There are a lot of journaling roadblocks. These are things that completely get in the way of consistent and expressive writing. In short? They’re the worst.
Everyone struggles with journal writing in their own way. However, I find these 4 journaling roadblocks come up again and again. Clear all 4 of the hurdles and you’ll be ready to create a journaling practices that feels just right for you.
Journaling Roadblock #1: Perfectionism
If you take any of the journaling roadblocks seriously–let it be this one.
You cannot be vulnerable and perfect at the same time. To be vulnerable is to be unguarded, brave, and willing to make mistakes. Vulnerability makes you a wonderful person (and even better journaler). It does not make you perfect.
People often tell me they don’t want to start journaling because they aren’t “ready” yet. They worry about their writing, their consistency, and even their handwriting. If that’s what is stopping YOU from getting started—it’s time for a little exercise.
Exercise 1
Set a timer for 10 minutes and write anything. Bonus points if you write in pen.
Just grab the thoughts that have been jamming around in your head all day and put them on paper. In the biz, we call this “free writing” (or, if you prefer, “a brain dump”).
Then stop. Once the timer goes off it’s pens down. Don’t even think about erasing, scribbling, or sneaking in more words. You are done.
Now check in with yourself. Do you feel any different? Are your thoughts easier to manage? If yes, then the journaling did its job! Imagine what prompts could do! My point here, is you don’t have to write the next hit novel to write a journal.
Journaling Roadblock #2: Overwriting
Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely. The S.M.A.R.T. goal method is something I fall back on all the time. It grounds you.
Now tell me, what sounds more S.M.A.R.T. –trying to write 5,000 words every day or trying to write 3 gratitudes? Yeah. This is why we don’t overwrite.
When people start journaling, it’s normally because they have a huge weight they are trying to deal with. They have a lot to say. So, these new journalers will write and write some more. But, after a bit of time passes, the urge to release all that gunk passes and 5,000 words everyday becomes impossible. That’s when people stop journaling. Talk about journaling roadblocks.
Don’t let this happen to you! Always start small and build up to a longer journaling routine. And speaking of routines.
Journaling Roadblock #3: No General Routine
I’ve talked about starting a journaling habit that sticks before but here’s the gist. The easiest way to build a new routine is to link it to an old habit. Basically, if you do yoga every morning, try writing immediately after. If you enjoy a bedtime cup of tea, try writing as you sip.
But what happens if you have no routine? Consistency in general becomes a problem. Forget about consistent journaling – focus first on drinking water and seeing the sun once and awhile!
Exercise 2
If you don’t have a general routine yet, your journal can help! Just know there are habits you should never track.
Pick 3 habits to start and try to assign them general time frames (Breakfast before 11 etc.). Your journal at this point is literally just a list of these three things. If you complete the goal on time, check it off the list. Do this for about 1 month. NOW you can write about the process. What sticked? What didn’t? Why?
Self-compassion is key here. Remember what I said about perfectionism? If you don’t get everything on the list, thank yourself for the rest you accomplished that day.
Journaling Roadblock #4: Privacy Concerns
What angsty teen hasn’t written “Keep Out” on a composition notebook? Journals are private! If you worry that someone in your life might try and read your pages, this is not something to take lightly. This is one of the more serious journaling roadblocks.
Even the thought of peering eyes will lead you to be less vulnerable. The less vulnerable you are, the less effective your journal will be.
That is why I highly recommend destroying your journal. Tear it to pieces. Bury it in the yard. Burn it (but please be safe about it). I am so serious about this.
Destroying your journal means that no one in the world will ever see your words. That sense of protection is everything. But it’s not the only benefit.
Releasing the past gives you a sense of power. Every tear or splotch of paint will help you let go of the clutter.
Depending on how sensitive the writing is or how snoopy your roommates are, you can figure out how often to shred those pages. Personally, I go at a leisurely pace. Letting go of my words only after I have re-read and processed them months later. Others have a “burn after writing” approach. Either is good.
