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What if I told you there’s one habit that can make you more creative, help you set goals, and lower your stress levels—all in just 20 minutes a day? If you’re looking for practical newspaper writing tips, you’re in the right place. Artists and visionaries, from Frida Kahlo to Susan Sontag to Oprah Winfrey, have long celebrated journaling as a transformative practice.
Wondering how to make journaling work for your life and goals? You are in the right place. For me, journaling has been a guiding light—helping me to clarify my priorities and take meaningful steps toward my dreams. As Sontag famously said, “In the journal, I just express myself more freely than any other person; I create myself.”
Featured image from our interview with Megan Roup by Michelle Nash.
10 Writing Tips to Change Your Mind
Over the years, my writing habits have changed, but one simple tweak completely changed my approach: writing longhand instead of typing. At first, I thought typing would be fast, a way to keep up with my thoughts. But changing pen and paper makes a difference. As my hand moves across the page, my thoughts unravel, revealing ideas, insights, and feelings I didn’t even know I had.
If you’re ready to embrace this timeless practice, here are 10 newspaper writing tips to help you get started.
1. Create a Culture
The key to consistently journaling is to make it feel special. For me, the morning is sacred. I pour my coffee into my favorite mug, light a candle, and put on a cool playlist. These small habits strengthened me, indicating that it is time to write. The senses make writing feel like a gift to me—a place to reflect and reset before the day begins.
Not all notebooks and pens are created equal. I can’t write without paper that feels good under my hand or a pen that glides smoothly. Right now, I’m using an Apica Notebook CD15 (a gift from a friend), paired with Uniball Micro Point Gel Pens in black.. These tools elevate the experience, making it something I crave.
3. Use Writing Commands
Looking at a blank page can feel overwhelming. That’s where information comes in—it’s a great way to inspire. Here are a few journaling tips to guide your practice when you’re feeling stuck:
- “I was ______, now I am ______.”
- “What makes me feel strong? How can I bring more of that into my life?”
- “What’s one thing I want to try this year?”
- “How can I be ‘good’ in my sphere of influence today?”
Read more: 50 Gratitude Journals Encourage a Fuller Life
4. Seek Inspiration
When journaling feels old fashioned, I turn to words that rekindle my love for the practice. Other favorites include:
5. Start Small—But Start
As Mark Manson writes, “Action is not just the result of motivation; and it is the cause of it.” Don’t worry about filling out pages or writing perfect entries. Start with a single sentence, a rough idea, or a diagram. A simple first action often leads to more than you expected.
6. Start with gratitude
Before diving into your thoughts or goals, spend a few minutes writing down three things you are grateful for. A gratitude journal shifts your focus from lack to abundance, setting a positive tone for your entire practice. Whether it’s the warmth of your morning coffee, a meaningful conversation, or the simple beauty of sunlight streaming through your window, these small moments of gratitude can build a foundation of happiness and contentment that you can carry throughout the day.
7. Embrace Conscious Writing
Sometimes, the best journaling tip is to let go of structure. Conscious writing allows your thoughts to flow freely, without worrying about grammar or coherence. This unfiltered approach often reveals hidden emotions or unexpected ideas. Set a timer for 10 minutes and write whatever comes to mind—no matter how small or scattered. When the timer goes off, you may find clarity in the chaos or even find a solution to something you’ve been thinking about.
8. Reflect on Challenges and Lessons Learned
Journaling isn’t just for happy times—it’s a safe place to process challenges. Reflecting on difficult situations can help you gain perspective and unlock lessons. Write about the latest challenge: What happened? How did it make you feel? What did you learn from it? This practice encourages resilience by reframing struggles as opportunities for growth, reminding you that even difficult times have value.
9. Visualize Your Future Self
Use your journal to think about the person you want to be. Where do you see yourself in one year? Five years? What qualities, habits, or achievements define your future? Write specific details, as if you are already living that reality. Visualization is a powerful motivational tool, helping you close the gap between where you are now and where you want to be. And, it’s a fundamental reminder that you can create the life you imagine.
Read more: 9 Life-Changing Questions I Ask Myself at the Start of the New Year
10. Track Patterns Over Time
Your journal is more than a record of thoughts—it’s a window into your habits and patterns. Every few months, take the time to revisit previous entries. What themes or feelings keep coming up? Are there ongoing challenges or joys? Identifying these patterns can reveal what is working in your life and what may need to be adjusted. This awareness turns writing into a tool for self-discovery and intentional change.
A Lifelong Writing Practice
Journaling doesn’t have to be difficult. With these journaling tips, you can create a routine that easily fits into your life. All it takes is a pen, a notebook, and a little time. Trust me—the clarity, creativity, and serenity it brings is worth every minute.