What to Journal About in the Beginning of the Year

There are a few times of the year when people tend to start journaling for the first time, 
or get back into it during a break – when they are dealing with something difficult, near 
the beginning of the next quarter, and the beginning of the year. If you are journaling as 
part as your new start this January, here are some things you can write about.


Your New Years’ Resolutions and Annual Goals

Naturally, the first step to journaling in the beginning of the year is to write about your 
goals for the year, and your resolutions if you have them. I like to think of resolutions 
more as 1-3 things you have been wanting to do, but haven’t really gotten the right kind 
of motivation. Think of those things you keep saying you will do someday, but never do. 
It could be ending a bad habit like drinking too much caffeine or biting your fingernails, 
or maybe it has to do with wanting to finally start the manuscript you keep talking about. 
Write it all down in your journal and really set your sights on what you want to 
accomplish this year.


Areas of Your Life to Improve

You can also write about different areas of your life that you want to improve, such as 
your health, your finances or work, spending time with loved ones, being more active in 
your community, or starting a new project. This is more general improvements you want 
to make, as opposed to super specific goals that turn into resolutions for the year.


New Habits and Routines You Want to Implement

Are there habits you feel like you are slacking on, or do you want to start a new routine 
that serves you better? Your journal is a great place to get started. It might be a good 
idea to first write about your routines now, then kind of pinpoint either what you want to 
add, or areas of your daily routines that don’t really serve a purpose and no longer fit in 
with your current lifestyle or your future goals.


Focusing on Growth and Self-Improvement

Journaling is an amazing resource when it comes to personal growth. It really allows 
you to become a better, healthier, more productive person. Use this time in the 
beginning of the year to write about how you want to grow and improve this year. Do 
you want to read more self help books? Are you interested in learning something new 
by taking courses? Do you want to develop a more positive mindset? Really focus on 
this and write it all down in your journal.



