A Simple Habit...

For the last year or so I have been journaling. I first came across the idea of journalling through the Tim Ferris book Tools of Titans and for one reason or another, I decided to order one on Amazon and start. I liked the idea of a 'Five Minute Journal' but like you, I was a little uncertain about it at first.

I've waited for enough time to pass so that I can report here to you with a little review of the journal and how useful and helpful I have found it.

Firstly, It does take a little adjustment to get used to writing right after you wake up and last thing before you go to sleep, but now it's firmly locked into my daily routine and I actually really enjoy starting and ending the day writing in my journal.

The journal I started with was this one: shorturl.at/ehkJO

That one was really great, however I have now moved over to this one: shorturl.at/gjwIP

I find the 6 Minute Diary more effective. It's also probably a better introduction to journaling because it has much more detail in the first section, which I really enjoyed reading through.

Don't get me wrong, both are great! It's just that the 6 Minute Diary encourages good deeds and phrases things a little differently, which I really liked and it's probably the better choice if you have never journaled before.

Maybe you don't have any clue what I am talking about... let me explain.

These journals become part of your every day routine. First thing in the morning you reflect on three things you are grateful for, and three things that will make the day great. The morning writing is completed with a daily affirmation, that you write yourself. Then in the evening you write about a good deed you did that day, three things that made that day great and lastly, how you will improve.

The 6 Minute Diary also has weekly questions and monthly checkin's, which are a really great addition and help you track habits, goals and just allow you to check in with yourself, how you feel and how you are making progress. Both journal also have weekly challenges which are fun and useful too! I'll admit, I haven't done a lot of them but sometime I read them and decide I'll do it and it always turns out well!

Sounds interesting right?! You should 100% try it. I doubt you'll find a better and more rewarding way to spend £22.

Each journal lasts 6 months or so and if you're like me, after that time you'll be so used to doing it that you wont want to stop. The journals also have chapters before the journal pages that explain how and why all of this is beneficial so I won't go into that here but...

The simple act of feeling gratitude first thing in the morning and before sleep, changes you as a human for the better. It makes me appreciate everything so much more.

The how I will make today great section allows me to plan the day and set myself up for a positive, useful and rewarding day.

And in the evening it forces me to think back to parts of my day that otherwise I might have forgotten about, essentially it really reveals what is truly important, the little things.

The daily affirmations... since I have started doing them I have had so many amazing things happen to me, it's literally like there is some greater force at work.

I honestly can not explain how much I recommend that you start doing this!

I hope you pick one up and make journalling a habit, and I can't wait to hear all about your experiences too.

Stay mindful everyone!