Have you ever caught yourself chatting about the weather all week but feeling like you achieved nothing? You might be stuck in a rut—and starting a journal could be exactly what you need to break free.

Now, I get it. Journaling might sound like something only poets or productivity gurus do. You might be thinking, “I don’t have time for that,” or “I can’t even pick a journal because I don’t like how they look.” (Cue the journal sitting in your Amazon cart for months.) But if that’s you, let’s talk about why journaling is worth a shot.

Why Journaling is Liberating

Journaling is more than just writing—it’s a tool for self-reflection, productivity, and personal growth. Instead of venting about your nasty coworker at the watercooler or sending that passive-aggressive text to your bestie, try writing it down in a journal. You’ll be surprised how therapeutic it feels to get those thoughts out of your head and onto paper.

Step 1: Commit to Old-School Writing

Forget typing—this is about putting pen to paper. Whether your journal costs 5or5or75, pick one that speaks to you. And don’t forget the pen! (Yes, people have strong opinions about pens. Personally, I’m a Sharpie S-Gel and Pilot V5 Extra Fine fan, but your handwriting might have its own personality—mine certainly does.)

Once you’ve got your tools, stare down that first blank page. Don’t overthink it. Forget about making it pretty or planning what to write. Just let your brain vomit out whatever it’s holding onto. Write a full page, even if it’s that watercooler rant you’ve been dying to share.

When you read it back, you might notice your foul language or harsh tone. How does that feel? Now imagine if that text message or email was ever discovered. Yikes. Journaling lets you process those emotions without the risk of collateral damage.

My Unintentional Journaling Journey

I accidentally started journaling in 2023 when I bought a daily planner to track work progress and milestones. What began as a productivity tool quickly turned into a space for creative and thoughtful reflection. I started tracking where I was spending my time and effort, and it was eye-opening.

At first, my entries were simple: “Made homemade dinner,” “Planned the weekly meal schedule,” or “Cooked the dog a fresh meal.” But over time, it evolved into something bigger. My planner became a book of inspiration, helping me focus not just on daily tasks but also on long-term goals.

Today, I have a dedicated journal for jotting down thoughts, ideas, and inspiration. I even use it to track books I want to read, movies to watch, and quotes that resonate with me. I first heard about the concept of a bedside journal on LinkedIn—apparently, jotting down thoughts before bed can spark big ideas. (I’m not there yet—sleep hygiene is a whole other project.)

How Journaling Can Help You

Could journaling work for you? Start small: five minutes before bed every day for a week. Write about anything—your thoughts, that Netflix show everyone’s raving about, or even your overflowing email inbox. Your journal might just become your new favorite bedside companion.

Don’t be afraid to skip pages, make lists, doodle, or scratch things out. Mood boards are great, but sometimes going back to basics is what you really need.

The Power of Writing: A Timeless Tool

Writing has been around for thousands of years. Take the Rosetta Stone, for example—it was the key to deciphering ancient hieroglyphics and unlocking our understanding of the past. In the same way, journaling can be the key to understanding what’s going on in your own head.

Think back to that watercooler rant about your coworker. Write it down, then read it a week later. Does it sound harsh? Is that who you want to be? What if your coworker is dealing with a personal crisis, a bad diagnosis, or a tough relationship? Journaling helps you reflect and grow, so you can approach situations with more empathy and self-awareness.

If your journal is filled with stories about how everyone is an “a**hole,” maybe the problem isn’t them. Just a thought. Journaling holds you accountable, helping you track your thoughts, actions, and progress toward your goals.

Start Small, Fail Fast

Still unsure? Start small. My favorite rule is to commit to just five minutes a day. If it doesn’t work for you, that’s okay—fail fast and move on. But give it a real shot. You might discover a creative outlet, a way to organize your thoughts, or even a new perspective on life.

I started a fitness routine by committing to just 15 minutes a day. Journaling can be just as transformative. Whether it’s a list of books to read, movies to watch, or goals to achieve, your journal can become a space for reflection, growth, and inspiration.

What Will You Do With 5 Minutes?

Journaling isn’t just for motivational speakers or Matthew McConaughey (yes, he wrote a journal). It’s for anyone looking to understand themselves better, manage their time, and achieve their goals. So, grab a journal, pick a pen, and start writing. You might be surprised at what you discover.

What will you do with five minutes? Share your thoughts in the comments or email me at connect@liproti.com.