# If I Started A Journal In 2025, I'd Do This First  ## If I Started A Journal In 2025, I’d Do This First [(00:00:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=0s) - Many people buy notebooks with the intention of journaling, but often have no idea where to start, resulting in the journals collecting dust [(00:00:08)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=8s). - The writer has been journaling every single day for the last 7 years and has filled more notebooks than they can count [(00:00:14)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=14s). - The writer will share 12 life-changing journal techniques that can be used to get started with journaling in 2025 [(00:00:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=23s). - Most of the journal techniques take less than 2 minutes to do, making it easy to get started [(00:00:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=36s). ## Monthly Adventures [(00:00:41)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=41s) - A powerful journaling technique for a 2025 journal involves writing down one ambitious goal at the beginning of each month, which can be going to a new place, trying a new sport, or stepping out of one's comfort zone in some way [(00:01:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=94s). - At the end of each month, a reflection of no more than a sentence or two should be written on how the goal was achieved [(00:01:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=109s). - This technique allows individuals to have 12 amazing monthly adventures by the end of the year, which can help them get ahead of others and their previous selves [(00:01:57)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=117s). - Committing to this simple 2-minute journaling hack can help individuals achieve their goals and dreams, as it has done for the writer, who went from working for minimum wage to traveling the world, joining an entrepreneurship group, and starting a [[YouTube]] channel [(00:00:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=49s). - The writer's experiences include working on a building site, being in charge of 80 kids in a summer camp in [[Canada]], getting into the University of their dreams in central [[London]], and nurturing friendships and sticking to gym and running routines [(00:00:59)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=59s). - This journaling technique can help individuals achieve more basic things, such as nurturing friendships and maintaining a gym routine, in addition to more ambitious goals [(00:01:17)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=77s). ## Wheel Of Life [(00:02:14)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=134s) - The Wheel of Life is a journaling technique suitable for visual learners who use colors, diagrams, and drawings to track and work through life aspects [(00:02:14)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=134s). - This technique involves drawing a big circle in the middle of a journal page, separating it into nine individual sections, and labeling each section for different life areas: romance, family, friends, growth, money, mission, mind, body, and soul [(00:02:45)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=165s). - Each section is then colored in based on a self-assigned score out of 10, providing a visual representation of how highly each area is rated [(00:03:13)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=193s). - The Wheel of Life can be completed at any time and takes only 2 minutes, offering a quick visual snapshot of life balance and helping identify areas that may be causing stress or overwhelm [(00:03:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=203s). - The technique was first introduced by Ali Abdaal, a [[YouTuber]] who inspired the adoption of this journaling hack [(00:02:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=162s). ## Personal Mission Statement [(00:03:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=216s) - A personal [[Mission statement | mission statement]] is a concept that can be applied to journaling, and it involves writing down a set of values or principles to live by [(00:03:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=222s). - The idea of a personal mission statement was first introduced through Stephen Covey's book "[[The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People | Seven Habits of Highly Effective People]]", which emphasizes the importance of having a clear set of values [(00:03:55)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=235s). - Most people tend to go through life on autopilot without critically thinking about their values and principles, and having a personal mission statement can help individuals stand for something and avoid being influenced by others [(00:04:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=251s). - A personal mission statement is a set of values or principles that an individual wants to live by, and it serves as a guide for decision-making and actions [(00:04:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=274s). - Writing down a personal mission statement can be a useful journaling hack, as it helps individuals clarify their values and what they stand for in life [(00:04:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=289s). - Having a personal mission statement can also help individuals answer questions about what they believe in and what they stand for when asked by others [(00:04:43)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=283s). ## Polarising Opinions [(00:04:58)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=298s) - Some individuals may be unsure about their values, but having a clear understanding of one's values and strong opinions is essential, as it helps in identifying people who align with those values [(00:04:58)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=298s). - Being polarizing means not trying to appeal to everyone, as this can lead to being liked by nobody, and instead, having strong opinions that attract like-minded individuals [(00:05:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=336s). - Having strong opinions and values is crucial in journaling, as it helps in staying true to oneself and not trying to appeal to everyone [(00:05:47)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=347s). - Writing down polarizing opinions in a journal can be a helpful technique, allowing individuals to identify and solidify their values and opinions [(00:06:02)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=362s). - This journaling technique involves writing down three to 10 polarizing opinions that one might have, which can help in clarifying one's values and personal [[Mission statement | mission statement]] [(00:06:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=365s). ## Rejection List [(00:06:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=371s) - The biggest determinant of success in life is taking action on what one says they're going to do and what they actually want, despite factors like luck, money, and relationships playing a part. [(00:06:40)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=400s) - Noah Kagan's book "Million Dollar Weekend" mentions the concept of rejection therapy, which highlights that people settle for less due to discomfort with asking for what they want. [(00:07:02)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=422s) - The main reason people settle into their 9-to-5 jobs and accept being bossed around is their discomfort with asking for what they want and feeling like they deserve more. [(00:07:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=445s) - A journaling hack to overcome the fear of asking for what one wants is to write down a "rejection list" of uncomfortable things to do. [(00:07:44)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=464s) - Writing down a rejection list holds oneself accountable and increases the likelihood of doing uncomfortable things and asking for what one really wants. [(00:07:58)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=478s) ## Comfort Challenges [(00:08:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=485s) - A common concern when starting a journal is how to overcome the initial discomfort of approaching strangers, which can be solved by incorporating "Comfort challenges" into the journaling process [(00:08:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=487s). - The concept of Comfort challenges was introduced by author [[Tim Ferriss]], which involves writing down a new challenge each week that is slightly more difficult than the current day-to-day life and pushes the individual out of their comfort zone [(00:08:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=503s). - To start with Comfort challenges, a technique called "eye gazing" can be used, where the individual tries to make eye contact with strangers while walking on the street [(00:08:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=529s). - The next step in increasing the difficulty of Comfort challenges is to compliment strangers on their outfits or other notable features [(00:09:02)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=542s). - Over time, Comfort challenges can increase in difficulty, helping to build inner confidence, and it is recommended to write down a new challenge each week in the journal to track progress [(00:09:08)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=548s). - Incorporating Comfort challenges into the journaling process can help individuals progress over time and build their inner confidence [(00:09:17)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=557s). ## Dreamlining [(00:09:20)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=560s) - Dreamlining is a journaling technique for goal setting that involves imagining a life with no financial obligations or external obstacles, and was introduced in the book "Believe It or Not" by [[Tim Ferriss]] [(00:09:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=561s). - To practice dreamlining, one should imagine having no financial or external constraints for 3 to 10 years and write down five things they would want to have, five things they would want to do, and five things they would want to be in that scenario [(00:09:35)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=575s). - This technique is different from normal goal-setting exercises and is used to start goal setting in a journal, specifically in the 2025 journal [(00:09:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=572s). - The dreamlining exercise is meant to help individuals set serious goals and live a more productive life, and can be used in conjunction with a planner or other goal-setting tools [(00:10:15)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=615s). - A Deluxe 2025 planner is being given away, which can be used to set and achieve goals, and to be eligible to win, one must sign up to an email list and be selected on January 1st, 2025 [(00:10:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=625s). ## Journaling Prompts [(00:10:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=648s) - Journaling hacks can be completed in about 2 minutes or less, but for those willing to invest more time, there's a more in-depth journaling technique that can help take journaling to the next level [(00:10:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=648s). - This technique involves answering journaling prompts, which can be a common and popular way to journal, especially for those who struggle to get started [(00:11:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=691s). - Journaling prompts can help individuals imagine and explore different scenarios, such as having unlimited money or time, and can take some getting used to [(00:11:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=678s). - There are many free journaling prompts available on the internet, but two examples to get started include: "If you had unlimited time this next year to focus on any one skill, what would you do and why?" [(00:11:39)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=699s). - Another example is: "If you had to describe what [[Financial independence | Financial Freedom]] meant to you in one sentence, what would that sentence be?" [(00:11:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=709s). ## List Of Names [(00:11:54)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=714s) - To be well-liked, have people agree with you, and have them genuinely excited to see you, a simple technique can be applied, as discovered from the book "[[How to Win Friends and Influence People]]" by [[Dale Carnegie]], which involves using a journal [(00:11:54)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=714s). - The technique is based on the idea that a person's favorite word is their name, as pointed out by Carnegie, and using someone's name in conversation makes a significant difference [(00:12:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=745s). - A recommended journaling technique is to note down the names of people you frequently come into contact with, but may not see all the time, such as acquaintances or coworkers [(00:12:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=757s). - Using someone's name in conversation, even in casual interactions like greeting a barista by their name, can have a positive impact and make them more receptive [(00:12:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=769s). - Keeping a personal list of names in your journal can be upgraded by recording additional information, such as birthdays or notes about previous conversations [(00:13:09)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=789s). - This technique may seem unusual, but it can have a transformative effect on your life and relationships [(00:13:14)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=794s). ## Brain Dump [(00:13:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=803s) - A brain dump is considered one of the most powerful journaling hacks, and it's a favorite method of Jess, who is knowledgeable about journaling [(00:13:24)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=804s). - The brain is meant for having thoughts, not storing them, which can lead to feelings of overwhelm due to the accumulation of thoughts [(00:13:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=814s). - A brain dump is a simple solution to clear mental space and feel more creative and relaxed by writing down thoughts in a journal [(00:13:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=829s). - To start a brain dump, write the date in the top corner of the journal and record how you feel, without worrying about grammar or appearance [(00:14:06)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=846s). - The goal of a brain dump is to get all thoughts down on paper, making it a helpful technique for feeling more at ease, especially during stressful times [(00:14:17)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=857s). - Using a brain dump is recommended as the 10th hack for a 2025 journal [(00:14:19)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=859s). ## Obituary [(00:14:26)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=866s) - Writing an obituary for oneself can be a life-changing technique to stop putting off goals and dreams, as it forces one to confront their own mortality and consider what they want to achieve in life [(00:14:26)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=866s). - One reason people often put off doing things they want to do is because they feel like they have an unlimited sense of time, but the reality is that everyone will die at some point [(00:14:45)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=885s). - As [[Tim Ferriss]] points out, "someday" is the day and place where all hopes and dreams go to die, emphasizing the importance of taking action now rather than waiting for a future date [(00:15:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=900s). - An obituary is typically read at Western funerals, summarizing the person's achievements and life, and writing one's own obituary can be a powerful exercise in clarifying goals and aspirations [(00:15:14)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=914s). - Writing one's own obituary involves imagining oneself at an old age, having passed away, and considering what they would want people to say about them, what their hobbies and life would have been like, and what they would have achieved [(00:15:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=936s). - This exercise can help individuals get creative and stop putting off their goals and dreams for "someday," instead taking action to make them a reality [(00:15:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=952s). ## Dopamine Journal [(00:15:58)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=958s) - A journaling technique is being discussed as a potential method to bring various ideas together in a systemized way [(00:15:59)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=959s). - This technique is referred to as number 12 and is claimed to have the potential to significantly improve one's 2025 journal [(00:16:04)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=964s). - To learn more about this technique, viewers are encouraged to continue watching the video [(00:16:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi3CrSU3P3Y&t=970s).