Keeping a diary can help you work out your feelings, keep track of good things in your life, and just get you to write more.Buying diary supplies that you like and will use, setting a writing schedule that helps you commit to writing every day, and deciding what to write can all help you get started on a new diary.
Step 1: Decide what type of diary you want.
You don't need to stick with just a paper version for keeping a diary.You can keep a traditional paper diary, but you can also use a website that is private and password protected.You can use a document on your computer.You won't have a backup option unless you make copies of your paper notebooks.Even if your online diary is password protected or private, there is always a chance someone could get in.
Step 2: The diary should be a paper diary.
You need to purchase a diary if you want to keep a paper diary.You can use any paper notebook as a diary, even if it's just a one subject spiral notebook.You can choose between a leather bound notebook or a notebook with thicker, higher quality paper.The 'Leuchtturm' 1917 notebook is one of the great options for paper diaries.You can check out the notebook section at most stores.You will probably not write in your diary if you don't love it.If you want to increase the security of a paper diary, you can purchase one with a lock on it.Make sure you keep the key in a safe place.
Step 3: You should purchase a writing instrument.
You have a lot of choices when it comes to writing in your diary.You can use a regular pen or pencil at home.You can mix it up with fountain pens, colored pencils, and markers.It is more likely that you will write regularly if you enjoy what you are writing with.
Step 4: A schedule is created.
Schedule specific writing time if you want to make sure you write every day.Writing in your diary at the end of the day is a good way for you to relax.Making sure that you write every day is more important than writing.To make sure you stick to your writing schedule, you can use a phone, watch, or computer to remind you to write every day at the same time.
Step 5: Time limits can be set for your writing.
Sometimes it's hard to write and other times you feel like you could write all day.Setting a time limit can make it easier to turn into a daily routine.Ten to fifteen minutes per day is what you should start with.You can always increase the amount of time you spend writing if you find you are always running out.Setting a timer will make it easier to write within the time limit.
Step 6: Pick a writing location.
You can stay committed to writing if you write in the same location every day.The same location every day will create a pattern and give you more structure in your writing.It doesn't matter where you write, as long as you always write in the same place.Take things further.If you are writing at home, you should sit at the same table each time.
Step 7: If you are off track, don't give up.
It can be difficult to keep a diary if you put too much pressure on yourself.It is okay to occasionally skip a day or two, but once you get back into writing, you should just jot down short summaries of the days you missed.
Step 8: Start with a poem or quote.
It can be intimidating to sit in front of a blank diary.Write down one of your favorite quotes or poems if you find yourself stuck.The pressure off of you to write the first entry in your diary can be helped by this.As you go, you can copy down new poems or quotes.
Step 9: You can date your entries.
You have to date every entry in your diary.If you want to see how your writing has evolved over time, this can be useful.The date of the entries is up to you.Write out the full date, like July 14, 2018, if you want to get fancy.You can try to keep things simpler if you want.You can write 7/14 if you want to keep multiple journals.
Step 10: You can mix up your formats.
You don't have to commit to one type of entry all the way through your diary once you begin writing.Your diary is a good place to keep a record of your thoughts.Try some of the traditional paragraph-like entries.
Step 11: You can write short entries.
You don't need to write in your diary every time you sit down.When you first start writing, one paragraph sums up your day.Sometimes you don't have to write long entries.You will find that you have a lot to say about your day.You can write long entries in those cases.
Step 12: If you get stuck, try the same prompt again.
It is hard to know where to start when you have so much on your mind.Write "So right now, I'm..." and then write down whatever comes to your mind first.This is a great way to start and you might find that the words flow a lot more easily after that."writing prompts" can be found online.The internet is a great place to find these types of things.
Step 13: Write to your friends.
You might wish you could say certain things to certain people.Maybe it is someone you don't see anymore, or maybe it's someone who is no longer with you.Maybe you need to tell yourself something.Writing in a diary can help you work out your feelings.If you don't know how to start this type of entry, format it as if you are writing a letter, with the date and address of the person you're writing to at the top.
Step 14: Write about something that you don't want to remember.
If you want to forget an event, it might be helpful to write it down.Your brain might not be as strong after you get it out of your head and onto paper.Something really embarrassing happened to you at school or work.Writing down all the details can help you get them out of your head and prevent you from reliving the event over and over again.
Step 15: You should record what you are grateful for.
To add to your daily entries, you can list the things that you are grateful for.You can keep a record of the good things in your life.It can be as simple as the sun was shining or as detailed as a conversation you had with a friend.
Step 16: Open and honest is what you should do.
It's the best part of keeping a diary that you don't have to worry about being judged.You don't have to worry that your diary is going to tell someone else.Staying open is important if you feel like you have to change yourself.