Keep Your Habits Fresh and Interesting

I love the simple process of journaling.

Experimenting with new ideas to enhance the journaling experience keeps the habit fresh and interesting.  

I’ve tried rearranging my journaling components, using prompts, and adding doodles. I finally settled on the order of components. Prompts and doodling didn’t last. I recently tried adding little sketches. The jury is still out on that.

Does basic journaling need to be enhanced?

No. But why not play with ideas to make my journaling more interesting?

Any habits you keep should be personalized to meet your needs. Journaling is no different. You are more likely to continue habits if, in addition to being meaningful, you enjoy the process.

Journaling is one of the best habits I have developed. 

I wanted to enhance the experience, so I took a visual journal class.

It sounds fancy. It’s not. Visual journaling enhances your journal with stickers, pictures, or quotes. It doesn’t have to be directly related to what you write. I found it easier than doodles or sketching.

In class, we started with a blank journal. 

The instructor suggested we decorate a name page just to get started. That’s when it occurred to me. I don’t have to journal first. I can enhance my journal with visual interest, then write. If I want, I can write in response to what I added—a visual prompt.

I don't hesitate to try new ideas with any of my habits. I never know when I'll hit upon a practice I enjoy.

Do you feel any of your habits need a fresh and interesting element added?