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Effortless Journaling: How to Start a Journal, Make It a Habit, and Find Endless Writing Topics
Want to permanently capture those important moments? Or create a daily routine filled with quiet, self-reflection? If so, then the secret is to build the "journal writing habit." The truth is journaling can change your life. With journal writing, you can become healthier, happier, smarter, and more self-aware. In fact, there are numerous science-backed benefits of journal writing. For instance, journaling can relieve your stress levels, improve your sleep, close those nagging "open loops" in your life, and cope with traumatic events from your past. Although journaling has many benefits, it's also a very challenging habit to build. In fact, there are eight common roadblocks that people experience with journal writing. They say things "I need concrete strategies and a step-by-step process for turning journaling into a consistent habit." "Journaling feels overwhelming. I don't know what to do or how to do it." "I've tried so many times before, and I just can't stick with it." "My life is so busy that I can't find the time to journal." "My journal is never around when I need it, so I forget to write." "I have no idea what to write about. Staring at a blank page is intimidating." "I'm afraid someone will read my journal." "I don't know what kind of journal I need—there are so many types out there." If any of these challenges sound familiar, then you should purchase this Effortless Journaling -- How to Start a Journal, Make It a Habit, and Find Endless Writing Topics. Effortless Journaling -- How to Start a Journal, Make It a Habit, and Find Endless Writing Topics Throughout Effortless Journaling, the authors (S.J. Scott & Barrie Davenport) address each of these concerns to help you make the journaling habit a part of your daily routine. In this book, they cover topics 15 benefits of journaling (How it positively impacts your physical well-being, mental state, productivity, and personal life); How to combine journaling with the practice of mindfulness; 3 simple tools you need to get started with journaling; 9 popular journaling strategies -- and how to pick the one that's right for you; 8 rules for consistent, daily journaling; How to turn journaling into a sticky, permanent habit. Journaling doesn't have to be a chore. It should be enjoyable, enlightening, and something you look forward to. Would You Like To Know More? Download now to capture those important moments and build a routine, with quiet, self-reflection. Scroll to the top of the page and select the buy now button.
158 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 6, 2018
805 people are currently reading
250 people want to read
About the author
S.J. Scott
60 books259 followersWall Street Journal bestselling author SJ Scott wanted to be Luke Skywalker when he grew up.
Unfortunately his complete lack of physical grace and introverted mannerism's kept the earth from having their own Jedi Knight to battle the Sith menace.
Steve “SJ” Scott was born and raised in New Jersey. After finishing college with a degree in psychology he knew he needed to further his education or work on his latte making skills.
During a short stint in US Air Force, Scott was able to get his Master’s in business and then moved on to conquer the business world.
Scott then spent a couple of years working for a company not unlike the company depicted in Mike Judge’s film, “Office Space”. After doing his share of “TPS” reports, Scott swore he would never work for anyone but himself.
He spent the next few years making this happen. Making a decent living online and eventually pivoting to writing books, blogging and even podcasting.
Scott has written over 30 books, most of them in the "self-improvement" genre. An area that he is personally passionate about.
His books have been published in 12 different languages. So he is well on his way to world domination. However, in his heart of hearts he knows he will soon have to venture out into the universe and defeat the Sith menace.
Unfortunately his complete lack of physical grace and introverted mannerism's kept the earth from having their own Jedi Knight to battle the Sith menace.
Steve “SJ” Scott was born and raised in New Jersey. After finishing college with a degree in psychology he knew he needed to further his education or work on his latte making skills.
During a short stint in US Air Force, Scott was able to get his Master’s in business and then moved on to conquer the business world.
Scott then spent a couple of years working for a company not unlike the company depicted in Mike Judge’s film, “Office Space”. After doing his share of “TPS” reports, Scott swore he would never work for anyone but himself.
He spent the next few years making this happen. Making a decent living online and eventually pivoting to writing books, blogging and even podcasting.
Scott has written over 30 books, most of them in the "self-improvement" genre. An area that he is personally passionate about.
His books have been published in 12 different languages. So he is well on his way to world domination. However, in his heart of hearts he knows he will soon have to venture out into the universe and defeat the Sith menace.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 18, 2018
iğrençti. sakın okumayın. baya kötüydü.
November 15, 2018
This book delivered everything it promised. My favorite part was when they described nine popular journaling strategies and gave suggestions for how to pick the one that's best for you (or combine more than one to create a custom style that suits you). I was familiar with some of the styles, such as a daily diary or morning pages, but there were other styles such as bullet journaling that I was not aware of.
I appreciated some of the sample journaling prompts that were provided, and the goal journaling section had a nice explanation of how to set SMART goals. I also liked the links to some of their references.
If you need help choosing journaling tools, the authors provide very nice descriptions of different styles of journals, types of paper, and types of pens, with advantages and disadvantages of each. If you prefer digital journaling, they review different apps you might want to consider.
The authors also provide some practical suggestions for how to create a journaling habit and make it stick.
Much of the content of this book was either already familiar to me or not relevant to my interests, but I did pick up a few gems that made the read worthwhile. I recommend this book to anyone interested in exploring different methods of journaling or looking for suggestions on how to establish a journaling practice.
I received an ARC from one of the authors and volunteered to review it. The version I received was well written and neatly formatted.
I appreciated some of the sample journaling prompts that were provided, and the goal journaling section had a nice explanation of how to set SMART goals. I also liked the links to some of their references.
If you need help choosing journaling tools, the authors provide very nice descriptions of different styles of journals, types of paper, and types of pens, with advantages and disadvantages of each. If you prefer digital journaling, they review different apps you might want to consider.
The authors also provide some practical suggestions for how to create a journaling habit and make it stick.
Much of the content of this book was either already familiar to me or not relevant to my interests, but I did pick up a few gems that made the read worthwhile. I recommend this book to anyone interested in exploring different methods of journaling or looking for suggestions on how to establish a journaling practice.
I received an ARC from one of the authors and volunteered to review it. The version I received was well written and neatly formatted.
November 15, 2018
I received a copy of this ebook from the author as I’m on his mailing list.
You know when the universe is just shouting at you? You keep reading the same things in several different places. For me, recently, it’s been James Pennebaker ‘write to heal’ studies and Bluma Zeigarnik and her ‘open loops’ ideas.
And here they are again… okay, okay universe. I hear you.
Basically writing things down helps you get them out of your head so that you can either achieve them (if its a goal you’ve set for yourself) OR move on from them (if it’s a bad experience you are processing). Even writing about fictional bad experiences helps you heal. How weird is that?
And all this comes with multiple links to actual studies. This is science, people!
Now I will admit that the morning pages was where I choked in the Artist’s Way… but I have often in the past, resorted to journals. And they helped me.
For those who lack ideas, he recommends a journal with pre-printed prompts. I just bought a day to a page diary - super cheap from my local Kmart (about $7) and it’s got plenty of room for writing.
If you don’t want to handwrite there is a list of recommended apps for your phone.
I don’t have an idea journal but I have an ‘idea box’ full of index cards with scribbled quotes, phrases or overheard conversations.
The problem here is they give you nine different ways to journal, and within those categories there are many, many other choices. *Whispers* for me with my ADHD mind, that’s too much choice. For that reason, I go for a bullet journal which is endlessly flexible. If I don’t like a format, I just draw it up differently the next week. And if I miss a page there’s no blanks to make me feel guilty.
The book comes with a link to a 120 page free pdf of a gratitude journal to get you started.
Journal more seems like a no brainer and the authors deal with all the issues you might argue can stop you.
Check it out.
4 stars
You know when the universe is just shouting at you? You keep reading the same things in several different places. For me, recently, it’s been James Pennebaker ‘write to heal’ studies and Bluma Zeigarnik and her ‘open loops’ ideas.
And here they are again… okay, okay universe. I hear you.
Basically writing things down helps you get them out of your head so that you can either achieve them (if its a goal you’ve set for yourself) OR move on from them (if it’s a bad experience you are processing). Even writing about fictional bad experiences helps you heal. How weird is that?
And all this comes with multiple links to actual studies. This is science, people!
Now I will admit that the morning pages was where I choked in the Artist’s Way… but I have often in the past, resorted to journals. And they helped me.
For those who lack ideas, he recommends a journal with pre-printed prompts. I just bought a day to a page diary - super cheap from my local Kmart (about $7) and it’s got plenty of room for writing.
If you don’t want to handwrite there is a list of recommended apps for your phone.
I don’t have an idea journal but I have an ‘idea box’ full of index cards with scribbled quotes, phrases or overheard conversations.
The problem here is they give you nine different ways to journal, and within those categories there are many, many other choices. *Whispers* for me with my ADHD mind, that’s too much choice. For that reason, I go for a bullet journal which is endlessly flexible. If I don’t like a format, I just draw it up differently the next week. And if I miss a page there’s no blanks to make me feel guilty.
The book comes with a link to a 120 page free pdf of a gratitude journal to get you started.
Journal more seems like a no brainer and the authors deal with all the issues you might argue can stop you.
Check it out.
4 stars
October 9, 2019
I am huge fan of writing journals. I started my journaling since 2017. When life puts you in a situation where you can’t able to understand yourself who you are and what you are. Believe me journaling gives you the best advice. You know why, no one knows better than yourself about you. And journaling is an effective way to go deeper about yourself and awaken your consciousness. I started this habit because of ROBIN SHARMA.
And this book gives all about journaling from scratch to becoming expert. I don’t know that what are the main things that we should focus on while journaling. It’s really good book at the price given. And also few references about other to pursue. Like reading another book, practising prompts,
I like the last part of make your own journaling pattern. Which I am already following. Good to know about these. And make effective usage in implementing, just 10 mins of your time will give you more than 100% clarity about yourself. One should be honest while journaling. Just follow the book more than enough
And this book gives all about journaling from scratch to becoming expert. I don’t know that what are the main things that we should focus on while journaling. It’s really good book at the price given. And also few references about other to pursue. Like reading another book, practising prompts,
I like the last part of make your own journaling pattern. Which I am already following. Good to know about these. And make effective usage in implementing, just 10 mins of your time will give you more than 100% clarity about yourself. One should be honest while journaling. Just follow the book more than enough
May 13, 2019
On the surface, you must be thinking that this book is all about just take that notebook and start journaling. But this book goes a lot deeper than that such as what notebook you should use for journaling and the types of journaling that exist out there. It also talks about what apps you should be using if you don't have the physical journal with you or you simply don't like the idea of writing on a physical notebook.
While the tips for making the journaling habit sticks isn't anything new, the book does introduce a few apps that can help with building your journaling habit.
If you know nothing about journaling and want to start journaling habit, then this book can help you with that since everything covered in this book is meant for beginners.
While the tips for making the journaling habit sticks isn't anything new, the book does introduce a few apps that can help with building your journaling habit.
If you know nothing about journaling and want to start journaling habit, then this book can help you with that since everything covered in this book is meant for beginners.
April 25, 2025
I've been reading a lot of journaling books, researching my own project. Frankly there's a lot of journaling books available through kindle unlimited, for whatever that's worth. A lot are geared towards self help. Which is legit, there's a lot of actual, real evidence that certain kinds of writing can help with trauma. There are journaling books by writers, who still end up falling into the self help camp because there are studies, and hey, self help sells.
These guys are bloggers and have some journals and journal prompt books to sell you. I took less than three pages of notes, mostly because they have put together a chapter on everyone else's method. Fair enough. It was on kindle unlimited and didn't cost me anything and added to my research data points.
These guys are bloggers and have some journals and journal prompt books to sell you. I took less than three pages of notes, mostly because they have put together a chapter on everyone else's method. Fair enough. It was on kindle unlimited and didn't cost me anything and added to my research data points.
June 29, 2022
A good head start and filled with resources
A good guide and a quick read. It does lay out all the different types of journaling, their advantages and disadvantages, etc. They get down to the basics even of choosing pen types and such. While, of course, they do have links to their own other books (but none of it is in the context that "this book is incomplete you have to buy our other book to really get the benefit"- you know the oft used tactics on Amazon that the book you read is an overview / sales white paper for what they want to sell you. This BOOK IS COMPLETE and stands on its own)- many of the links take you to really helpful (free) resources like blogs and author pages as well as free apps. All and all a worthwhile quick read.
A good guide and a quick read. It does lay out all the different types of journaling, their advantages and disadvantages, etc. They get down to the basics even of choosing pen types and such. While, of course, they do have links to their own other books (but none of it is in the context that "this book is incomplete you have to buy our other book to really get the benefit"- you know the oft used tactics on Amazon that the book you read is an overview / sales white paper for what they want to sell you. This BOOK IS COMPLETE and stands on its own)- many of the links take you to really helpful (free) resources like blogs and author pages as well as free apps. All and all a worthwhile quick read.
March 20, 2019
I found this book really helpful. I've started countless journals over the years and always stop. This helped me determine what kinds of journals/resources are best for me and my needs. It was also a great motivator and I picked up an old journal and made my first new entry last night. I like the pros/cons it gives for each type of style and I am going to do my own style and mixture but I loved the idea of being honest and genuine in it, I tend to filter a lot, but that should be the one place where I am fully me. Loved this book and it's tips/info.
March 11, 2021
Very good ideas to get started Journaling.
I was wondering what this book would teach me. I have several ideas I took notes of for myself to help reach some goals.This can help with big or small goals. This also helps to get an idea of what different journals you can have. This gives ideas of what journaling is, how much time it can takes. I was impress by what I learned. I encourage anyone that want to dig into what journal and ideas to start personal journal to read this book.
I was wondering what this book would teach me. I have several ideas I took notes of for myself to help reach some goals.This can help with big or small goals. This also helps to get an idea of what different journals you can have. This gives ideas of what journaling is, how much time it can takes. I was impress by what I learned. I encourage anyone that want to dig into what journal and ideas to start personal journal to read this book.
January 17, 2019
An awesome book on Journalling.
If you are contemplating about Journals, this is the book for you. It gives you various ideas on Journals, different types of Journals, and also helps you identify your style, so that you can start your own Journal. The book also suggests, what kind of Journal you can maintain.
The Authors also give tips on how to keep up with the Journaling habit and how to be motivated and be in continuous practice.
If you are contemplating about Journals, this is the book for you. It gives you various ideas on Journals, different types of Journals, and also helps you identify your style, so that you can start your own Journal. The book also suggests, what kind of Journal you can maintain.
The Authors also give tips on how to keep up with the Journaling habit and how to be motivated and be in continuous practice.
June 5, 2024
It reminded me of why I want to establish a journaling habit. Reading the nine types of journals, I remembered what journaling methods I have done in the past and which ones I I'd like to take up again (Morning Pages and/or timed writing sprints). There were other types of journals, including gratitude journals, journal writing from prompts, bullet journals and others. Some of them were too complicated for me, but it was good that there were choices.
September 13, 2019
Reads like a text book without it's gravitas
Any self help book worth it's salt should show a few examples/illustrations. This book lacks it completely and runs like a text book without the gravitas of the academic book!
No point taking a look, 5 minute reflection provided better insights that reading this book!
Any self help book worth it's salt should show a few examples/illustrations. This book lacks it completely and runs like a text book without the gravitas of the academic book!
No point taking a look, 5 minute reflection provided better insights that reading this book!
January 3, 2022
Good, helpful ideas.
I grabbed this book because I've wanted to start journaling for years but couldn't figure out how to make it beneficial to my life. This little book has not only the why but also the how to do it. I didn't realize how many forms journaling can take and therefore be a tool to achieve balance in my life. Lots of good tips!
I grabbed this book because I've wanted to start journaling for years but couldn't figure out how to make it beneficial to my life. This little book has not only the why but also the how to do it. I didn't realize how many forms journaling can take and therefore be a tool to achieve balance in my life. Lots of good tips!
November 20, 2022
Very well written
The book convinced me to pick up my pen and get on it. I enjoy journaling so much I can't imagine why I ever stopped. Now in my 60's I see the mental clarity in writing down issues instead of letting it creep into my daily activities. I feel so free. Journaling is with me till the day I die. Really!! Hope you find this book invaluable, as I did. Good luck!
The book convinced me to pick up my pen and get on it. I enjoy journaling so much I can't imagine why I ever stopped. Now in my 60's I see the mental clarity in writing down issues instead of letting it creep into my daily activities. I feel so free. Journaling is with me till the day I die. Really!! Hope you find this book invaluable, as I did. Good luck!
August 31, 2024
A few years ago I really enjoyed using SJ Scott books as little inspirational tune-ups. I found this one unbearably inane and was unable to get more than 30% of the way through it. This is the second of his co-writes with Davenport (that I've tried) and I just think the awkward voice introduced by that cowriting is why I found them unreadable.
April 30, 2025
I had to ditch this after about the fourth wild inaccuracy re: pens, ink, and paper. It was pretty terrible before that (if you can run a basic web search and use some simple thought, you already have all the information in this book), but the blatant lack of even the most basic research was what finally got me.
Oh well. At least I didn't pay for it.
Oh well. At least I didn't pay for it.
November 25, 2018
All about journaling magnificently summarized, with a view on both positive and negative aspects of the types of journaling you may choose from. Very easy to read and with sensible examples.
Positively surprised.
Positively surprised.
April 25, 2019
Provides great examples.
This book provides many examples of different types of Journaling and the pros and cons to each one. That is something I've yet to see in a book like this and I found it very beneficial.
This book provides many examples of different types of Journaling and the pros and cons to each one. That is something I've yet to see in a book like this and I found it very beneficial.
February 1, 2020
Enjoyed this!
This little book is jam packed with information. The examples of all the different types of journals is an excellent list for a place to start. I like the links for more information and prompts too. I'd recommend this for beginners or anyone wanting some variety.
This little book is jam packed with information. The examples of all the different types of journals is an excellent list for a place to start. I like the links for more information and prompts too. I'd recommend this for beginners or anyone wanting some variety.
August 12, 2020
I should probably read this again. I read through this book too fast the first time and didnt let a lot of the awesome information soak in. Its a short read and very informative! I would highly recommend for anyone who needs motivation to journal more.
August 15, 2022
yes
book is very good in the second half what is fantastic and gave me a good ideas how to do journaling but first half is for me boring where they explained which pencil or pen to use or about quality of paper 😳...
Anyway, thank you 😊
book is very good in the second half what is fantastic and gave me a good ideas how to do journaling but first half is for me boring where they explained which pencil or pen to use or about quality of paper 😳...
Anyway, thank you 😊
January 29, 2024
simple and easy to read
Journaling is one of the habits I always want to implement. This book can help you that. As approach my goal for journaling for my goals, I invite you to get this book
Journaling is one of the habits I always want to implement. This book can help you that. As approach my goal for journaling for my goals, I invite you to get this book
December 6, 2018
The book offered a lot of interesting ideas for journaling, many I had never thought of. It was worth the read.
January 1, 2019
It's a good summary of all the journaling styles and methods. It also brings some prompts and ideas for journaling.
February 8, 2019
Love how they broke down this simple concept!
There are ways to journal for Everyone! They broke it down to the simplest of ways. No reason not to get started TODAY!
There are ways to journal for Everyone! They broke it down to the simplest of ways. No reason not to get started TODAY!
February 19, 2019
Interesting
Lots of good ideas in this book. Not every idea will be applicable for everyone. It will take some trial and error to get the most of this book.
Lots of good ideas in this book. Not every idea will be applicable for everyone. It will take some trial and error to get the most of this book.
March 21, 2019
Love this book
I have always loved to journal and had lost interest. After reading this I am ready to start again and make it a habit.
I have always loved to journal and had lost interest. After reading this I am ready to start again and make it a habit.
July 25, 2019
Don't waste your time.
August 14, 2019
I am the one who have never written any diary or journal in my whole life and I found this book is useful for any journal beginner. Lot of details with explanation which can guide you to write your own journal by yourself.
==KEYNOTE==
Benefits of Journaling
* With a journal, you have the opportunity to capture all the thoughts in your head.
* A journal is a snapshot of you.
* The key to success with a journaling habit is embracing it as a daily routine (like brushing your teeth) rather than an optional activity.
Learning to write in cursive is shown to improve brain development in the areas of thinking, language and working memory. Cursive handwriting stimulates brain synapses and synchronicity between the left and right hemispheres, something absent from printing and typing.
1) Journaling relieves stress, helps manage depression, anxiety.
2) Journaling promotes self-relection and self-awareness.
3) Gratitude journaling improves health and well-being.
4) Journaling improves sleep.
5) Journaling helps you achieve your goals and awaken you to opportunities.
This habit can become a critical first step to mapping out a strategy for overcoming an obstacle.
6) Journaling helps you overcome fears to take more action.
7) Journaling helps you remember better.
8) Journaling improves your writing and communication skills.
How to Combine Journaling with Mindfulness
The key is to pay attention. Be aware of what you are doing and how it makes you feel.
Simply put : Journaling can transform your life - if you're wiling to commit to build this habit.
==KEYNOTE==
Benefits of Journaling
* With a journal, you have the opportunity to capture all the thoughts in your head.
* A journal is a snapshot of you.
* The key to success with a journaling habit is embracing it as a daily routine (like brushing your teeth) rather than an optional activity.
Learning to write in cursive is shown to improve brain development in the areas of thinking, language and working memory. Cursive handwriting stimulates brain synapses and synchronicity between the left and right hemispheres, something absent from printing and typing.
1) Journaling relieves stress, helps manage depression, anxiety.
2) Journaling promotes self-relection and self-awareness.
3) Gratitude journaling improves health and well-being.
4) Journaling improves sleep.
5) Journaling helps you achieve your goals and awaken you to opportunities.
This habit can become a critical first step to mapping out a strategy for overcoming an obstacle.
6) Journaling helps you overcome fears to take more action.
7) Journaling helps you remember better.
8) Journaling improves your writing and communication skills.
How to Combine Journaling with Mindfulness
The key is to pay attention. Be aware of what you are doing and how it makes you feel.
Simply put : Journaling can transform your life - if you're wiling to commit to build this habit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2020
Over generalized
A few specific tips I learn, but otherwise it more like everting go!. All king of journaling present here, but I am not sure how is that 'effortless' per say.
A few specific tips I learn, but otherwise it more like everting go!. All king of journaling present here, but I am not sure how is that 'effortless' per say.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews