If you would like to start a diary, but do not quite know how, you are not alone. The hardest part is almost always getting started.
Short answer: Choose a notebook and a pen, set aside 5 minutes, and write without thinking too much about it. It doesn't need to be perfect. The most important thing is that you get started with your diary.
In this guide, you get a simple and realistic way to get started, without pressure and without expectations.
What do you need to start a diary
You don't need much.
Begin with:
- a notebook you want to use
- a pen that feels good in the hand
See our selection of Notebooks and journals.
You can find good pens here:
If you are in doubt about choosing a pen, you can read our guide to Which pen is best for journaling.
How to start a diary step by step
If you want to keep it really simple, you can follow these steps:
- choose a notebook you feel like using
- choose a pen that feels good to write with
- Set a timer for 5 minutes
- write the first thing that comes to mind
- stop when the time is up
The most important thing is not what you write, but that you write. It is the action that creates the habit. So you “just” have to write whatever comes to mind.
What should one write at the beginning
Many stop because they do not know what to write.
You can start with:
- what your day has consisted of
- what you are thinking about right now
- how are you doing
How to get started without it having to be perfect
One of the biggest barriers is the feeling that it has to be done right.
Men journaling fungerer bedst, når du:
- writing without editing
- accepting that it doesn't have to be pretty
- focusing on the process rather than the result
You can write messily. It is still valuable, as it is the very act of writing that makes the difference.
How often should one keep a diary
There are no fixed rules.
You can:
- write every day
- write a couple of times a week
- message when you need to
The most important thing is that it feels realistic to you.
How do you make it a habit
If you would like to make journaling a regular part of your daily life, you can:
- choose a fixed time
- start with a few minutes
- make it easy to get started
- tie it to an existing habit
Small habits stick better than big ambitions.
What if you get stuck
It is completely normal to get stuck.
When that happens, you can:
- write one sentence
- use a question as a starting point, e.g. from our guide to Journal prompts
- write “I don't know what to write, but…”
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you start a diary
Start with a notebook and a pen, and write for 5 minutes without thinking too much about it.
What should one write at the beginning
You can write about your day, your thoughts or your feelings. It doesn't need to be advanced.
Does it have to be perfect
No. A diary is just for you, so there are no requirements for what it should look like.
How often should one write
As often as it makes sense to you. The most important thing is regularity.
What if I don't know what to write
Start with a simple sentence and write on from there. It helps you get started.
