James Clear's Analog Habit System Revealed

The Clear Habit Journal is a collaboration between writer James Clear and Baron Fig. James is the author of the best-selling book Atomic Habits and this notebook is the best you can buy for easy habit tracking.
But it's so much more than that. I loved the Clear Habit Journal because of so many thoughtful details in the design. The notebook has just enough structure to give you guidance without feeling over-built or inflexible.
One of my favorite "features" of the Clear Habit Journal are the toolkits. James wrote 4 different sections that lay out strategies for habits, decision making, productivity, and fitness. The result is a great balance between guidance and features.
Many notebooks, journals and planners are either completely blank or structured. The Bullet Journal does have a little structure to it at the front and back pages, but James takes it just the right amount forward without feeling over-built.
You'll also find an Index, Line-Per-Day Journal entries, and Habit Tracker templates for 1 year of use (at least). Another one of the design details you'll see are the + and - indicators to mark the halves and thirds of the page. This makes it very easy to section off the page as needed.
I can definitely see using this for a daily journal in place of a blank bullet journal. Even with all of the pre-printed pages I listed the notebook still has 160 blank pages for your own layouts. It could easily last several months of daily use before needing to be replaced.
Get your Clear Habit Journal here and use the code HABITS20 for 20% off! www.baronfig.c... (code could be disabled at any time).
Overall, I can't recognize the Clear Habit Journal enough. It's a beautifully designed, well thought out, just-enough-structure daily journal to use in place of a blank bullet journal. I will definitely be using it for my own daily practice after I complete my current BuJo.
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My name is Matt Ragland and I make videos about using a minimalist bullet journal to focus on what matters most to you. I’ll show you how to use concepts like 10 Blocks, Time Tracking Grids, and Project Timelines to quickly see what needs to be done and when.
You can look for these videos every week, so please hit subscribe to stay in the loop for each new show!
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Download all of my Bullet Journal productivity resources, including the 10 Block Method, Time Tracking Grids, and Monthly Plan at bulletjournalgu.... You'll also be able to enter the 5 Day Time Track Challenge to see where your time is spent each day.
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Notebook from Baron Fig
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[@MattRagland]

Thanks for watching my review of the Clear Habit Journal! Do you like the balance between guided toolkits and blank pages? What do you think of the design details like marks for sectioning off pages? Do you think it's a journal you'll try this year?

[@heimerscott]

If we have to wait until nearly May (sounds like it won't ship until April 26), it might be the journal I try next year. If it was available now I could get it and not have to re-do a lot of work I've already done for getting the year started. That said, I do appreciate your review and preview of what we can expect from this journal. I do love the simple touches like the page markers for dividing in half or thirds. Keep up the great work, man!

[@knittinghands23]

Matt Ragland I do not have it yet. I would like the guide marks and the toolkits. I would try it. I went to the address you gave, but there was no information there. I was looking for a price. I need to plan the purchase. Funds are limited. Thank you for your time and research. Off subject question: what books could I find at a library or purchase that discusses business plan instruction and layouts. I am considering building a business based on the skills I have but am not being hired for. Any assistance would be appreciated. Could even be a possible video idea. Yes, any and all review of books and/ or journals.

[@MattRagland]

Abbie Juett it’s $24

[@CarolinaArgyle]

I really enjoy these reviews. Keep them coming Matt.

[@RyanOakley]

LOVING my Clear Habit Journal. Best thing, like you said, is the balance James struck with providing the helpful structure with the blank page flexibility. I can now Bullet Journal PLUS some. Love it. Even wrote my own review. But didn't want to post it here unless it's ok. :)

[@colleenwnek3404]

"I just didn't want to do it." Fair enough! I always appreciate your practical honesty! :) Relatable!!

[@colleenwnek3404]

And yes to journal reviews.

[@MattRagland]

Colleen Wnek thanks so much!

[@liliax9147]

It looks pretty great, my favorite part is that there is no visible “branding”

[@theotherway1639]

I've tried over and over to stop bad habits...in the end, meditation and mindfulness were the game changers. Books like the one called 30 Days to Reduce Stress by Harper Daniels, and the Tao Te Ching, were the most effective for me.

[@drceballos]

Just finished reading Atomic Habits and loved it. I ordered the journal through Baron fig and that’s how I found your channel. Got a sub from me.

[@TheDamianvain17]

The new Leuchterm already has the pocket and multiple bookmarks. My opinion on the two is thus; if a person just wants to write stuff in the blanks and keep to a rigid structure, then he/she needs the Clear habit journal. However, if a person wants to truly make it their own, he/she can use the Leuchterm. Personally, I don't like being told what to do and how in every aspect of my life, including my journal. I respect people's choice either way. Also, great video and thank you for your work.

[@MattRagland]

Thanks for sharing, and yes I agree! I do think many journals and planners have too much structure. I think the Clear Journal is a nice balance. It still has over 160 blank pages, so that I liked.

[@TheDamianvain17]

@@MattRagland I tend to write a lot, so I like the 240 pages the Leuchterm has. It's a matter of preference. I can see why the Clear would be a good choice too. Since I enjoy your videos and find your reviews intelligently laid out, I have a potentially philosophical question for you; if the Clear notebook had no names attached to it (creators/authors) do you think it would be as popular? I look forward to reading your response.

[@amberpace7531]

I had *no* idea James Clear had a habit journal :) I have a LOT of respect for him!! Definitely like seeing journal reviews, it gives me an idea of what's out there. Thanks for the review, Matt. Always enjoy your channel!

[@MattRagland]

Thanks Amber!

[@marniezjones]

ABSOLUTELY keep doing the reviews. I value your opinion and it saves me the time and money I have spent trying this journal and another. My biggest problem has been trying to find a journal with enough structure, yet blank areas where I can personalize it. THUMBS UP!!

[@MattRagland]

Thanks Marnie! I think you'll like the Clear when it comes back to printing!

[@h.c.b.4107]

Good video. I am just starting James Clear's Atomic Habits and the Clear Journal. I watched a bunch more of your vides ( stalling working :-) ), but you explain, point out and demonstrate helpful things. Thank you!

[@SilviaHonores]

Yes, please! More journal reviews!

[@knittinghands23]

I just purchased a dot grid notebook from Walmart for $6.67 to see if I would like it. It was adorable. Thank you for the review. I appreciate you and your effort in each video. Thank you.

[@MattRagland]

Thanks Abbie, nice find on the notebook!

[@luissandoval348]

I just picked up a Clear because of this video and I can't wait to get organized with a brand new bujo. Thanks!

[@thefunbot]

love the marks for centerlines...and love your idea of marking those on all pages

[@MattRagland]

Thanks Chuck!

[@leahreinert7669]

Love your videos!! I bought my first ever planner at age 39 because I watched your Full Focus Planner Review!! I’m loving my Full Focus Planner, use it everyday, but I’m listening to Atomic Habits now and the way he explains habits makes sooo much more sense to me that setting goals like FFP has us do. I’m dying to know your thoughts on the difference of FFP and Clear Habit journal. I don’t know how to bullet journal, I’m more of a visionary/creative, lack of focus kinda gal. LoL!! Thanks so much and looking forward to more videos from you!

[@lisaheffley7134]

I really enjoy your videos. You are clear, concise, and personable. Plus you help me add to my list of “I wants...” I want that journal, that book, that pen!

[@MattRagland]

Thanks Lisa! Appreciate you watching :)

[@Aricston]

Really liked this review - hoping for more of these videos :) I like this kind of journal - I always have my problems with blank pages as I want them to turn out perfect but dont have the time to make them perfect - those grids and dots would really help as I still want to "create" my own journal

[@CharliWrites]

I love your videos on notebooks as analogue traces of thought.

[@MattRagland]

That sounds so impressive!

[@DCEJosh]

It looks like a pretty sweet notebook. I like that it has the markers on the perimeter of the page for breaking it up into sections. The reviews are nice, as are the productivity set-ups. My biggest struggle is not flying by the seat of my pants, so I've made it a goal to consistently use the journal for all appointments and expectations from work in order to not be caught off-guard. 3 weeks into a new job, and so far-so good...

[@jaysfarrell]

Received mine today and absolutely love it.

[@MattRagland]

Very nice! Glad you got one :D

[@syameze2227]

Great review! Exactly what I was looking for.

[@Jessica-xc6vn]

I have read the book and I love it. Would buy this but don't want to wait until May to get it. And yes please to more reviews!

[@MattRagland]

Jessica thanks for watching and letting me know!

[@douggottlieb]

I enjoy these journal reviews. More please. And how about some page design template ideas? Great channel!

[@lb1344]

I like the journal reviews -- please keep them coming. I would like to have one that you aren't planning to use. I purchased one that was a generic one to "practice" bullet journaling, systems, thoughts on planning, I even used it for the 30 - day time tracking challenge you did. So now it's almost all used up -- but more like a reference book for my "planning" ideas starts -- stops, hodge podge. Sooo.... should I be so fortunate....

[@dinkychickenshorts]

I got this journal quite a while ago but I’ve been afraid to start using it and messing it up! I was an early subscriber to James’s newsletter and bought Atomic Habits as soon as it came out and I’ve listened to the Audible version twice and read it through once and am marking it up constantly. But I still haven’t made a mark in the journal. That’s how I found you, hoping to figure out how to do it “right.” I’ve kept journals and notebooks since I was five but have years long gaps because I never heard of bullet journaling before and I’m 52! Oh what I have missed. But my anxiety is making me miss more, Im afraid. I loved your review and I would love to be on the receiving end of any journal giveaways you mentioned. Thanks for this. I think I’m just going to jump in and mess up this Clear Habit journal.

[@KevinAgot]

Thanks Matt. I ordered the Clear Habit Journal soon after watching your vid. I plan on using it combined with the methodologies espoused by James Clear and Ryder Carroll. Given the modular flexibility of bullet journaling, in general, I assume (hopefully correctly because I plunked down some hard-earned shekels) that merging both philosophies will work well in my new journal (which I should be receiving today).

[@MattRagland]

Yes - one of the reasons I liked the Clear journal so much. Can easily merge the systems!

[@Fishingsmith]

I enjoy the journal reviews. This one looks like one I would use. The little bit of structure would really help me creating new routines and habits.

[@ltraina3353]

I do like the reviews. Especially if you spend a week or two actually using it. I’ve had a tendency to buy too many planners/notebooks/journals, I’m always convinced that I’ll really love it, but after a short time of use, I can see all the shortcomings I didn’t notice before. Plus, if having companies send you product to review, and you end up giving away extras, I’m not going to complain! Thanks!

[@cathyk1107]

Thanks for this review. It this looks like a good journal, but maybe too much instruction within it for my liking. Might be better if it came with a separate simple tool kit. Once you’ve got the basics down, I don’t think you need any pages filled up with instructions. If you make your own version, which I hope you do, I prefer your idea of marking the outside of the pages with measured guidelines instead of having it right on every page surface. Keep up the great videos, I’m glad I found your channel. I gave up bullet journaling a couple of years ago. My first intro to them was Pinterest, and I tried some of the layouts, but found it a huge chore and not good for my anxiety. I came across your channel by accident and you opened up my mind to simple, straight forward journaling and tracking. I am a woman, but find almost all of my new favourite setups were posted by men. Simple and too the point. Thanks again!

[@cilentroleaf564]

I enjoy your journal reviews, keep them coming!

[@MattRagland]

Thanks!

[@ChloeRisto]

I'm down with the reviews. And random aside: you're cracking me up lately in your videos. Love the jokes; keep them coming!

[@michaelmulligan4165]

Great explanation. Professional and enjoyable presentation. Please do more.

[@rodreeves8076]

Nice job, Matt. I just got my Clear Habits journal and really enjoyed your review. New subscriber too! 👍🏻

[@CoachPritch]

Just used your code to pick this up for my wife, thanks!

[@MattRagland]

Thank Coach!

[@milasunflower_aguita_dulce]

I found your channel recently, and I love it! I have just a regular bullet journal with the dots just to start with. Can you make a vid in ideas on how to organize by monthly or weekly goals!? Thanks! ❤😊

[@MattRagland]

Thanks Mila! Did you see this video? kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqi6oYWbgshgm7s Probably the closest I have right now :)

[@Gingerbaard]

Something I have noticed is that you are often out of focus in your videos, I think the focus is set close to the camera so if you have the possibility of moving forward or adjusting the camera that would be great!

[@MattRagland]

Yes, the auto-focus isn't great on this camera. Saving up for a new one and starting a Patron membership soon to help speed up the process. Thanks for checking in :)

[@tapchik7822]

I’d love to have this notebook. It would be really helpful for me.

[@st3vencheah]

Hi, I just found this video and I just bought the clear habit journal using the coupon code. Thank you. Keep it up!

[@AnaCristinaIrizarri]

I listen to the book, found your review of the planner and loved it, the video and the planner. Usually people talking to the camera bores me, but you made it interesting and dynamic enough for me. I normally "Frankensteined" my planners, including parts of others, so would love to see a review on the Hibonichi tech, if you haven't yet. (Should have checked your channel first, my bad). Thanks for doing this, great job!

[@MattRagland]

Thank you Ana!

[@danielaquinteros2880]

I love the design of this journal! really good !!

[@estelleblake2224]

love a journal review. but am using some of them for specific project planning so that could be fun

[@biancaruddy2047]

Great review, thanks! Was thinking about ordering but now I can go do so with confidence!

[@hanniss9]

Best journal ever. One thing that would be great is a holder for a pen, attached to the journal.

[@thatguy776]

First time on your channel, awesome content. Definitely subscribing

[@thomas6163]

great review!

[@caitiebabe87]

Just received this yesterday

[@aladdison9810]

And just like that you gained a new subscriber! 😁

[@MattRagland]

Al Addison welcome!

[@GrooDWanderer]

Thumbs up for the "Get your head out of your apps" line. Love it. Please review more notebooks as I am looking for anything that might replace my Leuchtturm 1917. So far, it's been my "go to" work journal. Been looking at the GLP Creations Author notebook with Tomoe River paper and the BOND Travel Gear Tomoe River paper notebooks lately. Really like the price of the BOND notebook since it even has 296 pages.

[@MattRagland]

Thanks Groo! I love the BOND notebook, they sent one to me and I'll be reviewing with some others soon.

[@michellecornish]

This is great, Matt! I was wondering about this one. :)

[@MattRagland]

Thanks Michelle!

[@marcof247]

Cool stuff, Matt. I think I may just pick one up since I’ve read Atomic Habits twice already. I’m also currently reading Measure What Matters by John Doerr since I was quite interested in the OKRs video you made. Greetings from Singapore!

[@MattRagland]

Awesome, glad you liked those! The books are amazing :)

[@maureenlauergatta]

I like learning about the new ways of thinking. Wait, I take that back, I LOVE learning new ways. More efficiency, greater productivity and allowing it to be still my own. I may try out that jour al. For me it comes down to cost. I currently have been getting the $5 dot journals from Michael's. Then if I make a mistake, I'm still cool. lol (Mind games right?!) Iside note btw, I've been bullet journaling for over a year now. I just shared with a group of people how to get started with it and 3 ppl have shared with me how much they loved it. One had bought the bullet journal and just didnt know where to start. here's to many more organized (🤞) lives bullet journaling can provide to others. #juststart

[@MattRagland]

That's awesome Maureen :D Love that mistakes are still cool :)

[@chrissmith372]

How is the ghosting on the pages? I'm still getting one regardless.

[@zoo2you]

Interesting concept. Good price too.

[@drgagandeep241]

thanks sir 🙂

[@richardcozad1166]

Like the reviews of journals!

[@MattRagland]

Thanks Richard! New one coming out soon!

[@teejayhanton]

OK fine ... I'll read Atomic Habits. Sheesh. ;) Seriously though, thanks for the review. Good to see inside a bit and get some input on this notebook.

[@devanshpanwar7005]

I too want to have a journal and maintain this habit but I don't have the money to buy one. If possible, please help me out. I really want to extract the best out of 2022 and that's why I'm here.

[@ramjeesah4180]

nice Article keep up it good

[@juliedelakethulle519]

Can you speak to the examples that are claimed to be in the journal? Didn't notice them in your review

[@RyanOakley]

I like the review. And want to see more journal reviews. However, I want to see them in a USED condition. How does it look and work after a few weeks or months of use?

[@MattRagland]

Ryan Oakley totally, I have a review planned for my 2018 notebooks.

[@kevinc2260]

curious what your opinion is after a year of use or since the post? Ready to rock with something soon (new to daily journaling). Thanks bud

[@V1N_574]

I love it and want it... I wanted nowww! Give it to meeee!!!

[@cohenelliot6114]

Hi Matt I ordered mine last week and was very excited to have it arrive two days ago. But I have a question: Why does mine seem like a different version from the one in the above vid? The one I have ($24.00) doesn't seem as detailed as yours. Is there a larger or more expensive one?

[@MattRagland]

Not that I’m aware of! That’s odd, what seems to be missing?

[@cohenelliot6114]

Matt, could there be a more detailed or exhausive study journal than the one I've purchased ? Im going to watch your video again to make sure im not seeing things lol

[@MattRagland]

@Mark Learst I prefer the standard! The plus is too much space for me and messes with my bag pocket arrangement :D

[@azizzakirov1222]

Hi 👋🏼 I wanted to know if there is a Russian version of this journal ?

[@DKhush1810]

I am from India. I read his book atomic habits and I really want to buy this but unfortunately not available in India .

[@isheeria]

I enjoy your reviews. Would love to see more and participate in the giveaway if you are sending one to India :) I did feel this one wasn't as detailed as you usually tend to do

[@kbaccari88]

Reviews and giveaways are better than emoji thumbnails. It's math Reviews and Giveaways > emoji thumbnails. =More reviews

[@MattRagland]

Haha yep more to come!

[@g.l.296]

Are you planning to review also the Grow Daily and the Do Work journals of BF?

[@PinkFlowers365]

ty

[@kanchanh5623]

Is this journal just for tracking the habits or we can do self journaling as well?

[@brimed9594]

If you want to give me one, I will take it!

[@RyanOakley]

Matt said I could post my own Clear Habit Journal review blog post. So here's my take of it after 13 days of use and how I think it perfectly compliments and even enhances the bullet journal method - www.photographyontheside.com/clearhabitjournalreview

[@MattRagland]

Thanks for sharing Ryan!

[@tylervaughn1592]

Hey Matt curious to know what you think of the bullet journal from Ryder Carroll ? He uses the leuchtturm1917 ? If you are familiar with that what's your take on it vs other journals you have used. Thanks Matt.

[@Domic462]

Damn the sells pitch...

[@MattRagland]

Thomas Clark yes buy through my link and I’ll make a sweet $2.40 off your purchase 😉

[@abbielynnjuett4031]

Yes. Review planners.

[@raulcabrales9594]

My problem with this is, what do I do with my blank Confidants? #firstworldproblems

[@salvatoretorcivia8840]

Use them! Take concepts from the Clear Habit Journal and apply them to your journaling

[@IowaKim]

Get your head out of your apps! Ha! Gonna use this quote.

[@MattRagland]

Becoming my catchphrase haha

[@landriver1]

Ships April 26??? WTH??? 😁

[@RyanOakley]

They sold out of their second print WAY before they thought they would. But yeah 3-month wait is ridiculous. Glad I got mine on Jan 9th in the first pre-order wave. It's worth it!

[@mohammedgoryawala7710]

Hi Matt! Check out TinyChange Planner... I think you'll love it

[@DottyGale8]

Hey, did you know you could tape an envelope to the back and.......(well, someone had to do it! :D ;) )

[@maskedgymnast9699]

This is lovely u are talented, I also have a bullet journal video if your curious and want to watch it! Amazing I will defo watch u again! thanks n

[@ianonline]

I hate that I always have to pay far more because I’m not the U.S - more for shipping, then more in customs charges, but most of the time I’m still glad I’m not in the U.S. :)

[@virayx6]

My nickname is V

[@douggottlieb]

I enjoy these journal reviews. More please. And how about some page design template ideas? Great channel!

[@douggottlieb]

I enjoy these journal reviews. More please. And how about some page design template ideas? Great channel!