Any tips on journal keeping, specifically the format or style of writing?
I’ve been keeping a journal but I am unsatisfied with the result. I have no methodology, some days I write as if speaking to a future me, some I write as if to an audience, and some days I write essays, and others I just list what I have done. As a result, my journal is difficult to read, it doesn’t have a consistent feel.
My journal is primarily is revision record for my life, something Future Me can look up and cross reference against memory to refresh on why certain choices were made or how landmark events made me feel. The second purpose is to brainstorm on and explore upcoming choices and current events, to be honest with myself on how I feel. As a result my journal is a shameless full-disclosure letter to Future Me, and that works for me.
Ask yourself why you keep a journal? What is the goal? Then write to achieve your goal.
If that doesn’t work, split your existing entries into similar groups.
Notes to future self.
Messages to an audience.
essays.
Now work backwards from those groups to assess your motivations. Perhaps you want to split your journal into three sections, one to address your future self, one to vent into and get stuff off your chest, and one to explore and summarize ideas.
Any tips on journal keeping, specifically the format or style of writing?
I’ve been keeping a journal but I am unsatisfied with the result. I have no methodology, some days I write as if speaking to a future me, some I write as if to an audience, and some days I write essays, and others I just list what I have done. As a result, my journal is difficult to read, it doesn’t have a consistent feel.
are your expectations for more structure useful for your purposes in keeping a journal?
I write paragraphs beneath headings, to prevent rambling.
My journal is primarily is revision record for my life, something Future Me can look up and cross reference against memory to refresh on why certain choices were made or how landmark events made me feel. The second purpose is to brainstorm on and explore upcoming choices and current events, to be honest with myself on how I feel. As a result my journal is a shameless full-disclosure letter to Future Me, and that works for me.
Ask yourself why you keep a journal? What is the goal? Then write to achieve your goal.
If that doesn’t work, split your existing entries into similar groups.
Notes to future self.
Messages to an audience.
essays.
Now work backwards from those groups to assess your motivations. Perhaps you want to split your journal into three sections, one to address your future self, one to vent into and get stuff off your chest, and one to explore and summarize ideas.
Please provide feedback.