Best Journals For 2023 [Plus 8 Tips For Effective Journaling]

Best Journals For 2023 [Plus 8 Tips For Effective Journaling]

If you have been interested in personal development for more than 4 minutes and 37 seconds, no doubt you will have heard someone say how you should be journaling...

Not the advice you might have been expecting when you typed in 'How to be successful' into your favourite search engine I would imagine, but let's stick with it.

If you have already been burrowing through some of my other blog posts, you might have got the message about how success leaves clues, and therefor when you have everyone from Jim Rohn to Tony Robbins, Tim Bilyeu to Joel Brown and anyone else you could point a finger at telling you that you should be journaling, then maybe its time to pay attention!

So let's start off with the basics...

What is Journaling?

Journaling is a practice of regularly writing down your thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a journal or diary. It is a way to reflect on your life and emotions, and can be a therapeutic and self-care activity. 

Many people find that journaling helps them process their thoughts and feelings, improve their mental health, and better understand themselves. 

Journaling can take many forms, from handwritten entries in a physical journal to typed entries in a computer document or even audio recordings. It can be a daily or weekly activity, or something that is done less frequently as needed. 

Some people use prompts or specific questions to guide their journaling, while others simply write whatever comes to mind. 

There is no one "right" way to journal, and the frequency and format will vary from person to person.

What are the benefits of journaling?

Additionally, journaling can be a useful tool for setting and tracking goals, as it can help you reflect on your progress and identify areas where you may need to make changes. 

Some people also use journaling as a way to track their moods or habits, or to document their daily routines and activities. 

Journaling can be a creative outlet, a way to process difficult emotions, or simply a way to relax and unwind. It can also be a way to connect with one's inner thoughts and feelings, and to explore and express one's thoughts and emotions in a safe and private space.

How to Journal - 8 Tips for effective journaling

1) Set aside a dedicated time to journal. 

Choose a time that works best for you, whether it's first thing in the morning, during your lunch break, or before bed. Consistency can help you develop a habit of journaling.

2) Choose a journaling format that works for you. 

Some people prefer to write long-form entries, while others prefer to use bullet points or make lists. Experiment with different formats to find what works best for you.

3)Write freely without worrying about grammar or spelling. 

The purpose of journaling is to capture your thoughts and feelings, so don't worry about editing or perfecting your writing.

4) Reflect on your day. 

One effective way to journal is to write about your day, including any significant events or experiences. This can help you process your thoughts and emotions and gain insights about your life.

5) Explore your feelings and emotions. 

Journaling can be a helpful way to explore your feelings and emotions, particularly if you're feeling overwhelmed or stressed. Take the time to write about how you're feeling and why.

6) Set goals and track your progress. 

If you have specific goals you want to achieve, consider using your journal to track your progress and reflect on your progress. This can help you stay motivated and focused.

7) Be honest and authentic. 

When journaling, it's important to be honest and authentic with yourself. Don't hold back or censor your thoughts and feelings. The purpose of journaling is to capture your authentic experience and perspective.

8) Review your journal regularly. 

Periodically reviewing your journal can be a helpful way to see how far you've come and identify patterns or themes in your thoughts and experiences. This can also help you gain insight and perspective on your life.

What are the Best Journals to Use?

The best type of journal is the one that works best for you. Different people have different preferences when it comes to journaling, so it's important to find a journal that meets your needs and fits your personal style. 

Here are a few factors to consider when choosing a journal:

• Format: Do you prefer to write long-form entries, make lists, or use bullet points? Consider the format that works best for you.

• Size: Do you want a journal that you can easily carry with you, or one that you can leave on your desk at home? The size of the journal can be a factor in how and where you use it.

• Binding: Do you prefer a journal with a spiral binding that allows you to lay the journal flat, or one with a hard cover that offers more protection for your entries?

• Page quality: Do you want a journal with lined pages, blank pages, or graph paper? Consider the type of page that works best for your needs.

• Personalization: Do you want a journal with a specific theme or design, or one that you can personalize with stickers or other decorations?

Ultimately, the best type of journal is one that you enjoy using and that meets your needs. It's okay to try out a few different types of journals to see what works best for you.

To help you choose, I have picked out some of the best journals (in my opinion , of course!) from different categories. With so many different ones out there, there is sure to be one that is right for you!

Best Journals for success and motivation

The 6-Minute Success Journal

Why I Love it:

• Available in various colours to suit your style
• Designed for efficiency - if you spend all day journaling you won't get anything else done!
• Undated pages so you can start at any time
• Designed to boost productivity

Specs

• Paper Size = A5
• Product Dimensions = ‎22 x 14.2 x 2.1 cm; 
• Weight = 449 Grams
• Colours = Pink, Blue, Grey, Natural

>>>> FIND IT HERE <<<<

Best journals for bullet journaling

Zen Art Bullet Journal

Why I Love it:

• Comes in various bright and vibrant colours
• Creative Japanese design
• Dot-grid pages to aid with bulleting
• Inspires creativity

Specs

• Paper Size = B5
• Product Dimensions = 12.7 x 25.4 x 1.3 cm‎
• Weight = 445 Grams
• Colours = Turquoise, Blue, Orange, Lime, Rose

>>>> FIND IT HERE <<<<

Best journals for mental health

The 6-Minute Diary Pure

Why I Love it:

• Available in various colours to suit your style
• Similar to the 6-minute success journal, but this really focuses on positivity and mindset
• Undated pages so you can start at any time
• Includes great reflective pages, such as habit trackers and monthly reviews

Specs

• Paper Size = A5
• Product Dimensions = ‎22 x 14.2 x 2.1 cm; 
• Weight = 449 Grams
• Colours = Pink, Blue, Grey, Natural

>>>> FIND IT HERE <<<<

Best journals for men

The Daily Journal For Men: 365 Questions To Deepen Self-Awareness

Why I Love it:

• Specifically made for men
• Simple, straight to the point design
• Daily quotes and thought provoking questions to get you pondering

Specs

• Paper Size = A5
• Product Dimensions = 15.24 x 1.27 x 22.86 cm
• Colours = Black

>>>> FIND IT HERE <<<<

Best journals for women

Smart Woman Productivity Planner

Why I Love it:

• Specifically aimed at women, this journal packs in so much value
• Includes fold-out vision board, goal setting and budgeting pages
• Colourful and creative design for the artistic type
• Month-by-month planning and reflection

Specs

• Paper Size = A5
• Product Dimensions = ‎28.8 x 21.4 x 2.4 cm
• Weight = 992 Grams
• Colours = Multiple colour and design choice

>>>> FIND IT HERE <<<<

Best journal for weight loss & fitness

Legend Wellness Planner & Food Journal

Why I Love it:

• Includes goal setting, monthly planning and performance evaluation sections
• Incorporates trackers for exercise, sleep, weight & macro-nutrients
• Space to add workouts and recipes - it has it all!

Specs

• Paper Size = A5
• Product Dimensions = ‎21.1 x 14.7 x 2.8 cm
• Weight = 556g
• Colours = Too many to list!

>>>> FIND IT HERE <<<<

Best Eco Journal

Eco-Friendly Natural Cork Hardcover Journal

Why I Love it:

• Super Eco friendly design with wooden cork skin and recycled pages
• 100% Leather free and vegan friendly
• Bullet lined paper
• Comes in a gift box

Specs

• Paper Size = A5
• Product Dimensions = ‎5 x 8"
• Weight = 445g
• Colours = Good old nature coloured ;)

>>>> FIND IT HERE <<<<

7 Quotes on Journaling

Okay, so I love a good quote - after all, who doesn't like hearing those age old cliches of wisdom? So let's finish it off with some of the best quotes I could find on journaling...

1. "The journal is a powerful tool for personal growth and self-discovery. It gives you the opportunity to examine your thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a safe and private space."

2. "Journaling is like whispering to one's self and listening at the same time."

3. "Journaling is a way to process your thoughts and emotions and gain insight into your life. It helps you become more self-aware and reflective, and can lead to personal growth and transformation."

4. "Writing in a journal allows you to be more honest with yourself than you might be with anyone else."

5. "Journaling is an act of self-care. It gives you the opportunity to take a pause and reflect on your thoughts and feelings, and can help you feel more grounded and centered."

6."Journaling is like having a conversation with yourself, a way to process and make sense of the world around you."

7."The pages of a journal are a safe place to explore your deepest thoughts and feelings, to work through your challenges and triumphs, and to discover your own truth and wisdom."