How to Keep a Daily Journal and Notebook and Why it is Helpful

I have always been an avid journalist. Keeping a daily journal really helps me to keep my focus on the things in life that are important. It also helps me to see how I have progressed over time as a person, and how to solve a problem in my life that I am having trouble with. About two months ago, however, I decided to take my journaling a step further. I implemented a daily notebook which I utilized to do far more than just journaling.

I believe in making schedules. I use schedules to keep my day organized, and through it I have been able to accomplish far more in my day than I would if I didn't schedule my time. I used to use scrap pieces of paper or notepads to write my schedules on, but now I add them to my notebook pages. The reason this has turned out to be so helpful for me is because I can see where I need to make changes in my scheduling. There are some days when I feel like all I do is work... There was a time when days went by before I was able to get any "me time." By keeping my schedules in my notebook I am now able to see if I am over scheduling myself, or under scheduling. I am able to utilize my time better, and keep my sanity.

Instead of paying extra money for journals with pretty covers or special pages, I now just use a notebook. I like spiraled notebooks better because I have more mobility in my writing. Instead of holding the book precariously to try to keep the pages from flipping over, I simply turn the pages to the other side of the book and this allows me more comfort. Also, the larger notebooks are thick enough to keep from warping as I write. I like it when things are easy.

During the day I come across facts that I need keep up with. Things like telephone numbers, websites, passwords, names, and appointment times. I jot these things in my notebook for the day that I received the information. This helps me to go back at the end of the day and put the information in their rightful pages. I no longer have to worry about accidentally throwing away that slip of paper that I had an important telephone number on. It's right there in my notebook.

My favorite type of notebook to use is Mead's Five Star Five Subject notebooks. These also have folders as separators and this comes in handy for me. I use the folders to hold important lists like projects I want to accomplish, Associated Content Article Ideas, and calendars. I also keep my address book in the folders, grocery lists, recipes, and weekly menus.

My notebook is also handy for me as a writer because it enables to write down my ideas and articles free hand when I am away from home and can't access my computer. When I get home I can save time by just typing the same information into my computer and I'm set.

I love the amount of time that keeping a daily notebook has saved me. Instead of having several different books to keep up with, I have everything at my fingertips now. It has helped me to organize not only my time better, but also my thoughts. It has helped to free my day for more fun. That's always a good thing!