Raise your hand if you’ve ever tried to start a New Year’s journaling habit…only to abandon it by the last week of January.

If you’ve been wanting to stick to (or start) your journaling habit this year, the key isn’t writing with literary flair every day. Instead, it’s about ditching perfectionism and creating the right mood. After all, journaling hits different when you’re cozying up in a fuzzy blanket, scribbling by candlelight and jamming to your fave Spotify playlist.  

Ready to make journaling your easiest (and cutest) 2026 habit? Thought so!

Choose a journal you’re actually excited to open

The more your journal feels like *you*, the more you’ll look forward to picking it up. If you love staying organized, a bullet journal framed with precisely lined calendars and to-do lists might be your thing. More into dark academia, literary vibes? A classic leather notebook is perf for late-night philosophical musings. And if you’re the crafty type, scrapbooks or junk journals are the best combos to mix writing with photos, doodles and artwork.

Lifestyle YouTuber Cilla Jordan from Cilla & Maddy has been journaling for almost two years, and she says that a personalized notebook always inspires her to open the page. (The sisters actually just designed and dropped their brand new CM Besties journal, which blooms with a gorgeous blue floral aesthetic.)

Drop the pressure of writing every single day

You don’t need to write an entire page daily for journaling to count. Even writing a few quick “today, I felt…” lines counts—it’s the consistency of the habit that matters the most.

“I used to journal in a 5-minute journal every morning and night, but now I just journal whenever the time calls for it or if I have anything exciting to write down,” Cilla shares.

Missed a day? Not to fret! Remember, journaling isn’t about perfection. Missing a day (or a few) won’t ruin your habit, as long as you keep picking it back up and making it a part of your routine again. 

Romanticize your journaling routine

Try to make journaling feel like self-care, not a chore. Set the mood like you would for a cozy night in: light your fave scented candle, throw on a refreshing face mask and grab a comforting sip. “I love to drink a good cup of mint tea while I’m journaling with my sister, Maddy,” Cilla shares.

Choosing the right time of the day can make the whole routine feel even more special and a lot easier to stick with. If you’re an early bird, try sitting by a window as the sun rises, scribbling your thoughts and giving yourself a head start on positivity before the day begins. Night owl? Curl up in a comfy blanket and let your thoughts unwind on the page before you drift off. 

Use your journal as a space for productivity

Journaling doesn’t have to be pages of super deep emotions every day—it can even just be your daily planner! Think Rory Gilmore energy: to-do lists, academic semester goals or even small, motivational reminders to yourself so your life feels a little more organized. By the end of the year, your journal will read like a memoir of your school year. 

Feeling a bit stuck staring at a blank page? Here are some inspo prompts Cilla recommends to kickstart your next entry:

What am I grateful for? 

What are my goals for this year? 

What happened today that I want to remember? 

Where do I want to travel or explore next? 

At the end of the day, the best habit is the one you’ll actually keep. If you’re looking for a fresh place to start your journaling journey, Cilla and Maddy’s new journal is available now right here!

Check out more crafty inspo here:
🎀 The beginner’s guide to junk journaling
🎀 Make it happen 2026: Turn your crafty hobby into a side hustle
🎀 Make a BTS scrapbook that’s totally *you*

Images credits: @cillaroses, @mymellowdays, @kimchistamps