Let’s be real for a second: If you’ve ever dipped your toes into the world of journaling, you know how easily things can spiral out of control. You start with one notebook for daily thoughts, then suddenly, you’ve got a whole stack – each with its own purpose, style, and personality.
So, the big question is: how many journals do you really need to keep? Is one trusty notebook enough, or should you dive headfirst into a collection of journals that rival the Library of Congress?
The Simple Answer: Yes and No
Look, the answer isn’t black and white – because let’s face it, journaling is as unique as you are.
You might be the type of person who likes everything in one place: thoughts, goals, grocery lists, and the random doodles you draw while on hold with customer service.
Or, you might be the kind of journaler who needs a separate journal for every area of your life – one for your dreams, one for your goals, and yes, one for those pesky customer service rants.
So, let’s break it down: when is it okay to stick with just one journal, and when might you want to branch out into different types of journals?
When One Journal Is Enough
One journal can be a lifesaver if you’re new to journaling and don’t want to feel overwhelmed by a bunch of notebooks staring at you, begging for attention.
For many people, a bullet journal can do it all – it’s the Swiss Army knife of journaling. Need to jot down your thoughts? It’s got a page for that.
Want to track your habits, manage your to-do list, or plan your weekly goals? Easy peasy. You can even throw in a few doodles or food journal entries if you’re feeling fancy.
Having just one journal means less fuss and less to carry around. If you’re someone who tends to lose things (like your keys, phone, or even your mind), keeping everything in one place might just save you a few panic attacks.
Plus, there’s something beautifully chaotic about flipping through a single journal that holds all the messy, creative bits of your personal life—like a time capsule that captures your journey.
The Magic of a Single Journal: Embracing the Chaos
A single journal can be like a patchwork quilt of your life. It might include your musings on the meaning of the universe right next to a to-do list that says “buy cat food.”
And you know what? That’s okay! Sometimes, there’s a beauty in the messiness.
In fact, some journalers prefer the stream of consciousness approach, where every page is a surprise.
One day you might be documenting your mood, and the next, you’re scribbling out ideas for your side hustle. If you’re not too worried about keeping things perfectly categorized, this style can be liberating.
After all, life isn’t always tidy, so why should your journal be?
Benefits of the All-in-One Approach
If you’re still on the fence about sticking with a single journal, here are a few more reasons why it might be the right choice for you:
Simplicity: There’s no need to overthink where to write each thought. Just grab your notebook, and let the pen flow.
Less Clutter: One journal means fewer notebooks lying around, which means more space on your desk (or your bedside table, or your kitchen counter).
Easy to Carry: Whether you’re commuting to work or heading out for a coffee, carrying one journal is much easier than toting around a stack of them. It’s the perfect companion for anyone who’s constantly on the move.
A Complete Picture of You: Keeping all your thoughts, plans, and dreams in one place means that, in a way, you’re creating a holistic view of your life. It’s like reading a book where you are both the author and the protagonist.
When You Might Need More Than One Journal
Okay, but what if you’re feeling like one journal isn’t cutting it anymore? You’re flipping through your bullet journal and find grocery lists squished between deep thoughts on the meaning of life and that workout log from three months ago.
Maybe it’s time to consider branching out into separate journals. Here’s when having different types of journals can make sense:
1. Different Purposes, Different Journals
Think about the different areas of your life – your personal thoughts, your work projects, your hobbies, and that secret dream of becoming a world-renowned artist (or at least being able to draw a decent cat).
Sometimes, it helps to have a separate journal for each of these things. It keeps you focused and makes it easier to find what you’re looking for later.
For example:
A Journal for Personal Thoughts: This is your space for those deep, reflective thoughts, your daily gratitude list, and maybe even some venting sessions.
A Work Journal: For to-do lists, meeting notes, and any brilliant (or slightly less-than-brilliant) ideas you have while working.
A Food Journal: Whether you’re tracking what you eat, jotting down recipes, or just noting that time you ate an entire pizza by yourself (no judgment here).
A Dream Journal: For capturing those weird dreams where you’re flying or showing up to work without pants. It’s a great way to tap into your subconscious and explore your inner world.
A Fitness Journal: If you’re on a wellness journey, having a dedicated space for tracking your workouts, progress photos, and milestones can be really motivating.
A Travel Journal: Keep track of your adventures, document the places you visit, and record the memories you want to cherish forever. It’s a perfect way to relive your trips whenever you flip through those pages.
A Spiritual Journal: For those exploring mindfulness, meditation, or spiritual practices, a dedicated journal can be the perfect place to track progress, reflect on practices, and record thoughts or affirmations.
2. Specific Projects Call for Specific Notebooks
Got a specific project you’re working on? Maybe you’re planning a wedding, writing a novel, or starting a small business. A separate journal can help you stay organized without cluttering up your everyday entries.
That way, when you need to focus on your big idea, you’re not flipping past your grocery list or that random haiku you wrote at 2 a.m.
Example: Writing a Novel: If you’re a budding author, a dedicated novel journal can house your character sketches, plot ideas, and world-building notes. When inspiration strikes, you won’t have to dig through your personal reflections to find your ideas.
Example: Home Renovation: Planning a home renovation project? Use a separate notebook to keep track of measurements, paint samples, and renovation schedules. That way, your planning space stays focused on creating your dream home.
Example: Event Planning: If you’re organizing a birthday party, wedding, or community event, having a dedicated journal to track your to-do lists, budget, and vendor contacts can help keep everything in one place.
3. Experimenting with Different Formats
There’s more than one way to journal, and each format has its own vibe. You’ve got your traditional lined notebooks, but what about different formats like sketchbooks for art journaling or digital journals on your tablet?
If you enjoy trying new journaling methods, you might find yourself keeping a few different types of journals just to play around with the possibilities.
For example, an art journal might allow you to explore your creative side with paints, markers, or collage techniques, while a digital journal on your phone or tablet is great for capturing quick thoughts on the go.
Mixing formats can keep your journaling habit feeling fresh and exciting, like trying out a new recipe in the kitchen.
4. For the Planners and Dreamers: A Separate Bullet Journal
A separate bullet journal can be a game-changer if you love the structured planning that bullet journaling offers but don’t want to mix it with your more freeform thoughts.
It’s perfect for planning out your weekly tasks, tracking habits, or even mapping out your long-term goals. Meanwhile, your other journal can be your safe space for creativity without any pressure to stick to grids and charts.
The Benefits of Multiple Journals
So, what’s in it for you if you decide to go full-on journal collector? Here are a few perks:
Better Organization: When each journal has a dedicated purpose, you’ll spend less time hunting for that random note you scribbled a few months ago. No more flipping through pages and saying, “I swear I wrote that down somewhere!”
Creative Freedom: Let your bullet journal be neat and tidy, but let your art journal be a hot mess of paint splatters and poetry. It’s like having different rooms in your house—each with its own personality.
Focused Reflection: Sometimes, having a separate journal for gratitude or self-care helps you build those habits more intentionally. Plus, flipping through a gratitude journal is an instant mood boost.
Stress Relief: Having a dream journal or a doodle journal can be a fantastic outlet for relaxation and unwinding after a long day. Writing out those late-night dreams or doodling away your stress can be a therapeutic ritual.
Enhanced Mindfulness: Keeping separate journals for self-care or spiritual reflections can help you build a more intentional mindfulness practice. It becomes a little sanctuary of thoughts, away from the busyness of your daily plans.
How to Maintain Multiple Journals Without Going Crazy
If you decide to dive into the world of separate journals, it’s easy to feel like you’re juggling flaming torches. But don’t worry! Here are a few tips to keep things under control:
1. Set a Routine: Try dedicating different times of the day or week to each journal. For instance, you could use your dream journal every morning, your work journal during the day, and your personal life journal before bed.
2. Use Themes for Each Journal: This can help you keep a sense of cohesion in your entries. For example, your gratitude journal might have a daily prompt, while your art journal could focus on a different color or theme each week.
3. Don’t Pressure Yourself: It’s okay if some journals get more love than others. If your fitness journal is getting dusty but your creative journal is bursting with ideas, that’s fine! Journals should be a tool for joy, not a source of stress.
4. Use Sticky Notes: For those times when you can’t decide which journal to use, jot down a note and stick it on the cover of the journal where it belongs. It’s a simple hack that can save you from the classic “I’ll just put it here for now” dilemma.
5. Set Goals for Each Journal: Want to journal consistently? Set small goals like writing one page in your gratitude journal daily or updating your food journal every time you try a new recipe. Little goals can make your journaling habit feel more intentional.
The Downsides of Juggling Multiple Journals
Of course, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows when it comes to keeping multiple notebooks. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Time and Energy: It’s easy to get excited about starting a new notebook, but keeping up with all of them can be time-consuming. Make sure you’re ready to commit before you buy out the stationery aisle.
The Risk of Abandonment: We’ve all been there—starting a journal with big dreams, only to leave it half-empty after a month. It’s okay! Consider starting with one or two journals and seeing how it goes before adding more to your lineup.
The Clutter Conundrum: If you love the minimalist life, having a bunch of half-filled journals lying around might drive you nuts. A single journal might feel more streamlined and satisfying to flip through.
Decision Fatigue: Sometimes, having too many choices can be overwhelming. If you’re spending more time deciding which journal to use than actually writing in one, you might need to simplify.
Finding Your Journaling Sweet Spot
Whether you choose one type of journal or twelve, the most important thing is that your journal(s) work for you. Think about what makes you feel inspired and helps you stay on track. Here’s a little journaling strategy to help you decide:
Start with One: Begin with a versatile journal that you can use for a little bit of everything.
Identify Your Needs: Notice what you’re writing about the most. Are your daily entries getting mixed up with your novel outline? Maybe it’s time to give that novel its own notebook.
Add Slowly: Gradually introduce new journals as you find specific needs—like a food journal for tracking your meals or a dedicated planner for work.
Explore Different Journal Topics: Try focusing each journal on different journal topics, whether that’s self-care, fitness, travel, or those wild and weird dreams. The more you explore, the more you’ll find what suits your style.
Have Fun with It: Let yourself be creative! Try different styles and formats, and don’t stress if your journaling setup changes over time. The goal is to enjoy the process.
Final Thoughts: Is There Such a Thing as Too Many Journals?
The truth is, there’s no “right” number of journals to keep. It’s all about finding a balance that makes you feel productive, creative, and a little bit fancy.
Some people thrive with just one all-purpose notebook, while others enjoy the structure of keeping separate journals for different areas of their life.
And remember: It’s not about how many journals you have; it’s about how you use them. So, whether you’re a minimalist with a single bullet journal or you’ve got a rainbow stack of notebooks for every purpose under the sun, embrace the chaos (or the order) and enjoy the magic of putting pen to paper.
Happy journaling!