The Five Minute Journal, with its minimalist design and thoughtful prompts, has garnered a devoted following of millions worldwide. But what sets this journal apart from the rest? From gratitude exercises to thought-provoking reflections, discover how this humble journal is revolutionising the way we approach personal growth and self-reflection. So grab your pen and join the movement—because perhaps, all it takes is five minutes to change your life?
As the curator of Revel’s store, I spend a lot of my working hours thinking about journals (testing journals, studying the difference between unguided and guided styles). So it’s not terribly surprising that when it comes to my own journals, I’m a bit obsessive. Perhaps you first encountered the 5 Minute Journal back in 2013 when it made its debut, promising a streamlined approach to daily reflection and gratitude. Or maybe its sleek design and enticing promises have been haunting your social media feeds for years, with targeted ads showcasing journals that seem almost too good to be true. Or maybe you stumbled upon an influencer event, only to find the ubiquitous branding of the 5 Minute Journal proudly displayed alongside their latest endorsement? The Five Minute Journal, which is both an app and a notebook has served approximately 2+ million human beings (as of May 2024). While it still feels like a new kind of journaling experience, at its core, the Five Minute Journal remains grounded in timeless principles of gratitude, self-reflection, and mindfulness. But for all its allure, does the 5 Minute Journal live up to the hype? As someone immersed in the world of journals day in and day out, I couldn’t resist the urge to put it to the test.
This is not a magic pill
Opening the journal for the first time, I was greeted by its minimalist design, gorgeous font pairing, stellar paper choices, and a refreshingly honest disclaimer that caught my attention: “The Five Minute Journal is not a magic pill.” This candid approach immediately resonated with me, as it reflects my own belief in the power of daily habits and routines to shape our lives. Yet, it also sparked a sense of readiness within me—a readiness to embark on this journey, armed with honesty and openness. Five years in, my Five Minute Journal had become a staple in my daily routine, seamlessly integrated into my workday. Countless conversations revolved around its minimalist design, thoughtful prompts, and transformative weekly challenges, each person sharing how it had impacted their lives.
It’s not you, it’s me.
And yet, amidst the chorus of praise, I found myself confronting a difficult reality—it simply isn’t the right fit for me.
Guided journals are taking over the self-care industry, naturally—keeping pace with the evolving landscape of personal development. And as someone deeply entrenched in the world of self-care, I couldn’t resist the allure of this new trend. Guided journals were cropping up everywhere, promising to streamline the process of self-reflection and personal growth. Naturally, I found myself drawn to their magnetic pull, eager to explore their potential and see what all the fuss was about. After all, in a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, who wouldn’t crave a little guidance and structure? I was a complete newbie when I first laid eyes on it. A dedicated diarist since childhood, I had always relied on my trusty blank notebooks to capture my thoughts and experiences. The concept of a prompt journal was entirely foreign to me. So in 2019, the year I decided to dip my toes into uncharted waters and try something new. That something was none other than The Five Minute Journal—a popular choice among avid journalers seeking guided direction.
This May, all in the name of crafting this review, I decided to revisit The Five Minute Journal once more. Perhaps, I thought, with fresh eyes and a renewed perspective, I might finally uncover its hidden magic. But alas, as with every past attempt, I found myself faced with the same realisation—it just wasn’t the right fit for me. Despite its minimalist design, thoughtful prompts, and the countless success stories shared by others, something about it failed to resonate with me on a deeper level. As someone seeking a more immersive and contemplative experience, the structured nature of the journal didn’t allow for the depth of reflection and exploration I craved. It became clear that I needed a journaling practice that offered more flexibility and space for extended introspection, rather than a brief daily exercise.
Mismatched Personality-style: As a long-time diarist accustomed to the freedom of blank pages, the structured nature of The Five Minute Journal felt constricting. Its prompts and format didn’t align with my natural writing style and preferences.
Lack of Personalisation: While the journal offers guidance and prompts, it may not cater to individual needs and experiences. As someone who values personalised reflection, I found myself craving a journaling experience tailored to my unique journey.
Routine Struggles: Despite its name suggesting a quick five-minute practice, I found it challenging to integrate The Five Minute Journal into my daily routine consistently. The brevity of the practice, while appealing to some, felt abrupt and impersonal to me.
2+ million users worldwide can’t be wrong
This staggering number speaks volumes about the impact and influence of The Five Minute Journal on individuals across the globe. Clearly, this journal has made an indelible mark on countless people, whose experiences may differ from my own. While it may not have resonated with me personally, it’s evident that for many, The Five Minute Journal has been a catalyst for profound personal growth and self-discovery. Let’s take a closer look at the key components that make up The Five Minute Journal and how they contribute to its role as a tool for personal growth and self-reflection.
The Five Minute Journal is designed to be a simple yet powerful tool for cultivating gratitude, mindfulness, and positivity in just a few minutes each day. Its structure is divided into morning and evening sections, each with specific prompts aimed at guiding users through a daily practice of self-reflection. In the morning section, users are prompted to start their day on a positive note by listing three things they are grateful for. This simple act of gratitude sets the tone for the day ahead, encouraging a mindset of abundance and appreciation for life’s blessings. Additionally, users are asked to visualise what would make today great, setting intentions and goals to focus their energy and attention on positive outcomes. Throughout the day, users are encouraged to carry these intentions with them, remaining mindful of opportunities for growth and moments of gratitude. Then, in the evening section, users reflect on three amazing things that happened that day, reinforcing a sense of gratitude and appreciation for life’s joys, no matter how small. Finally, users are prompted to consider how they could have made today even better, encouraging self-reflection and personal growth. This closing reflection serves as a valuable opportunity to learn from the day’s experiences and identify areas for improvement, fostering a continuous cycle of self-discovery and development.
By providing a structured framework for daily reflection, The Five Minute Journal empowers users to cultivate a mindset of gratitude and mindfulness, leading to greater happiness, resilience, and overall well-being. Its simplicity and accessibility make it an ideal tool for anyone looking to incorporate more positivity and intentionality into their daily lives.
And there you have it—a simple yet profound journey through the structure of The Five Minute Journal. Just like its namesake, this journal packs a punch in just a few minutes a day, proving that big changes can come from small moments of reflection. So go ahead, grab your journal, and join the millions who are discovering the power of gratitude, one prompt at a time! Unless, of course, you’re a diarist—then you might need a little more space!
