As the year draws to a close you may find yourself beginning to think about goals for the New Year. According to James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, you are 2-3 times more likely to achieve your goals if you write them down. Research shows that people who journal are far less stressed, have more self-awareness, greater life satisfaction, meaningful relationships, and even increased financial success. For all those benefits, it’s worth giving journaling a try!
It has nothing to do with eloquence, handwriting, typing speed, or even spelling the words right. In our writing, clarity begins to shine, decisions are wrestled with, and our dreams are realized.
You might be thinking, “this all sounds great, where do I start?!”. Sure, the blank page can be intimidating, but don’t let that stop you. Thankfully there are guided journals to help you get started.
Here is a list of 5 guided journals to check out:
1. A journal to help you connect with what really matters to you –
Present Over Perfect
Life can move at a hectic pace and we can be swept along unless we pause to reflect. This journal reminds us to slow down and ask meaningful questions.
2. A journal to help you write even when you’re short on time –
The Five Minute Journal
This journal has brief morning and evening prompts. Simple but powerful.
3. A journal to help you ease anxiety and worry –
No Worries: A Guided Journal to help you Calm Anxiety, Relieve Stress, and Practice Positive Thinking Each Day
If you’re intimidated by a big writing commitment, this journal is just a 12-week practice of checking in with your thoughts and developing daily practices that will continue to help you ease stress even after the journal is done.
4. A journal for your eyes only –
Burn After Writing
This journal gives you permission to be completely honest with yourself and then destroy the evidence. Although many reviewers said that they ended up not wanting to burn their journal after all…
5. A journal to help you with your New Years Goals –
This Year I Will…A 52 Week Guided Journal to Achieve Your Goals
If you want to make some progress with those goals this year, or even just get started, then this could be the journal for you. It asks clarifying questions and helps you to identify any barriers that might get in the way of your progress.
Happy New Year and Happy writing!
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Ashley Hines Lunt, ATR-BC, LPC is a counselor and Art Therapist who believes in the power of creative self-expression. She has a private practice in Connecticut which specilizes in Art Therapy for children, teens, and young adults. She also offers telehealth to residents of Connecticut and Pennsylvania. If you would like more information please reach out, we would love to hear from you!
