Anyone use journaling?

[LevelUP]

I was curious if anyone uses journaling in different contexts, whether as part of their college degree process or as a productivity tool.
https://productivity.academy/news/be-pro...ournaling/

What format do you use? What works for you?

[ROYISAGIRL]

I use a handwritten journal that I chronicle how much I have left to do with my current degree, what comes next, how long a class should take, I put dates, and all kinds of detail in it.

[Heartstrings]

I use journaling in different contexts because technology is not always reliable. I write notes on my ipad and then I also handwrite them in a notebook. I especially started journaling when I was working on my dissertation.

[Ares]

I would forget to journal.

[LevelUP]

One of the ways I use journaling is working it into to my focused study or work sessions which is similar to the Pomodoro Technique. I usually record the date and time spent on tasks.

I use 1-hour sessions
1. 45 minutes of Study/Work
2. 5 minutes of journaling
3. 10 minutes of break

Detailed Breakdown of  Journaling

1️⃣ Wins (Fuel motivation + reinforce progress)

|  What did I accomplish or overcome this session?

• Completed tasks (be specific)
  
• New skill, insight, or experiment tried
  
• Challenge I pushed through
  

Example:

• “Finished writing the intro section.”
  
• “Tried Feynman technique — helped clarify key concept.”
  
• “Stayed focused despite low energy.”
  

---

2️⃣ Reflections (Understand your mind + refine your system)

|   What came up — mentally, emotionally, or logistically?

• Challenges or distractions (internal or external)
  
• Frustrations or blockers
  
• Any thoughts, patterns, or observations
  

Example:

• “Kept checking my phone — need to mute notifications.”
  
• “Felt stuck on outlining — maybe start with bullet points next time.”
  
• “Focus dips after 30 mins; try shorter work blocks?”
  

---

3️⃣ Next Moves (Build momentum + prep for next session)

|   What’s the next clear step to keep moving forward?

• Main focus for next session
  
• Adjustments to make (tools, setup, habits)
  
• Prep needed (read/watch something? organize notes?)
  

Example:

• “Next: start drafting conclusion.”
  
• “Adjustment: outline first, then write.”
  
• “Prep: gather references before next session.”