New notebooks hold so much potential! But sometimes, all those possibilities can leave their owners just as blank as their pages. What to do with a brand-new notebook or journal? If you have “fear of the blank page,” check out these ideas for how to fill your new notebook.
Brainstorming for Projects/Inspiration
Inspiration doesn't always strike when you need it! If your projects require creativity, spark it by using your notebook to brainstorm. A brainstorming notebook is a good space for freewriting, lists, and capturing any idea--no matter how seemingly random or silly it first appears.
Doodles and Sketchbook
Some people just listen better when their hands are busy! Keep a nice pen or pencil with your notebook and, during meetings or lectures, let your imagination run wild!
Don't know what to doodle? Try easy, relaxing Zentangle patterns!
If you’re already an artist, take your journal places and see what inspires you. When you have downtime, practice figure drawing, expressions, calligraphy, or designs. Having a journal just for sketching can be a good way to stretch a creative muscle or practice ideas before you put them on your final product.
Goal/Habit tracker
Build a new habit or meet a goal. Track your progress day by day--or, if it's a very detailed goal, hour by hour! If you're using a grid or bullet journal, you can track how many days you've worked towards a goal with graphs. Take a couple pages to create a calendar and plan out future steps towards your goal.
Travel journal
Headed somewhere fun? Turn your blank book into a travel journal! Write down information from a guidebook or tips from friends who've visited your destination before.
You can also plan future trips! Write down tips for your next trip: restaurants you liked, the best way to get around, or stops you missed.
Health Planner (Diet and Exercise)
Keep track of your diet! Even if you're not on a specific meal plan, it's a good way to keep track of what you're eating and when.
If you're adding an exercise routine to your life, you can plan this as well using a journal. You can add exercise length and type to your planner to make sure you're meeting your goals! You can also keep track of how you feel afterwards and what you can do to improve your workout.
Affirmations/motivation
We all need a little boost once in a while. Write down your favorite quotes that inspire you in these pages! Try creating your own affirmations; sometimes speaking to yourself this way can be a stronger push to believe in yourself. Read them again when you need a brighter day or to prompt yourself to get a job done.
Event planner
Got a big event coming up, like a party or a wedding? Keep track of everything you need to do, your budget, and your guest list all in one spot!
Scrapbook
At first glance, scrapbooking can be a daunting task. But it doesn't have to be! Make a simple scrapbook out of a hardcover notebook or journal. In just one place, you can attach ticket stubs, menus, photos, postcards, "I Voted" stickers, and more, along with a short note to remember what you did.
Writing short stories
Like artists, writers need to stretch those creative muscles! Writing by hand helps many storytellers get their creative juices flowing and avoid distractions. A notebook can be nice for shorter pieces, like flash fiction, poetry, or short stories.
Wishlist
Got a birthday or holiday approaching fast? Or do you see something you really like that you want to work towards affording? Keep track of things you might like as gifts or goals.
You don't have to keep a wishlist just for yourself, either! Here, you can keep track of what other people might want as well, which can help when choosing gifts around the holidays.
Now that you've got plans for what to fill your notebook with, it's time to get started on a cover! Head over to our Notebooks to create your own custom notebook or journal today!