# How I journaled every day for 6 years (and why you should too) ![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/vwRRP_Y_Q9M/maxresdefault.jpg) ## I journaled for 6 years, this is what I learned. [(00:00:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=0s) - The Life Tracker System is a method for journaling and setting goals, which includes daily highlights, habits, and metrics on the left side, and monthly goals on the right side [(00:00:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=0s). - The system is divided into two main sections: tracking daily activities and setting goals for the month [(00:00:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=5s). - A previous video was made about the Life Tracker System, but this discussion aims to provide a more in-depth guide to journaling [(00:00:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=11s). - The discussion covers the underrated benefits of journaling using the Life Tracker System, how to use the system to achieve goals, and how to be consistent with journaling [(00:00:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=18s). - The guide also provides information on how to get started with journaling immediately [(00:00:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=25s). ## Self-plug [(00:00:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=28s) - A life tracker [[Ebook | eBook]] is available, which includes easy-to-copy templates to track life scans for a journal and an in-depth journaling guide [(00:00:29)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=29s). - The eBook can be found on the website, and it is currently 50% off until the end of April [(00:00:38)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=38s). - The eBook helps support the channel, and a link to it can be found in the description [(00:00:44)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=44s). ## Life Tracker System quick rundown [(00:00:46)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=46s) - The Life Tracker System is a monthly journaling system that includes a monthly page, where users write down daily highlights and track habits and metrics on the left side, and set monthly goals on the right side [(00:00:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=48s). - The monthly page template includes space to track daily highlights, habits, and metrics, as well as a section to record daily weight [(00:01:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=60s). - The system uses a template, but users can customize it to fit their needs, and the template is used consistently every month [(00:01:06)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=66s). - In addition to the monthly pages, the system includes space for entries of different ideas and thoughts, which are recorded on the back of the monthly pages [(00:01:14)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=74s). - When a new month begins, a new monthly page is created, and the process starts over, allowing users to reflect on past entries and set new goals [(00:01:19)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=79s). - The Life Tracker System is a powerful tool for personal growth and development when used consistently and in conjunction with the steps outlined in the video [(00:01:24)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=84s). ## 2 underrated benefits of journalling with this method [(00:01:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=87s) - Journaling with the life tracker system has two underrated benefits: it helps to articulate thoughts better and think clearly, and it provides better resilience and ability to deal with any situation [(00:01:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=88s). - Writing journal entries helps to identify and overcome cognitive biases, and the practice of putting thoughts down on paper improves the ability to articulate thoughts [(00:01:46)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=106s). - Journaling allows for reflection on past thoughts and experiences, helping to realize how adaptable the mind is to different environments and how past difficulties can become interesting character developments in one's own story [(00:02:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=148s). - The life tracker system is modular, chronological, and allows users to capture only the things they care about, making it an effective way to track and optimize life [(00:01:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=90s). - The desire to start a journal can stem from realizing how fleeting thoughts are and how often one changes their mind, and journaling can help to capture and understand these changes [(00:01:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=112s). - Reflecting on past journal entries can provide a new perspective on past difficulties, making them seem less significant and helping to develop resilience [(00:02:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=156s). - Journaling can help to develop oneself by setting and achieving goals, which is an important aspect of personal growth [(00:03:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=181s). ## How to track and achieve all your goals with this method [(00:03:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=185s) - The Life Tracker system is a method of journaling that tracks past events and progress toward set goals, differing from the [[Bullet journal | Bullet Journal]] method which focuses on planning for the future [(00:03:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=187s). - The Life Tracker system was inspired by the Bullet Journal method but is distinct in its approach to tracking past events and progress [(00:03:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=190s). - Journaling became consistent and easy once the Life Tracker system was adopted, as it eliminated anxiety about planning and writing down to-dos [(00:03:33)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=213s). - To make journaling easy and frictionless, it's essential to approach it in a way that minimizes anxiety and effort [(00:03:43)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=223s). - The SMART goal framework is a method for setting efficient goals, making them specific, measurable, actionable, realistic, and time-bound [(00:03:54)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=234s). - The Life Tracker system automatically incorporates the SMART goal framework, making it easier to set and achieve goals [(00:04:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=247s). - The monthly page in the Life Tracker system provides a space to track progress toward set goals each month [(00:04:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=251s). ## Goal tracking setup guide [(00:04:13)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=253s) - A daily journaling setup includes sections for daily habits, daily highlights, monthly goals, and one-off habits, with the monthly goals section located on the right-hand side of the page [(00:04:15)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=255s). - The monthly goals section includes checkboxes for tasks such as reading books, posting videos, or working out, with the number of checkboxes corresponding to the number of times the task needs to be completed [(00:04:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=262s). - For tasks with a specific number of sessions, such as working out 20 times, a cluster of checkboxes is drawn and filled in each time the task is completed [(00:04:33)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=273s). - The one-off habits section is not a to-do list, but rather a list of things to achieve for the month, such as joining a run club or hitting a personal record in the gym [(00:05:04)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=304s). - Each task in the one-off habits section can be checked off or marked as skipped once it is completed or not completed [(00:05:16)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=316s). - A paragraph of reflection from the previous month and things to change can be written at the bottom of the page [(00:05:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=322s). - Using checkboxes for monthly goals ensures that the goals are specific, measurable, actionable, realistic, and time-bound, as they need to be completed within the month [(00:05:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=327s). ## Why monthly goals are better than yearly goals [(00:05:40)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=340s) - Setting monthly goals is considered more powerful than setting yearly goals because it allows for more actionable and specific steps to be taken, making it easier to achieve long-term goals [(00:05:41)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=341s). - Yearly goals can be too vague and lofty, making it difficult to know what steps to take to achieve them, whereas monthly goals can be broken down into smaller, manageable tasks [(00:05:46)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=346s). - Monthly goals enable individuals to reflect on their progress every month and adjust their goals accordingly, allowing for greater flexibility and adaptability [(00:06:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=381s). - Setting achievable monthly goals helps individuals make progress on their longer-term goals by forcing them to be more actionable and focused on specific steps [(00:06:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=372s). - Monthly goals can also be set for fun activities, not just personal growth or development, making journaling and goal-setting more enjoyable and varied [(00:06:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=396s). - Incorporating fun goals into journaling can make the process more enjoyable and help individuals stay consistent with their journaling practice [(00:06:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=411s). ## How to be consistent with journalling [(00:06:59)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=419s) - To journal consistently, it's essential not to put pressure on yourself to journal every day, as this can lead to burnout, and instead make it a habit to track a part of your life that you care about, which can be done in 10-20 seconds, such as your weight, habits, or main activities of the day [(00:06:59)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=419s). - Making journaling a daily habit doesn't necessarily mean writing entries every day, but rather tracking something you care about, which can be simple enough to fill in if you miss a day or two [(00:07:24)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=444s). - Journaling in this way is similar to a scientific journal, where you measure yourself and make modifications, which can be a cool and effective way to track progress [(00:07:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=471s). - Forcing yourself to write entries when you don't feel like it can result in writing low-quality entries that aren't worth reading later on, which is why it's not recommended to write daily diary entries [(00:07:58)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=478s). - The idea is to only write interesting things when they come to you, so that you actually want to go back and read them later on, but this doesn't mean not writing any entries at all [(00:08:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=492s). - It's recommended to only write when you have some sort of inspiration, such as thinking out a problem, making a decision, or capturing a particular moment, and to use your journal to take notes on things you learn and care about [(00:08:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=503s). ## The problem with the bullet journal method [(00:08:40)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=520s) - The issue with the [[Bullet journal | bullet journal]] method is that many people spend a lot of time customizing and decorating their journals, which can create friction and lead to not following through with journaling [(00:08:41)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=521s). - Customizing a journal to fit individual needs and interests can be done without subscribing to newsletters or buying courses, as it's about creating templates that cater to personal preferences [(00:09:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=541s). - Simple templates can be helpful for tracking different things, and having pages that are personally meaningful can make journaling more enjoyable [(00:09:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=563s). - Templates should be created based on things that are important to track and see progress on, such as sleep, caffeine usage, or distractions [(00:09:46)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=586s). - The rule for creating templates is to only track things that are meaningful and have already been done, and to keep templates as simple as possible without decorations or stylizations [(00:09:53)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=593s). - It's okay to abandon a template if interest is lost, as each page in the journal captures a thought or idea, and even abandoned pages can be interesting to look at [(00:10:09)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=609s). - Abandoning a template can also provide insight into why something that was once important is no longer being tracked [(00:10:24)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=624s). ## The easiest way to get started immediately [(00:10:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=630s) - To get started with journaling immediately, it is suggested to get a journal that you like the form factor of and commit to using it until it is completely filled up, which may take a year or longer for the first journal [(00:10:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=631s). - Once the first journal is filled, you will likely be inspired to start another one and be more consistent with it. - If you are unsure which journal to get, it is recommended to consider the Leuchtturm1917, specifically the grid one, which already has checkboxes written in for you [(00:10:53)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=653s). - One approach to journaling is to get a new journal every year, on your birthday, and try to fit everything within the 260 or so pages, making it easy to label each journal by birthday year [(00:11:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=665s). - Having a collection of journals can be a great way to have a perfect encapsulation of everything you cared about and everything that happened each year [(00:11:19)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=679s). - For a more in-depth walk-through of journaling and templates, an [[Ebook | ebook]] is available in the description, which is the only product sold and helps support the channel [(00:11:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwRRP_Y_Q9M&t=688s).