If you are lacking inspiration for your journal, you are far from alone. Many find that it can be hard to come up with new pages, especially if you have just started.
The good news is that there are very many ways to use a journal. You can combine planning, reflection, creativity and small everyday moments in one and the same notebook.
Here are 50 ideas for pages you can make in your journal.
Short answer: The most popular pages in a journal are trackers, diaries, to-do lists, reading lists and creative pages. If you are in doubt, start with a weekly spread, a habit tracker and a simple diary page.
If you want to work more with structure and habits, you can also read our guide to things you can track in your journal.
Planning and structure
- Weekly plan
- Monthly overview
- To-do list
- Priority list
- Habit tracker
- Target for the month
- Goals for the year
- Budget side
- Cleaning schedule
- Meal plan
Personal development
- Diary
- Reflection on the day
- Gratitude list
- Things that give energy
- Things that drain you
- Goals and dreams
- Vision board and journal
- Self-love notes
- Affirmations
- Learning and experience
Reading journal ideas
- Books you have read
- Books you want to read
- Reading list for the year
- Book reviews
- Favourite book quotes
- Book notes
- Genres you read
- Number of pages read
- To be read list
- Reading tracker
If you want to get started with a reading journal, you can read our guide to what is a reading journal.
Creative sides
- Drawings
- Doodles
- Collage
- Scrapbooking
- Colour schemes
- Moodboards
- Stickersider
- Washi tape layouts
- Creative brainstorms
- Idea bank
See our selection of stickers and washi tape.
Everyday life
- Film you have seen
- Series you follow
- Podcasts
- Recipes
- Travel plans
- Memories of everyday life
- Daily small victories
- Weather
- Screen time
- Energy level
Organisation and overview
- Projects
- Shopping lists
- Wishlist
- Calendar
- To note
- Gift ideas
- Packing lists
- Checklists
- Contacts
- Notes for work or study
Which notebook is best for journaling
The choice of notebook has a major impact on how you use your journal.
In Dot grid notebook is good for layouts, trackers and creative pages.
A lined notebook is good for a diary and longer text. You can read more in our guide to dot grid vs lined notebook.
See the full selection of Notebooks and journals.
Which pens can you use
The choice of pen depends on how you use your journal. Many combine several types to achieve both structure and creativity.
Typically you would use:
- fineliners for structure and detail
- gel pens for writing
- brush pens for headings and decoration
View our selection here:
Most people use a combination of pens in their journal.
If you want help choosing, you can read our guide to Which pen is best for journaling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can you write in a journal?
You can use a journal for planning, reflection, creativity and an overview. Many people make pages such as weekly plans, trackers, a diary, reading lists and creative layouts.
What should you write in your journal?
You can write about your day, your thoughts, goals, plans, or use it for lists and trackers. There is no right way to do it; the most important thing is that it provides value for you.
How do you get started with journaling?
Start simple with a few pages like a to-do list, a diary or a habit tracker. You can always expand your journal with more pages later.
Which pages are most popular in a journal?
The most popular pages are weekly planners, habit trackers, diary pages, reading lists and creative pages like doodles and collages.
Should a journal be pretty?
No, a journal doesn't need to be neat. The most important thing is that it works for you and is something you want to use.
How do you get ideas for your journal?
You can get inspiration from other journaling setups, guides or by trying different types of pages such as trackers, creative layouts and reflection pages.
