Have you ever purchased a cute blank notebook with so many cool ideas in mind for how you would use it – only for it to collect dust in the back of your closet?
Well, I have about 3 or 4 (or 8) of said notebooks. And I now have a use for every single one of them. Sometimes, we can get so excited about the amazing plans or ideas we’ll add to the notebook, but as usual, life happens.
Now, you’ve completely forgotten why you bought the dang notebook in the first place! Check out how you can fill up that notebook with some of your best ideas yet!
1. Soundtrack of Your Life
Have you ever forgotten how great a song is until YEARS later when you hear it again, and all of the feelings come rushing back to you? It happens to me all the time!
Write down song names that represent different periods of your life or specific memorable experiences you’ve had.
My list ranges from songs by The Cranberries to Sergio Mendes to Lil Jon!
2. Dream Discovery
Ever had a wild dream, woke up and grabbed your phone to Google what it all means?
Yerrrrp, I do it all the time.
Record your dreams in your notebook to the best of your memory, but focus on identifying any recurring patterns, symbols, or emotions you may feel.
Your subconscious may be hinting at something to pay more attention to!
3. Advice You’d Give Your Future Self
Rarely do we jot down the hard lessons that we learn.
We lock it away in a tiny corner of our brains, and hope we don’t have to revisit the memory. I’m soooo guilty of this!
Write down a few short messages, advice, or thoughts for you to read in the future.
Continue to fill up the notebook with each lesson learned.
4. Reverse Bucket List
I mean, we’re not trying to toot our own horns but TOOT TOOOOOT!
Make a list of things you’ve already achieved and experienced.
Place your focus on the small, unexpected, or overlooked achievements you’ve made.
5. Recipe Experimentation
Write down some of your favorite recipes you’ve tried and loved.
Make sure to include any adjustments or improvements you made.
I also write down recipes that I will NEVER EVER try again, because they just tasted absolutely terrible (my cooking skills are seriously lacking a work in progress, mkay?).
6. The Smallest Things That Bring You Joy
Sometimes, we may overlook the little things in life that make us happy.
List tiny, seemingly insignificant things that make your day better (like a baby’s laugh, the smell of rain, or when dessert comes out).
7. One-Sentence Reflection
If you’re not a heavy journaler (is that even a word?), try to challenge yourself to write how your day went in just one sentence.
Or write down one thing you want to accomplish the following day in one sentence. Don’t forget to check back to see if you did it!
8. Monthly Challenges Tracker
I’m such a sucker for a challenge! For some reason, I find it fun to test how disciplined I can be (or not!).
Set a personal challenge for each month – it could be big or small, but be sure to track your progress along the way.
Examples: No sugar – No social media until noon – Waking up at 5:00 am, etc.)
9. Words Left Unsaid Series
Write unsent letters to people who may never read them—past friends or family, mentors, or even your future self.
You may not realize how impactful it is to express yourself with words you may not have had at the time.
10. Gratitude With a Twist
Write down one unusual thing you’re grateful for, and include a short explanation of why it’s so unexpected or unusual.
If you want some alternative ways to practice gratitude, here are a few more!
11. Wandering Thoughts
Use a page every day to write down anything that pops into your head, no matter how random, weird, or…freaky (hey, I know I’m not the only one – haha!).
12. Digital Detox Diary
On the days you choose to disconnect from social media or from your digital devices completely, take note of exactly how you feel.
Be specific in how it affects your mood and level of creativity.
13. What I Want to Learn
Write down things that you would like to learn more about or even master.
If it’s a really big goal, break it down into smaller steps that make sense to YOU.
Give yourself a timeline of when you’d like each small step to be accomplished so that you can hold yourself accountable.
14. One Year of Random Acts of Kindness
Again, not to toot your own horn….
Not only can you write about the kind acts you’ve done for others, but don’t forget to record the kind acts you’ve received throughout the year as well.
After a year, review them and find different ways to outdo the previous year.
15. Inspirational Quotes Collection
Collect quotes from books, podcasts, social media, or people who inspire you. Pinterest is a great place to find amazing quotes!
Reference this notebook when you need a pick-me-up or just pure motivation.
16. Reverse Complaints
For every complaint you had during the day, redefine it in a more positive manner. Write down how you turned it around.
Example: The traffic was soooo annoying today, I barely made it to work on time > I’m so grateful that I made it safely to work and back home today.
17. One-Minute Moment
If you’re a beginner at journaling, start with just one minute.
Commit to writing a journal entry for exactly one minute every day.
Be sure to focus on the most important thought, feeling, or idea you have at the moment.
Hopefully, I’ve got your wheels turning to put those empty notebooks to good use!
Which of these ideas inspire you to try something new with a notebook?
