The only thing you should start doing in 2025 to transform your life
The end of the year is always a popular time for reflecting on our wins and losses, and making plans for the year ahead. As 2024 draws to a close, I find myself feeling incredibly grateful for everything the year brought me — and even for the few things it took away. Looking back, what truly made this year successful for me was a combination of planning ahead and staying flexible enough to adjust when life threw me curveballs.
So, how did I make it work? The answer lies in a rediscovery: journaling.
The Power of Journaling: A Personal Journey
My love for journaling goes way back. I started keeping personal diaries in first grade, and for years, writing down my thoughts at the end of each day became my ritual. It was a practice that served me well through my childhood and turbulent teenage years — until the stress of high school exams got in the way. By the end of senior year, I had stopped journaling altogether. With so much pressure to focus on my studies and future, I didn’t feel like I had the time for activities I once loved.
But in 2023, I rediscovered the magic of putting pen to paper. I began journaling again with a bright new, pink Leuchtturm notebook, its borderless white pages inviting me to pour out my thoughts. If you’ve never experienced the joy of writing in a Leuchtturm, I highly recommend it. The 80g paper feels luxurious, and there’s something about the tactile experience of writing that’s unmatched. Plus, with so many colors, formats, and paper types available, there’s a notebook for everyone. I first used it to put on my working tasks and meeting minutes. Then, slowly, I started writing more personal notes, and at the beginning of 2024 this part has gotten bigger than the working stuff
Mid-year, I treated myself to a new Leuchtturm for 2024: a bold, bright yellow one. The color reminded me that no matter what life threw my way, there’s always a positive side to every situation — even when it doesn’t feel that way at first.
Leuchtturm notebooks. Source: Leuchtturm Notebook A5 Medium Ruled | Pen Store
Once I started journaling again, I quickly reconnected with the sense of clarity and peace it brought me. Writing down my tasks, goals, and plans each day gave me the flexibility I needed to adjust when unexpected changes came up. And let’s be honest — 2024 was full of surprises for all of us. The act of journaling provided a space for me to embrace change without feeling overwhelmed.
If you’re thinking about incorporating journaling into your routine in 2025, here are three simple yet effective ways it can positively impact your life:
1. Set the tone for your day
As soon as you wake up, take a moment to write down one thing you’re grateful for. It’s a small but powerful practice that helps shift your mindset to one of positivity. Starting the day on this note can set the tone for everything that follows.
2. Track your health routine
Write down everything you eat — and the times you eat it. This includes every snack, every drink, and even those "little nibbles" that seem insignificant. After a week, look at your journal and observe the patterns. You might be surprised by how much you’ve been eating (or not eating) and how that affects your health. This simple habit can help you make healthier choices going forward.
3. Unwind by writing down your emotions
Before you go to sleep, take a few minutes to write down what you’re feeling. Don’t overthink it; just get it all out on the page. This practice can help clear your mind and promote better sleep. By expressing your emotions on paper, you can release the day's tension and start your night with a sense of calm.
Wishing You a Joyful 2025!
As you reflect on the year and think about the habits you want to bring into 2025, I highly encourage you to give journaling a try. It’s a simple practice that can lead to profound shifts in your mindset and productivity. I’d love to hear how these exercises work for you — feel free to share your experiences with me as we all embark on another exciting year. 😊
Happy journaling and best wishes for a bright, positive 2025!
