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How to Start a Journaling Practice in the New Year (Without Overthinking It)

An open journal on a wooden table next to a cappuccino.
Enjoy a cappuccino while you journal your way into the new year.

If you've ever said, “This is the year I’m finally going to start journaling,” only to find your notebook mysteriously untouched by mid-January… welcome. You are in excellent company.


Starting (or restarting) a journaling practice in the new year doesn’t have to feel intimidating, overwhelming, or like you’re auditioning for the role of “Person Who Has Their Life Completely Together.” You don’t need perfect handwriting. You don’t need a five-step ritual, imported incense, or a meticulously color-coded bullet journal (unless that brings you joy — in which case, absolutely do it).


All you need is a little intention… and a place to put your thoughts.


This guide will show you how to begin a journaling practice that feels doable, meaningful, and maybe even fun — with zero pressure and plenty of room for creativity.


Why Start a Journaling Practice in the New Year?

There’s something magical about the beginning of a new year. Everything feels like a clean slate — the calendars are fresh, the planners are crisp, and the possibilities are wide open.


Journaling can help you capture that energy and turn it into tiny daily moments that support:


  • Mental clarity

  • Emotional grounding

  • Creativity

  • Mindful routines

  • Personal growth

  • And honestly… fewer chaotic brain spirals


It’s a simple, accessible tool that helps you check in with yourself — and sometimes just getting your thoughts on paper is more helpful than you expect.


1. Start Small (Seriously, Very Small)

One of the biggest reasons people abandon journaling: they start with intense expectations such as “I will journal every morning for 45 minutes while sipping herbal tea and watching the sunrise.”


No shade to herbal tea — but unrealistic expectations set us up to quit.


Instead, try this:


Start with 2 minutes a day.


You can do anything for 2 minutes. You can even set a timer if that helps.

Or simply write one sentence:


  • “Today I want to feel…”

  • “Something that made me smile…”

  • “Right now I’m thinking about…”


Tiny consistency > perfect routine.


2. Make It Feel Good (This Part Actually Matters)

Journaling becomes more enjoyable when your tools spark joy — especially when starting a new habit.


This is where your beautifully curated Journaling Gift Sets shine.


If writing has felt like a struggle, a fresh set with:


  • a new hardcover notebook

  • a coordinating pencil pouch

  • matching stickers

  • and a greeting card to set your intention


…can make sitting down to write feel like a treat instead of a task.


Plus, if you’re someone who thrives on aesthetics (same), using stationery that reflects your personality can make a big difference — maybe you’re drawn to the playful charm of the Posy Checkered Collection, the soft elegance of the English Garden Collection, or the warm sophistication of Floral Muse.


Whatever your style, a beautiful new journal makes the whole experience feel more personal.




Choose a Journal You Actually Want to Use

This may sound obvious, but the right journal really does influence your consistency.

If your notebook feels too precious, too flimsy, or too “I’ll ruin it if I make a mistake,” you're less likely to reach for it.


Look for:


  • A comfortable size: 5.83" x 8.27" is ideal

  • Lay-flat binding for ease

  • Lined pages if you're new to journaling

  • Artwork that inspires you


Your single hardcover journals work beautifully here, too — especially if someone prefers to curate their own stationery rather than choosing a gift set.



Create a Ritual That Fits Your Real Life

Some people journal first thing in the morning. Some do it before bed. Some do it in the carpool line. Some do it in 3 random bursts throughout the week. There’s no wrong time — only what’s realistic for you.


Try pairing journaling with something you already do:


  • Morning coffee

  • Evening skincare

  • After your workout

  • Before opening your laptop

  • While your kids play or unwind


This habit-stacking approach makes journaling easier to stick with — and removes the pressure to find “the perfect journaling moment.” (Spoiler: it rarely exists.)


Not Sure What to Write? Prompts Are Your Best Friend.

Prompts take the pressure off the blank page and give your brain a jumping-off point.

And guess what? You already have a resource filled with great ones.



These prompts are warm, thoughtful, and perfect for sparking reflection — especially if you're easing back into journaling.


Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection

This is the part we forget most often.


You don’t need to journal every day to be “good at journaling”. You don’t need long entries, perfect grammar, or beautifully curated pages. You don’t need to write anything profound.

If you wrote one sentence today? You journaled. If you showed up for yourself for a minute or two? That counts.


Be proud of yourself for making space for your thoughts — it’s a big deal.


Make It Fun (Truly — Let It Be Fun)

Journaling doesn’t have to be serious and solemn. It can be silly, cozy, colorful, joyful, or creative.


Decorate your pages with stickers. Create lists instead of paragraphs. Write in different colors. Jot down overheard conversations. Glue in ticket stubs. Make messy, imperfect pages.


This is your space — you get to decide what it looks like.



Want to Begin 2026 with a Fresh Start?

If you're ready to start journaling in a way that feels meaningful and doable, a curated Journaling Gift Set can help you begin with intention (and a little extra beauty).


Whether you choose:


…your journaling practice starts with tools that feel inspiring.



Final Thoughts

Starting a journaling practice is less about discipline and more about giving yourself a moment — a pause, a breath, a place to land.


It doesn’t have to be perfect. It doesn’t have to be daily. It doesn’t have to be deep.

But it can be grounding, clarifying, playful, or healing — and it can absolutely be part of your new year if you want it to be.


You’re not trying to become a new person overnight. You’re simply giving yourself space to hear your own thoughts again.


And that’s a beautiful way to begin the year.

 
 
 

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