I’d like to talk to you all about toxic perfectionism

The whole point of journaling is to express ourselves—our thoughts and emotions—through writing, drawing, or whatever feels right to us. But there’s one thing that often gets in the way: the fear that it won’t look aesthetic enough, that our handwriting won’t be perfect, that we’ll make a mistake, or that our journal won’t turn out the way we imagined.

So I’m here to remind you that it doesn’t have to be perfect.

Your journal doesn’t need perfect colors, perfect handwriting, perfectly spaced pages, or perfectly written dates. Whatever notebook or medium you’ve chosen for your journal doesn’t have to look flawless. In fact, that’s exactly what gives it its charm. That’s what makes it personal, unique, and something that gradually becomes very close to your heart as you continue writing.

For a long time, I personally struggled with maladaptive perfectionism, and it kept me from journaling. Every time I tried, I would eventually stop because it no longer felt enjoyable—it started feeling like an obligation. I put so much mental energy into making everything look “right,” following some imaginary, unwritten standard of what a journal was supposed to look like.

But that’s not what journaling is about.

Don’t let the pressure you put on yourself—the belief that everything has to be perfect—keep you from simply letting go. You’d be surprised how much putting an abstract thought from your mind onto paper, giving it a physical form, can reduce its weight and help you understand it more clearly.

This is something I’ve learned through my own experience, and I truly believe it can help anyone—especially if journaling is the outlet they’ve chosen for themselves.

Your journal isn’t meant to impress anyone. It’s meant to be there for you. 🤍

Share your experiences!!