habit tracker, daily journal, monthly review, and time blocking using a digital app.

Why does Liz recommend using dotted paper for journaling?

Dotted paper provides structure while allowing flexibility for individuals to create their own layouts, making it easier to personalize their journaling experience.

What specific prompts does Liz use for her daily journaling?

The five prompts Liz uses are: What bothered me today? What can be improved tomorrow? What’s today's mantra? What’s today's prayer? What am I grateful for today?

How does Liz track her progress toward her yearly goals?

Liz uses checkboxes in her yearly goal tracker to visually indicate her progress on each goal throughout the year.

What is the significance of the monthly review in Liz's journaling system?

The monthly review allows Liz to evaluate her progress in key life areas such as relationships, health, wealth, and growth, helping her identify areas for improvement.

Why does Liz prefer handwriting over typing for her journal entries?

Liz prefers handwriting because it promotes better memorization, allows for deeper reflection, provides a sense of control, and offers a calming tactile experience.

What challenges did Liz face with bullet journaling?

Liz found that bullet journaling became time-consuming and stressed her out due to her focus on aesthetics, which distracted from the transformative purpose of journaling.

How can individuals overcome the challenge of skipping journaling entries?

Liz suggests that skipping days is okay and encourages individuals to start again without guilt. Journaling should be an inclined practice rather than an obligation.

What does Liz mean by the term 'Wheel of Life' in her monthly review?

The 'Wheel of Life' refers to a circular diagram where Liz evaluates and scores her performance in various life categories, aiming to expand her scores as much as possible each month.