Every time I post a video about journaling, I get the same response: “we want more.” Somehow journals have become the ultimate cool girl accessory; a permanent fixture in every woman’s bag, no matter the reason. I love that there’s a growing interest in documenting your life and learning how to actually use a journal to grow. (It’s kind of the chicest thing ever tbh).
I’ve been journaling since I was 10 years old and what started as a place to make up stories about my days (because my life was really quite boring at 10) has turned into one of the most important tools I use for personal growth.
It’s helped me work through trauma, relationship hardships, and career changes. There hasn’t been a single important event in my life that my journal hasn’t supported me through.
All the traction I get on my journaling videos tells me one thing: journals have gotten more popular, but we’re all still figuring out how to actually use them. So I want to start sharing some of my favorite journaling prompts, formulas, and structures—the ones that turned this life-recording tool into something that actually shaped my growth.
Starting with my monthly reset spread.
At the end of every month, I create a two-page monthly reset spread that lets me reflect on the month before, check in on how I’m currently doing, and plan for the month ahead. I’ve tried more variations of this than I can count, but over the last few years I’ve finally shaped it into a repeatable process that I’ve been able to maintain every single month.
What makes a tool useful is when you actually use it. So while I love the idea of deeply reflecting on my month over 10 pages in my journal, it just wasn’t realistic for me to upkeep.
Structure works for me. It might look different for you, and that’s totally fine. I want you to take this formula and make it yours.
Reflect
I’m a firm believer that you can’t get to where you’re going if you don’t know where you are. Which is why I always start with reflection before any kind of goal setting or planning.
On the first page, I answer three simple questions that sum up the month:
What went well this month?
What could’ve gone better?
What am I the most grateful for?
Part of the perks of being a paid subscriber is that you get expanded versions of my best articles! Below the paywall, you’ll find:
The full monthly reset spread with photos of my personal journal
An evaluation tool I use to figure out where I’m currently at in life
How I plan for my next month so that I’m moving towards my goals