How to Use Lists in Your Journal
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If you are getting stuck on what to write in your journal, why not embrace lists? These can be as short and brief or as detailed as you want. You make lists of virtually anything you can think of, whether you just want to get different ideas out of your head and into paper, or you want to keep track of something on your mind.
Take a look at these different lists you can keep in your journal.
Pros and Cons Lists
One of the best lists you can make in your journal that will bring a lot of value to your life is a pros and cons list. This is great when you are trying to make a decision, and really struggling with which direction to go. This works best when there are two options you are choosing from, such as two colleges, two jobs who want to hire you, or two places to live. Write down the pros and cons of each, or just the pros and cons of ONE big decision, and see if there are more pros or cons.
Gratitude Lists
If you haven’t heard by now, expressing gratitude in your journal will allow you to truly appreciate what you have in your life, instead of focusing on what you don’t have or wish you had. All you do with this type of list is write down everything you are grateful for. It can be a person who has made an impact in your life, someone who did you a favor or held a door open, things you have in your life like friends, a home, a stable job, and pets who you love and love you back. Anything that you are appreciative of can
make the list.
Favorite Memories and Moments in Your Life
You can also reflect in your journal by creating lists related to your favorite memories or certain moments in your life. This might be some of your fondest memories from your childhood, moments from school you don’t want to forget, or cherished memories of your grandmother who passed away. It is not only good to reflect on your life but to preserve these memories.
Goals and Tasks
For more list ideas, why not make a list of goals you have, or write down a goal, then make a list of the tasks you need to complete for that goal? You can be as brief or detailed as you want, but just writing down a list of things you want to accomplish in your life helps you see what really stands out, and what you can probably put on the backburner.
Bucket List Items
Lastly, you can make a quick list of your bucket list items, things you have never done that you would like to do someday. These aren’t necessarily goals or accomplishments, but experiences you want to have. It can be anything from traveling to Europe or going on a cruise, to buying a house or swimming in the ocean.
Other Journaling Posts
- Journaling Means Something Different to Everyone
- Isolation is the Perfect Time for Journaling
- How Often to do Stream of Consciousness Journaling
- You Need Journaling Routines
Loving Life — The Reboot!
Dominique
19 Comments
Mary
I found out that having a pro and con list is really very helpful as it sets you in the right direction sometimes.
Ashten
I love all of these list ideas! Especially the favorite memories and moments list. Will have to give it a try!
Sammbith
Thank you for explaining the use of lists in this journal. A useful idea for the development of writing is not only for journals but also for other writing functions.
Dominique
That’s a great point!
Anne
Find this interesting especially I love journaling but I’m not really aware of the different types of list. Thanks for sharing.
Cherry
I love this. So helpful. I’ve been doing plenty of pros and cons list lately.
Ashli Ferguson
Pros and cons lists are everything!! they help me so much!
TheHappyMommie
Hey! this is going to help me out with my poor journaling skills, Thanks
Bright snow Loveland
Very great and educative information. Thanks for sharing.
Maysz
I love doing journals on my daily task and set up goals this post would help a lot!
siennylovesdrawing
I love journaling too, love your sharing here with great suggestions, gonna prep my journals for each 😀
cheers, siennylovesdrawing
Monidipa
I will have to start writing journal again. These tips will help me!
Surabhi
Great list! I’m planning to start a gratitude journal.
Fatima
Expressing gratitude in a journal is always a plus. I love thinking of ways we can improve daily
Thuy-Linh Phan
I love journaling and lists are great for helping me to keep my thoughts organized.
Lauren
I’ve never thought to write lists in my journal! Such a great idea, especially the memories 🙂
Franze Garcia
Might as well start the gratitude journal. I’ve been journaling since college and I have never included that one.
Polly
The OCD in me somehow feels the need to have 2 journals. One for the my goals and tasks (which I use throughout the year) and second for my bucket list which I always keep with me since I was in high school. I love having my journals as they help me keep things organized.
Dominique
That sounds like a cool plan!