PAPER OR APP: WHICH JOURNAL METHOD HELPS YOU ACTUALLY STICK WITH IT?
You’ve probably heard it before: “It doesn’t matter how you journal, just start."
But if you’ve ever tried and stopped after a week, you already know, that the method matters. The way you choose to journal could be the difference between a notebook full of abandoned first pages and a habit that actually sticks.
So, let’s talk: paper journals vs digital journaling apps. Which one helps you really show up for yourself?
The Romance of Paper Journaling
There’s something sacred about cracking open a fresh journal. The feel of the pen, the whisper of pages turning, it’s almost a ritual.
Paper journaling is powerful because:
● It slows you down. Writing by hand makes you process your thoughts more deeply.
● It feels grounding. No notifications, no distractions. Just you and your words.
● It becomes a keepsake. Ten years from now, your paper journal will feel like a time capsule of your growth.
But let’s be honest: paper journaling also comes with a few hurdles.
Forget your notebook at home? Your routine stalls.
Hate your own handwriting? You may journal less.
Is digital journaling the solution? Let’s explore!
The Freedom of Digital Journaling
Now, let’s flip the page. Journaling apps have a different kind of magic.
With an app, you:
● Always have it with you - your phone is rarely far away.
● You can journal in quick bursts. This is perfect for busy people who only have 5 minutes between meetings.
● Get reminders. Apps can gently nudge you when you forget.
● Have privacy controls. Passwords, encryption, no one can “accidentally” read your private thoughts.
But here’s the catch: your phone is a double-edged sword.
One second you’re typing an entry, the next you’re on TikTok wondering how you got there.
The Real Question: What Helps You Stick With It?
Here’s the truth: it’s not about which one is better. It’s about which one removes friction from your life.
If you crave slowness and connection, paper journaling might feel like therapy in motion.
If you’re always on the go and need flexibility, a journaling app could be your best friend.
And here’s a little secret: you don’t have to choose.
The most consistent journaling can be done using a hybrid system, jotting quick notes in an app during the day and pouring out deeper reflections on paper at night.
The CORE of Journaling: Consistency Over Perfection
At the heart of it, journaling isn’t about how pretty the notebook looks or how sleek the app interface is. It’s about giving yourself a place to be honest, messy, grateful, or curious.
When you strip it down, the core of journaling is this: showing up for yourself, one entry at a time.
So instead of stressing about which method is “the right one,” ask: Which one will I actually use tomorrow?
That’s the method that will help you stick with it.
Over to you: Are you Team Paper, Team App, or a little bit of both?
Share this with a friend who’s been talking about journaling but hasn’t started, and maybe you’ll both finally find a way to stick with it.