How To Journal & Why You Should! + New Notion Template

Summary

In this video, Simon discusses the life-changing benefits of daily journaling, backed by studies from Harvard, Cambridge, and Stanford. He explains how journaling can improve work performance, learning retention, well-being, and communication skills. Despite its benefits, many people struggle with consistency. Simon offers simple tools and approaches, including journaling apps and templates in Notion, to help users build a habit. He highlights ancient techniques from Stoic philosophy, such as gratitude, goal setting, and reflective writing, to guide daily journaling. Ultimately, the video empowers viewers to incorporate journaling into their routines for greater success and happiness.

Takeaways

• 😀 Journaling has been shown to improve work performance, learning retention, mental well-being, and communication skills, according to studies by Harvard, Cambridge, and Stanford.
• 😀 Successful people swear by journaling, and it’s not just a coincidence—daily journaling can have a profound positive impact on your life.
• 😀 Journaling helps with reflection, which is critical for learning and personal development. As philosopher John Dewey said, 'We do not learn by experience, we learn from reflecting on experience.'
• 😀 Writing about stressful or traumatic events for just 15-20 minutes has been proven to improve both physical and psychological health.
• 😀 Clear thinking and communication are linked to regular journaling. Studies show that writing helps articulate thoughts more effectively, improving both speaking and writing.
• 😀 Overcoming the barrier of friction is key to maintaining a journaling habit. Choosing the right tool (e.g., paper, digital apps, or Notion templates) can make a big difference in consistency.
• 😀 The four main tools for journaling include: paper and pen, digital notebooks (like GoodNotes), specialized journaling apps (like Day One or Stoic), and customizable systems like Notion.
• 😀 Notion is a personal favorite for journaling due to its adaptability, frictionless interface, and integration with other tools. It allows for creating customized, prompted journaling templates.
• 😀 Prompts are essential for effective journaling. Inspired by Stoic philosophers like Marcus Aurelius, journaling prompts can guide reflection on gratitude, setting intentions, rational thinking, and behavior analysis.
• 😀 The use of journaling templates in Notion, such as success and gratitude prompts or creative statements, helps overcome the blank page and keeps you consistently writing.
• 😀 Fear-setting, a concept popularized by Tim Ferriss, is a journaling prompt that helps identify and tackle your fears by breaking them down into manageable steps. This is just one of many prompt types in a comprehensive journaling system.

Q & A

What is the main focus of this video?

The video focuses on the benefits of daily journaling and how it can improve performance, well-being, and communication. It also introduces various journaling tools and methods to help viewers build a consistent journaling habit.

Why is journaling important according to studies from Harvard, Cambridge, and Stanford?

Studies have shown that journaling can significantly improve performance at work, learning retention, well-being after stressful events, and communication skills. Journaling helps individuals reflect on their experiences, which enhances both mental and emotional well-being.

What is the 'why' behind committing to journaling?

Understanding the 'why' behind journaling—such as its positive impact on success and well-being—helps people commit to the practice. When you know how journaling can benefit you, it becomes easier to integrate it into your daily routine.

What are some key benefits of journaling as shown in the research?

Key benefits include increased work performance (up to 25%), improved physical and psychological health after stress, and enhanced communication skills. Journaling also allows individuals to reflect on their experiences, which leads to clearer thinking and better decision-making.

How do journaling tools help overcome the friction of starting a journaling habit?

The right journaling tools reduce the friction of starting a journaling habit by making the process more convenient and accessible. Tools like digital notebooks or Notion templates make it easy to write consistently without feeling overwhelmed by the blank page.

What are the four main journaling tools suggested in the video?

The four main journaling tools suggested are: 1) Paper and pen for a personal touch, 2) Digital notebooks for searchability and flexibility, 3) Specialized journaling apps like Day One or Zen Journal for guided experiences, and 4) Notion templates for a customizable, friction-free journaling system.

What is the advantage of using Notion for journaling?

Notion offers a highly customizable journaling experience, allowing users to create personalized prompts and track their entries. The tool integrates with other resources, offers various views (like calendar view), and removes friction with features like speech-to-text, making it easy to maintain a consistent journaling habit.

What role do journaling prompts play in making journaling effective?

Journaling prompts provide guidance and structure, helping individuals reflect deeply on specific aspects of their life, such as gratitude, goals, fears, and behavior. Prompts reduce the overwhelm of staring at a blank page and encourage meaningful reflection.

How does the Stoic philosophy relate to journaling?

The Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius used journaling as a tool for reflection and self-improvement. His journaling approach focused on prompts related to gratitude, goal-setting, rational thinking, and behavioral reflection, which are still relevant for modern journaling practices.

What are some examples of journaling prompts mentioned in the video?

Examples include prompts about accomplishments and gratitude, creating '5-minute creator statements' for self-reflection, fear-setting exercises inspired by Tim Ferriss, and unsent letters. These prompts help users focus on their personal growth, creative process, and emotional well-being.