5 Ways to Journal (And Why it Changed My Life)

[@intentink4658]

The best journaling advice I got is to put stickers on your new journals to make them *messy.* It's so easy to get into "journaling perfection" where you only write things you deem are "worthy" of being written... But then you never write anything. By messing up my journals, using random pens, I write A TON more which is where my life actually benefits! Your videos are amazing Marcus, can't wait til your channel blows up! 😁

[@MarcusCreates]

That’s great advice. Stickerbomb the life out of it! Thanks for the kids words and will do my best to keep the content interesting.

[@tubetrollin]

I didn't realize this was a thing! A long time ago I realized the expectation of consistency and perfection would keep me from getting started, so the first page of every notebook is written in a dozen different colors, styles, etc. just to get the perfection mirage out of the way.

[@bphone4239]

I just came up on 10 years of daily journal entries. Starting this past December I have started to write my journal entries with my non-dominant hand. It is cool to see the progression of my writing skills with my non-dominant hand. Thanks for the journal tips.

[@MarcusCreates]

That’s amazing. I’m so dominant on my right it would take me an hour to write a page with my left. You’ve definitely got me thinking though for another video…

[@JCrossMsM]

Love your content, sir. As a fellow dad, I greatly appreciate finding someone that also has family responsibilities instead of most what I find on YT which seems to be made by single dudes with no other responsibilities other than their career or schooling. So I am glad that I have discovered your channel, it resonates with me much more than other videos I've found. Bonus points that you work in tech as well so I gave you a follow on LinkedIn too. Thanks for the insight into your journaling routine. I have started many times, but nothing has ever stuck. I am dedicating myself to writing more in 2024, and this video seems like it will help.

[@RyanSwindall]

Good points @JCrossMsM.

[@Mattcruzedc]

I’ve wanted to journal/write for a long time, but have never been able to get started. Thank you for this video

[@MarcusCreates]

You can do it! Appreciate you watching :)

[@EricMorrison]

Wanted to come back to this video and make a comment. After watching this video I got phoenix journals for me and my wife, we are about a month in and it has changed our lives. I’ve lost 15 lbs and meeting my goals every day. I wanted to thank you Marcus for the recommendation and the video on journaling. I love all your videos and want to hear an update on the Topeak ratchet you got per my last comment recommendation! Keep it up!

[@MarcusCreates]

Thanks for coming back to leave this comment Eric and love hearing that my recommendation worked for you and your wife. Congratulations on the weight loss and hope journaling becomes a life long practice for you. 🙏

[@CarlKettler]

Great suggestions about journaling. I've been keeping a free-form journal between a series of Word docs and Google docs for years. Much of my journaling is thoughts and observations about people, society and life. I also keep a never-ending series of "To Do" lists. I was using Evernote for that, but due to software changes, I'm now transitioning to Notion. I have always felt conflicted about a paper journal vs. various electronic forms. I type much faster than I write, though spontaneous typed journals don't allow for drawings or images. I like your segretation of types of journals - Gratitude, planning, etc. On a tour of Henry Ford's home in Detroit, there is a library with his daily journals which he meticulously maintained for much of his life. One thing he did which I have always thought was potentially a huge value was that he updated an "index" at the back of every journal so that if he wanted to look up something in the past, it was quicker and easier to skim through the index of a bound journal to find the references.

[@Abhishekyadav007]

I just stumbled across your channel and my god what a tasteful man you are! These obsessions are something that I've had in me, doing it in my own scrappy ways (talking about your EDC, pens and other finer things) I aspire to do things like you when I have the means! Keep making these videos! :D

[@MarcusCreates]

Thanks buddy. What a positive person you are! Appreciate the kind words and good luck to you. 🍀

[@tokyorosa]

This is a great goal oriented approach to journaling. Dream journals and art journals are also interesting to keep!

[@MarcusCreates]

Thanks @tokyorosa. Appreciate it. 👍🏻

[@spg3878]

My take away - have OKRs for personal life. Discovered your channel and sorta binge watched a few videos and the podcast. Love it so far. You come across very authentic.

[@chrisapperson1975]

SMART goals S.pecific M.easurable A.ttainable R.elevant T.ime bond. I love journaling it is an amazing tool that can help in many areas of life. Great video keep up the great work. ✌️

[@MarcusCreates]

Love it!

[@RyanSwindall]

I've watched this video several times and learn something new each time I watch. Thanks for sharing your system @MarcusCreates.

[@MarcusCreates]

My pleasure!

[@AquaTerraStudio]

Very helpful video (as usual). Just discovered your channel, and I’m really enjoying your work. Thanks!

[@mandarin2206]

Hello Marcus, Thank you for the fantastic video! I have a couple of questions: 1. Regarding the five subjects you've mentioned for journaling, do you maintain separate journals for each, or do you compile everything in a single journal? 2. Given your role as a VP in a tech company, you likely use various ticket tracking systems (e.g., Jira, Asana) alongside emails and instant messaging. How do you integrate these digital tools with paper to-do lists?

[@MarcusCreates]

I have a couple of different journals. One for morning pages which I keep on my desk. I don’t bring it in my bag with me for fear of losing it and people realize just how mad my unfiltered thoughts are. I have another pocket notebook for failing ramblings, ideas and todo lists. And I have a 3rd for note taking which is in my laptop bag. In terms of integrating tech and analog that’s a whole video in itself.

[@mandarin2206]

@@MarcusCreates thanks! Hope to see it on your channel 🙂

[@mathieuveillette4806]

Me too! Thanks for the question I came looking for that info myself

[@ThorTheGiant]

Another outstanding video Marcus. Ya ledge ya 🇮🇪

[@MarcusCreates]

Thanks buddy ☺️

[@ThorTheGiant]

@@MarcusCreates My pleasure 🙏🏻

[@fireflymary9269]

I love how men have finally embraced things once thought of as only feminine. Journaling used to be a “diary” which is what many girls used to call it.

[@OKTKaikora]

I’ve started to use Obsidian Notes for journaling, as I can then link different notes together and easily look them up too. It’s not the same as using a beautiful fountain pen on paper, but definitely worth looking into to add to your system.

[@MarcusCreates]

I will look into it. Thanks for the heads up.

[@MartinVrkljan]

You can also use both, if you set aside some time to transfer your notes from paper to Obsidian, it can work really well, especially for retrospective!

[@OKTKaikora]

@MartinVrkljan agree. Personally I found it not a great use of my time, but I can definitely see how it can be useful to some people. I've integrated the gratitude journal into my daily journal template and I'm considering doing a habits section as well so I can track along with what I eat. I love how flexible obsidian is. And the ability to display in a data view is fantastic

[@MikeSeverinos]

I really enjoy your content which i stumble upon by accident. keep up with the nice work.

[@MarcusCreates]

Thanks Mike. Glad you discovered the channel

[@Brendan3627]

Thanks for this video Marcus. I picked up a Phoenix journal per your recommendation to help me start journaling.

[@MarcusCreates]

That’s awesome. Let me know how it goes for you? Genuinely.

[@ИльяФомин-х8ч]

Thank you! It’s great!

[@thebard20]

are the instruments in the background yours? If so it would be interesting to hear about how you fit them into your day as a busy businessman and father, whether you have goals related to them or other thoughts. I'm thinking of picking up the guitar again after a long break but I feel like I don't have the time, even though I'm not as busy as you. Really enjoyed the video, I've actually taken to making bullet point notes when I watch some of your personal improvement videos to make the ideas stick better.

[@laqshant3274]

7:37 Atomic Habits reference?

[@inSpyr]

Do you ever journal on keyboard/computer? Curious to hear your thought process behind the dedication to writing on paper. Personally i find it hard for my hand to keep up with my thoughts while writing with a pen. Maybe i should use cursive to speed things up (although it looks like a mess) 😝

[@rc3398x]

Great video! I came upon the same journaling methods myself when I tried to approach it similarly to a personal modified Agile Scrum (retros for reflection/gratitude), backlog grooming and daily actionable and measurable task items, and littering creative thoughts to later aggregate and mind map. At one point I was considering using Jira for journaling 🤣. I have a lot of the same thoughts and sentiments wrt minimalism, investing in high quality edc items. I came across your channel when researching for titanium pens haha. Right now I am leaning towards the Autmog Titanium 36 when that comes back in stock. I had a fountain pen in the past, a Sailor Ultra fine nib, but found it too cumbersome as a daily. I had also used Tamoe paper! Do you intend to make any videos on your general experiences working in big tech? I am considering pivoting to FAANG (or is it MAANGA now?) soon, but am hearing mixed things. Would love to hear your thoughts on current trajectory, culture, etc.

[@MarcusCreates]

I’m not planning to specifically talk about Big Tech or careers. At least at the moment.

[@DoleLuKa]

Hi Marcus, great content. What are you wearing on your right bicep? Greeting from Slovenia :).

[@MarcusCreates]

It’s called a whoop. It’s a fitness tracker.

[@annareese376]

Love your videos. Like you I am a techy and have tried several “tech” products to journal and have not liked any of them. This speaks to me and plan of giving it a go. Where do you get your task cards you create each day?

[@MarcusCreates]

Hey Anna. What a nice thing to say. 😊. I’m super glad you enjoy my content. I bought a stack of the cards for super cheap at a local stationary store in California. I don’t think they’re branded and might be locally made so sorry I can’t help there.

[@OlenaShylkina]

I’m 45) it’s good time to listen you 😊

[@105DEV]

The best summary of journaling I have seen.

[@MarcusCreates]

Thank you 🙏

[@rlukeyoung]

Moleskine 5.25 x 8.25 Hardcover ruled notebook journal is my go-to journal. I’m currently using a Kaweco Steel Sport pen - love the heavy feel and it fits in my pocket for EDC. Looking for another pen with a similar weight and pocket size, but with a better writing point. Enjoyed your video on your search for the perfect pen!

[@justAUserName123]

I hesitate to vent into my journal, I feel like someone will read it and that holds me back, do you feel the same?

[@jaikishansmspl39]

Liked your post on Journaling. Found it useful. I am many others will also find it useful. Keep posting. I have subscribed to your channel. So I will get the notification whenever you post. Do NOT compromise on the quality of your post. All the best. And, thank you.

[@MarcusCreates]

Thank you! Will do!

[@ShawnDuggan]

Just stumbled on your channel...fellow tech executive here - I also have found journaling incredibly helpful. I struggle with analog vs digital journaling. Why did you go the pen and paper route?

[@MarcusCreates]

Because everything I do is digital I love the tangible feel of pen on paper. It’s therapeutic to some degree. I also like that it’s not traceable and now that we work with AI’s I think it’s even more valuable.

[@_brianm]

Lovely video. Thanks for the reminder of morning pages. I learned about those years ago but had forgotten. Going to start again. Consider looking at the Themesystem Journal. Both the physical object itself, but also the philosophy behind it (yearly themes) from Grey and Myke at Cortex Brand.

[@MarcusCreates]

Thanks for the heads up Brian. Will check them out. Hope you enjoy morning pages. Takes a week or two for it to become a habit but when it kicks in, you’ll be excited to get your thoughts down every morning.

[@sttruesdale]

Thanks for the video. I like how you summarize general types of journaling, rather than just focusing on “this is the way”. I know there are tons of journals/planners, but I have found that the Monk Manual has a nice blend of most of these types. Any thoughts on pen vs typing? I keep bouncing between them.

[@MarcusCreates]

For me it has to be a pen. Part of the therapy of journaling is the expression of your thoughts through a pen.

[@cosmedermelaboratoires4132]

Yes maybe it's small channel but you are big, so it will be also, thanks so much for this genius content, it a great discovery for me

[@MarcusCreates]

Wow, thank you!

[@kteehan47]

So glad I found this channel. Thank you for this advice.

[@MarcusCreates]

You’re very welcome. I hope it helps you!!

[@davidfortin2940]

justes wow!! Fisrt time i comment on YTub. I just started journaling a week ago for personal growht and well-being perspectives. I was looking around and around and you summarised so well and clarify the approach i have started. thank you , yours content is top. I started fontain pen from yours advise, and i pickup a lamy safari and love it. I fall in the rabbit hole. Journaling every day already help me to clear my mind and focus and i jus love writhing with fontaine pen. I use leuchtturm 1917 a5 and a6 pocket and love them. continue yours contents, they are helping lots of peoples i think.

[@manuelruanosika]

Thanks for sharing, great tips. I use the full focus planner and an app called growth day. I find they do all of that