The Life-Changing Habit of Journaling (What I Learned)

In this video, I will show you my strategy for journaling on a near-daily basis.
There are a few reasons why someone may want to keep a journal.
My objectives when keeping a journal:
1. Track progress - This can be something as simple as monitoring progress towards goals, whether they be for financial, life, relationship, or health. I find that writing down measurable goals holds me accountable.
2. Staying on course - There are times in life where we may stray from the path which we would like to take. Keeping a journal helps me stay on track and reminds me of the things that are most important.
3. Cataloging and documenting life - Our minds are a library of ideas, thoughts, and feelings. Journaling allows you to create a system to organize those ideas into something that you can reflect upon and use for new projects in the future.
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[@NateOBrien]

If this video hits 4,000 likes, I’ll make the advice for introverts video next week. Thanks for the support everyone!

[@JasonPizzinoOfficial]

Nate O'Brien there’s so many vids for introverts... help the extroverts! They’re the ones feeling it most while being stuck at home! 😂😭

[@investwithdavis1235]

I gave you a like, only 3,999 left

[@DanteKali]

Team Introverts!

[@AnasaktSadhak]

I was hoping to see the advice for introverts. I recall your poll got more votes for it. Btw this journaling video is really awesome. Thank you for sharing and teaching lot’s of powerful knowledge. Keep up the good work. 😊🙏

[@samwinchester61]

I like the idea of end of month review. Summarizing like than can bring healthy perspective and helpful insights. 👍

[@rhonda2310]

The amount of humility in this guy is incredible. You’re such an inspiration for your audience

[@TheDsasadsad]

I agree with you :) He is a such great guy. I hope to be more like him sometimes.

[@embiggenedveinycromulence6733]

Humility is the best way to learn. Otherwise what's the point, you'll always fool yourself that you can't do wrong. Introspection is for strong people.

[@davidsdinero]

I agree it's so hard to keep track of your goals by keeping them in your head. I cannot stress enough the importance of writing stuff down👍

[@NateOBrien]

Yes

[@ShaneCrazy]

facts this vid helped a whole bunch

[@LennefalkStudios]

Definitely totally agrees, a complete game changer. Also goes for fitness goals!

[@paddygalloway8780]

I used to be that guy that carried around 1,000 things in my head. Journaling has helped so much and this video has given me a few new ideas too. Always providing the best Nate my man!

[@gabemilian4525]

Hey Paddy 👋 Makes since to you see you in the comments of a productivity video

[@pixalmated4853]

I love journaling! I have 1 for exercise, food, sleep, diary, socializing. It's nostalgic reading back what was happening in your life at that time, seeing how you and your mindset changed. I recommend everybody get 1.

[@natt773]

lol, his journaling is productive. Mine would be about my emotional insecurities.

[@alexiee09]

HAHHAHAA same

[@azizagoibnazarova1230]

Hahahaha

[@2daylayover]

😂😂😂

[@rorschachblue]

Same HAHAHAHA

[@liyak]

mine IS.

[@stayhappylittlemermaid]

The more grateful I am, the more beauty I see. -

[@doreenplatt3873]

I am a big fan of having a daily gratitude practice. It makes every day better.

[@cathysanchezbabao6627]

That is so true ❤️

[@WhiteBoardFinance]

Nate = Renaissance Man 😎👍

[@NateOBrien]

Leonardo O Brien

[@WhiteBoardFinance]

@Balanced Finance 😂😂😂 maybe ;)

[@rafreyes1190]

🐈 i am not unique we were reincarnated i wonder where are some of the gang charaught! i hope i am not shortest one i wonder if he is trying to learn spanish too or that is just an example for vid purposes weeeeeeeeeeeeeeirddddddd things are getting more weird with each videos lol but i burn some journals though idk some of them are too corny to read or i cringe lol or i literally don't know myself before already but yeah we all need to reconcile with our past self ⚖️

[@ReeceIovine1]

I love journaling. I have one to write my goals in daily and then one for thoughts and ideas! I find it so important to write down my goals daily to keep moving in the right direction 🙂

[@NateOBrien]

It really helps accomplishing goals

[@marionforge2769]

I have many journals. 😁 -Bible Journal (I write the Rhema word after I read the Bible for the day) -Music Journal (I write the chords I am practicing, some lesson from youtube) -Sketchbook (I love to draw something) -Copywriting Journal (I write some great emails I received) -Worldbuilding (Write some fiction place or character) -Account (My collection of username and decypered passwords) -Journal (like the one in the video)

[@annika6790]

Those are some great ideas!

[@marionforge2769]

@@annika6790 yeah. You can too

[@emmajo3974]

Great idea!

[@rafreyes1190]

🖤

[@musikhamster01]

In addition, I would recommend a brain dump Journal. I like to have this thing always next to me and whenever a thought crosses my mind - which is not related to the thing I'm currently doing - I'll just write it down and come back to it later as soon as the task is finished.

[@FinancialBeanstalk]

I've always tried to journal and haven't been able to keep consistent at it; appreciate your walk-through as I picked up a few things that, hopefully, help me stay on track

[@ShaneCrazy]

you will man! keep it at you"ll get their my friend! ima start a journal as well!

[@FinancialBeanstalk]

ShaneCrazy appreciate the encouragement!

[@FootRookie]

I remember subscribing a few years ago. You made video's reselling stuff you bought, filming at the back of your truck. I remember you selling a bucket of golf balls. Always loved your content, but you've even improved so much more! Congratz from Belgium!

[@NateOBrien]

Hahaha wow!!!! That was so long ago! Thanks for the continued support

[@MikeOBrienMedia]

Making a bet that the "important pages" you can't show us are just doodles... anyone taking my odds?

[@KiranPatel-fk1pg]

Brothers?

[@imperiosuccio8758]

@@KiranPatel-fk1pg yep

[@DamaniJones]

Making me wish I had a brother lol

[@user-hb4mk9xk5e]

Journaling literally changed my life so much. I'm very grateful

[@NateOBrien]

Happy to hear it!

[@Jungernaut]

STRAIGHT 🔥

[@NateOBrien]

If it isn’t Young Jung himself

[@investwithdavis1235]

Journaling has helped me become more aware of my habits, instead of living on autopilot. Btw, I'm a small KZbinr trying to grow by sharing wealth building tips. 😎

[@debfaloon]

Im Davis - Personal Finance, Career, & Wealth Tips I subscribed to your channel I like finance advice Btw I am tiny new KZbinr also

[@investwithdavis1235]

@@debfaloon Thanks!

[@james.mcbain]

Great video, this is definitely something I need to turn into a habit - in a world of infinite distractions, it helps to give you clarity, direction and much needed room for reflection.

[@ChachiTelevision1979]

Nate, your journaling technique is pretty much the same as mine. I began back in early 2018 and it has been a life changer for me. It has helped me clear up my space, save up ten’s of thousands, get married, and rebuild my health.

[@myfrugalhabits7236]

You're one of the very few people I will voluntarily sit through and watch all of the advertisements for :) Thank you for all the quality content you're producing!

[@NateOBrien]

Thanks Emma! Appreciate it

[@shesananomaly8509]

I totally relate to this, journalling is a fundamental part of my morning routine and am super goal-oriented too! I think you'd love the diaries/journals/notepads from migoals - I found the brand at a market I visited at the end of last year and it has literally set up my life for the year. Makes it so much easier than otherwise to track habits, stay organised and focused on my goals. I gained a lot of value from one of your videos talking about how the most successful people take weeks off from life to cast vision for the year - I was inspired (and mentally needed) to try that out and found the guided sections of my diary (core values, purpose, success toolkit, 2019 reflection, life rating, 5 year plan, vision board and 5 major goals) all so helpful in structuring my sabbatical week! It definitely required a lot of mental energy, so I'm glad I had seen your video to encourage me to take that time off for it.

[@bianca4829]

I write to release my emotion. I write important lessons, achievements and anything of value I want to remember. It’s incredible going back and seeing how much you’ve grown. There’s so much value in writing things down.

[@llort91]

You promised and delivered. Thanks a lot Nate, this adds a lot of value in my daily life.

[@Willsonnax]

Dude... This channel has been helping me change my life dramatically for the better in less than a month of viewing. You're a huge inspiration for people to embrace responsibility and productivity, even creativity. Just wow. Seriously, you're a hell of a human being and keep doing what you're doing. 👽👍🖤

[@finelife6019]

I’ve been watching some of your videos and I thought they are well thought out and you are quite articulate and genuine. Keep up the good work. And thanks for sharing how you journal.

[@thepowerofhelpingwithreube4407]

This is definitely one of the most life changing habits I’ve brought into my life. I used to hate writing but now I use notepads for a bunch of different things like morning journaling, video ideas when I’m reading and habit tracking. I find that with so much to do nowadays we need a place to put all those thoughts or they just get overwhelming. Thanks for the video

[@vernvilar6922]

Thanks Nate! You're great.

[@waterwheeling1761]

Love this so much! You’ve streamlined the journaling /tracking process so well

[@leachung]

Love this video.

[@MRZEROTOINFINITY]

Notes section on my iPhone 📱 comes in clutch 👍 Great tips, I may have to put pen to paper after watching this video! 📝

[@maxwellmuller]

I've been writing journals since high school and I find it so therapeutic and thanks for the tips :)

[@thecollegehustle2402]

Between the scenery switch up and new music I'm loving the new look on this channel! Whenever I get a friend hooked on a Nate I like to call it the "O'brien effect". His videos are so practical, honest, and free of the typical youtube fluff it's almost a fresh of breath air.

[@freckleheckler6311]

“A breath of fresh air”* 😅

[@antonmakovetskyi8350]

I've been keeping my journal for over a year already and it's been extremely useful for me :)

[@mirihase4684]

Thank you for this, Nate 🙏🏼

[@evan5498]

Thanks Nate. Appreciate your valuable content served up in a straightforward bite size manner.

[@mihaelapascu4484]

I really liked the video! I write each morning, it’s a great way of holding ourselves accountable. Listening to you this morning made me think of a very young Warren Buffett!

[@TheArtofKAS]

Awesome video Nate. I never knew the value of things until last year. Extremely useful and the aspect of accountability has become absolutely essential to me now. Once again awesome vid.

[@finawatsonart]

Great video. I used to think of journaling as writing out longhand what had happened every day & have started and abandoned so many over the years. Your system of goals, setting up the month, the reviewing at the end of the month feels like a useful tool to combine with a diary / planner

[@sophiaonyoutube]

thanks nate for another helpful video!

[@renaldox86]

Video quality just keeps going up!

[@conorhayes1453]

Thank you for the video Nate, this is really helpful.

[@kenlynch6332]

Definitely a good habit to form for success.

[@JasonPizzinoOfficial]

Self-help content is a great accompaniment to your finance content! 😎👌

[@NateOBrien]

I just do these videos for fun

[@JasonPizzinoOfficial]

Nate O'Brien either way, it’s enjoyable to watch

[@GrowYourWealth101]

Nice video nate. You inspire me!

[@NormalDudeInBound]

Such an inspiration. Thank you.

[@minielite4092]

LOL. I just started yesterday and I can tell it is much better than I thought it was. Already changed my life a little.

[@StockInvestmentAnalysis]

Very interesting. I recommend journaling to a lot of people, but often because of how it allows them to organize and reflect on their thoughts and emotions, and then track how they change over time. It is funny how we don't process those things the same way when we merely think about them. Putting them on paper allows us to examine the information more objectively often.

[@mddij]

Interesting, I have always something like: I will remember it (and then forget about it). Seems like a great way to really remember and stay the course. Will look into it thanks!👍

[@NateOBrien]

Yep. Writing it down is the best way to remember

[@paulmcconkey22]

Powerful stuff Nate and I totally agree. This is something I should have been doing a long time ago! Thanks

[@brownie43212]

Good stuff Nate, you're inspiring me to start journaling! Got to get my productivity up and out of the bin

[@ShaneCrazy]

thanks for this Nate! i really like the background for this video! hopefully their is much more videos to come with this similar type of setup, i also find this video very life changing and kind've mind blowing since last night i was watching a Matt D'Avella Video so i was shocked when i saw this on my homepage, keep up the videos and content man! i myself is doing youtube and i've been loving the process and journey! keep on growing and pushing man! your getting 1 million subs soon my friend! keep at it!

[@nur-enazneen1186]

Best of the best 💕💕💕 God bless you

[@LuisRamos-fk1em]

Nate, great video again. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and mindfulness. Excellent job.

[@JadeTrading]

I also have 3 different notes: short-term, mid-term, long-term. Who’s with me with this journaling challenge! 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@insempire2504]

I like the way you simplify things,you're such an inspirational and motivational youtuber. Thanks!

[@erichimmelheber]

I really love that sports game comparison. Stuff like that, even in financials, always helps me understand it more.

[@alyg4427]

Wow love your channel! It’s good to see people around our age being humble yet driven. So true about the PhD, it’s so easy to continue blowing off because the job pay is good. Thanks for the pointers!

[@jezielsantos6000]

Life's so short. But even being so short, once we get to 100 years - God willing -, it's gonna get difficult to remember your youth adventures. Journaling is essential. Reading books and share to others what you've learned from these books is mindful and a enjoying task for daily routines. Jesus Christ is coming back! John 3:16 Hugs from Brazil 🇧🇷.

[@douloureux.]

Jeziel Santos ummm this wasnt about god in the slightest

[@michaellawton4173]

@@douloureux. why do you have to respond so negatively to a fact? The comment about Jesus wasn't offensive at all. It was a brief statement. We all need uplifting reminders, especially during these troubling times.

[@user-uq1mr7pw7c]

👍

[@stretchpropertymaintenance2561]

Its Dec of 2020 and your comment still carries value to everyone. I just hope that humanity realizes that our mind is not always as sharpe as it is today, tomorrow. God bless all. Have a good day✌

[@TheASMRGamer]

Love the journal system/breakdown - brilliant stuff! 👌🏼

[@JustFrugalMe]

Thanks for this Nate! Journaling helps combat this short-sightedness by encouraging us to step back and consider the big picture.

[@nickelsanddimes4890]

Good to see you here Josh as well as your channel.😊

[@santig7483]

this video is incredibly inspiring!! i will go buy two journals this same afternoon and give journaling a try

[@livinlavidaloki2158]

Hey Nate, been waiting for this video for so long now!! Also the green background is fantastic

[@eliavbiton9972]

Loved it, thanks

[@Lenguaje_con_la_Condeza]

I loved it 😍 Thank you! ♥️♥️♥️

[@imanolluna3274]

That's nice Nate.

[@sayleepathak]

Also would love to know how you actually process the notes later. It's easy for me to dump my thoughts into my notes. But the challenge is to actually have a system to ADDRESS them later and ensure they actually get acted upon. THANKS!

[@NatePolmateer]

I have journalled over the last 10 years. But, its very hit and miss. It is also really valuable to go back and see where you have been and how you have grown. Thanks for aharing nate! This has been a really helpful video seeing your strategy.

[@nitnelavspetorials]

Thanks, bro. I really needed that confirmation. I have been against that idea for quite a few years, because of some random dude who said that I should not keep track of my progress, because I will ruin the fun of what I do or something like that (League of Legends video related anyways, I'm glad I've also quit it, probably the best decisions of my life). Unfortunately, I've made a principle out of it without realising why I do that... All I needed was hearing someone else saying that it's actually a good habbit to journal what we do, BECAUSE of x and y. I'm happy that I got to see this video, for real! The funny thing is that yesterday I also started to track my progress about me learning at a subject in university. I could say that this video was meant for me to see it, haha!

[@adhiambookech3434]

Great advice as always Nate. Much love from Kenya!

[@laineonthego]

Definitely valuable tips here! I’ve been doing to-do lists daily and I found it to be really helpful and helps me feel organized. Though I haven’t truly been consistent with journaling. Making to-do lists seems to be easier for me for now! 😃

[@JasonFerreira]

Hey Nate, you were one of my influences to start my own channel! Thank you.

[@Waynimations]

Keep working hard! I love your videos

[@MuditJhawar]

4:15 that's exactly my goal of the month! 😮👍

[@RhodesW]

Great video once again Nate - thanks for educating so many on handling their finances and for inspiring me to start my own channel:)

[@ChrisVincelli]

Thank you, Nate! I’ve heard of the benefits of journaling before, but insight like yours is convincing me to start doing so!

[@DrivenByLuckGaming]

You commented this before you could have even finished the video 😂

[@ChrisVincelli]

@@DrivenByLuckGaming I kinda figured the gist of it :P

[@yaelmaimonartist]

I want to go to space one day too :) Wonderful to see you outdoors again! This vid is much appreciated!!

[@khvdija2312]

you should try getting one to write about feelings, like when you feel sad, angry, etc. any dreams you have, things you want to manifest etc! that helps me a lot

[@parkerrose3590]

I love the look and feel of an old beat up notebook. It's part of my past. Some notebooks I just scribble in no particular order. Then I have my neat organized ones I go back to for information.

[@ilhemdjenane7174]

I really like your videos, and your personality, you seem like a simple dude, cool, and humble, and you do give good ideas, looking forward to learn more things from you...

[@WhiskersMcMeow]

Great, well presented information.

[@CalebOliver]

Nate Great Video! 👍🏾 I need to journal more consistently. I’m sure it’d help me with my goals.

[@ptvan88]

You are the one that I smashed the like button the most. Thanks for all your great videos 👍

[@alx7123]

next level quality, nice video. Keep up the good work.

[@milanalysenkova7821]

I liked it. You shared one really important things for you and it creates an interiorization for using it too

[@lunarosa321]

I wish you and Jo Franco would do a collab! She is currently doing a 60 day journaling challenge where she gives prompts and people write on it. She has done some finance videos too. As for me journaling was therapeutic from middle school until college. After college I stopped because I thought I was being childish. I threw away all my 6 journals that I accumulated from when I was 13-24. I'm starting to journal again...during this quarantine time it has helped me.

[@deebrands9214]

Awesome vid!

[@MiriLikesYoutubing]

I have a journal where I just write whenever I have feelings I need to process. Then each month within that journal I set myself a task which I review at the end of the month. Then I have a separate very small gratitude journal where I just fill a page with what I’m grateful for (try to do it everyday/ few says)

[@nolistener394]

I just stumbled upon your page and I'm shocked. You have such a beautiful and unique mind. Keep doing you! Thanks for posting all these things. Can't wait to see your other videos 👌

[@NateOBrien]

Thank you Angela!

[@laikatravels]

Great advice 👍

[@BlendlogicTech]

Here in 2020! Just started trying it daily!

[@nkprimavera]

Thank you very much for sharing such an effective technique!🌺It looks like something so simple...but how hard it is to do on a regular basis! :)))) 🦋💫

[@tidusfantasy]

omg, im a few years older than u, but i have lost the ability to use my hand to write properly haha, i cant even understand what i write on paper haha. GOod on u to keep the old-school tradition around for future generations

[@NateOBrien]

There’s something nice about writing on paper

[@deeburks]

good vid...love the simple journals and system. I use plain spirals, but the important take away is make it a priority and don't force yourself to write a diary.

[@marlonjohnston8679]

really good video people can learn a lot from this approach

[@alleyesonmeino.c180]

Thanks for the vid i been wanting to start journaling for many Years now wich Been procrastinating so now in my "mid life crisis" im now starting to catch up and do things i been putting off . ;) i plan on writing daily gratitude list things i acomplished and. New things that i learned and also ideas i may want to pursure in the future i have LOTS of ideas ALWAYS almost to many to handle lol anyways thanks again for the video

[@clicgear100]

Great vid.

[@dwalker6868]

Thank you

[@learningfinance4807]

Nice Nate, it helps a lot specially when you have the best ideas, write them down... never presume you will remember them the next day ✌🏻

[@elz6868]

Agree!

[@MichelleRichee]

Have a journal by your bed. A wise friend told me that your best ideas come early in the morning and before you go to sleep.

[@Aerostorm56]

You know, I've always tried go get into journaling but could never stick to it. I'm gonna try this and I'll let you know.

[@snapadam]

I liked it before even watching it.