How do I stay consistent with journaling?

The three most effective consistency strategies: (1) Journal at the same time every day — morning or evening, linked to an existing habit like coffee or tea. (2) Keep your journal visible and accessible — not in a bag or drawer. (3) Set a minimum of one sentence — on hard days, one sentence counts. A dedicated, organized journaling space supports all three strategies by eliminating the friction of finding your supplies and clearing a space to write.

How many pens do I need for journaling?

Start with one good black pen. That is genuinely sufficient for effective journaling. If you enjoy the practice, add a second color for headers or emphasis. Bullet journalers typically settle on 3-5 daily-use pens: one black fineliner, one or two colors for categorization, and a highlighter. Having more than 10 pens at your desk creates decision fatigue and slows down the writing process. Keep your daily pens accessible and store extras separately.

Best Journal Desk Organizers 2026