why everyone should be journaling
with 6 journal prompts to get you started at the end.
Did you ever get in trouble as a kid, or have a very awkward conversation because someone found your “diary”? Join the club. I have journaled for longer than I have known what the word means. That is part of why having a Substack feels so natural to me. One thing about me? I will write it down, and I have been writing things down for as long as I can remember. That is why, when I make the claim that everyone should be journaling, I say it having seen firsthand what a phenomenal practice it is.
Why do people journal, and why should you?
Put simply, journaling is an outlet, and one of the best ones if you ask me. Other people find different ways to express themselves, like speaking to a friend or telling the internet. Journaling, despite not have a great feedback loop since you are basically talking to yourself. is a written form of expression that people turn to for many reasons, including simply ironing out their thoughts. For example, I wrote about my plan to write this Substack in my journal before I ever typed it out.
I believe people think journaling has to be so serious, but it really does not. You do not need to write four pages at a time to do it “correctly.” You do not need the most expensive journal out there (unless you want it, in which case, why not). Most importantly, you do not need the right words to have it written down.
My journal is the messiest yet most beautiful book I own, because it is a true representation of where my head is at, at any given time. If you are anything like me, you probably have a different journal for different purposes.
A list of my journals
Spiritual journey journal
Reading journal
Thought dump journal
Work journal
Journals are a great way to archive my thoughts and list out my plans, but also to process them better. Mine has carried me through the highest highs and the lowest lows, through the times I had only two sentences to say and the times I was up at 3am planning out the rest of my life. If someone asked me which habit I think is great for personal development, I would definitely say journaling.
We all have an idea of where we want to be, but thoughts can be so fleeting and easily forgotten. Having a journal, or better yet, journal prompts that make you reflect on where you are coming from and where you are going, is the best way to stay on track and maintain focus.
If you ever find yourself unable to stick to the vision and goals you believe will get you where you want to be, get a journal, find good prompts that align with where you are going, and make it a habit to write in it. Not only will you constantly remember your why, but you will also have a great way of seeing how far you have come, physically and mentally.
How to get started
The apparatus
If you are old fashioned like me, all you really need is a pen and a sturdy enough book, diary, or whatever works for you. Since journals are very personal, you might be at risk of someone reading through it (even though I think we are grown enough to be passed that now). That said, digital journals work too. They give you a bit more control and can help you feel more secure pouring yourself out.
When it comes to digital platforms to use as a journal, I would definitely recommend the Notes app. Nobody does it quite like she does. Playstore and Appstore also have a wide selection of options you can choose from.
How often should you do it?
Honestly, as many times as you please. I journal a lot, and because I have so many journals, there is never a thought I cannot iron out somewhere. I go from having conversations with God, to dissecting the last book I read, to airing out my umpteenth business idea. My point is, do not feel boxed in by needing a “perfect time” to journal.
What do you journal about if you do not know where to start?
Enter journal prompts! They are honestly the best thing since sliced bread. Sometimes you do not even know what you need to let out until you see a good set of prompts to get you going.
With that in mind, here are 6 journal prompts for anyone who is just getting started with journaling and needs a little nudge. I will have more of these up as the weeks go by, so definitely be on the lookout for those.
July 2026 Journal Prompts
How has the first half of the year been for me?
What did I do well, and what can I do better on?
What season of life am I in right now?
What are three things I am grateful for today, and why do they matter to me?
What are my current priorities, and how am I going to show up for them?
If fear wasn’t a factor, what would I pursue in the next 6 months of the year?