The Intelligent Change Five Minute Journal: Best gratitude journal for gratitude newbies
The Intelligent Change Five Minute Journal offers a systematic approach to “starting” the gratitude journal lifestyle and to “keeping” the habit.
Specifically, the journal provides an extensive preface where you can learn the scientific basis and examples of what to write in practice.
In addition, the journal comes along as an accompaniment during the first week and helps you keep a five-day gratitude journal. Finally, the time required is a maximum of 5 minutes per day.
This journal is the best and 1st gratitude journal for journal newbies.
Note that I classified it as one of my 6 Best Selling Gratitude Journals for Overwhelmed Business Women
In this Journal review,
you will see its unique features, pros and cons,
and why I think it is the best and 1st gratitude journal for journal newbies based on my test. Such that you will finger out if this planner is the right one for you.
(Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate link.)
Exterior
Like Any other Intelligent Change Products, the exterior is absolutely beautiful. 100% Linen Fabric and 100% cotton for both binding and ribbons. The cover texture when your fingers touch feels thick and rich. I tried 3 different colors so far – Blue, Pink, Original Cotton – and 7 more different colors are available as of today.
From the accessory perspective, this journal comes with minimal (1 bookmark ribbon, no elastic band, no pen loop).
Gratitude
Morning Gratitude with Daily Quote
This planner provides ⅔ of the page for Morning Gratitude, where you have 1 daily quote and 3 sections to write down gratitude. Quotes change daily, and 3 sections of the entry are identical every day.
When I started gratitude journaling, I often experienced that my pen often stopped and I didn’t know what to write. I am sure many of you have had similar experiences. At such times, I often referred to the top quotes, which changed daily. These quotes gave me a clue for introspective digging, usually leading me to ideas I could be thankful for.
You can also check other resouces like below
365 Daily Journal Prompts For A Whole Year Of Self-Discovery
30 Daily Gratitude Affirmations For Living Your Happiest Life
15 Gratitude Journal Prompts to Inspire Daily Reflection
Evening entry
This planner provides ⅓ of the bottom page for evening Gratitude. The entry quote is identical every day.
The effectiveness of gratitude diaries is often discussed and scientifically proven. But what about my case? To be honest, I didn’t feel any major breakthroughs or anything during the first three months. However, although it is difficult to prove, I feel that I subconsciously started to avoid toxic relationships. I have trained my brain to appreciate what I have and focus on what is most important to me, and as a result, I have been able to cut out undesirable social relationships. This is a big win for me.
Organization
1 page a day
This journal provides 1 page each day.
Rich guidance at the beginning
This journal provides Instructions, Evidence, and Case study as part of preface such as,
– instructions on how to use the journal effectively
– scientific evidence / case study
– importance of positive thinking
– benefits of gratitude
It’s been amazing to have the instructions right there in the book for quick reference.
For instance, I often found myself wondering “Why am I doing this?”.
Then I go back to the preface to confirm the logic behind it. Sometimes I highlighted key sentences that resonated with me.
Understanding what each prompt means and its effectiveness makes a huge difference in keeping me accountable.
A guide runner for the first 5 days
For the first 5 days, the journal will accompany you and teach you
- How to use each daily page by using examples
- How to create a new journaling habit by 5 steps
1. How to use each daily page by using examples
2. How to create a new journaling habit by 5 steps
Step.1 My Commitment
Step.2 The Sticky Solution
Step.3 Accountability
Step.4 The Journal x 5 days
Step.5 Commitment Review
This may seem simple, but it can be very difficult for people who don’t have the habit of journaling in their daily lives. Luckily, I love journaling, so this first five-day practice run wasn’t that difficult from a habit standpoint, but actually thinking about what I’m grateful for every day was a challenge.
Eco-friendly paper
This planner uses 100% recycled, compostable, and FSC certified paper.
Like many European organizations, I feel that Intelligent Change has a very high awareness of environmental issues and sustainability.
Free ruled page at the end
This journal has 10 free ruled pages at the end.
Integration with other Journal system
This journal is minimal and has no integration with other journaling systems such as weekly review or monthly review.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Exterior & accessories
- Beautiful linen cover
- Ecological and sustainable materials
- Various cover color options
- Minimal accessories
Organization
- Undated (You can start any time)
- 180 days
- 2 entries a day – Morning entry, and Evening entry
- Minimal entry each day
- Daily unique quote at the top
- Approx 10 Free ruled notes are provided at the end
- Missed days never be visible as weekday does not matter
Integration with other system
- No other system, purely gratitude journal
Cons
Exterior & accessories
- No pen loop
Organization
- Not enough space for journal heavy users
Integration with other system
- n/a
Conclusion
The Intelligent Change Five Minute Journal is a great option for those new to gratitude journaling, requiring only five minutes a day and minimal filling out. It also helps you get into the habit of journaling. If you are looking for a gratitude journal for beginners, this is the best option.
Resources
You can check other contents of Gratitude Journals
