Ah, that empty notebook feeling. There is nothing quite like it. Those fresh crisp clean pages waiting to be filled, hinting at possibilities, opportunities and ideas about what could be.
For freelance writer Sofia Farelli, it is the sense of opportunity that an empty notebook represents. "It is the feeling of starting a new chapter, or rather the opportunity it represents. It is one of the reasons I date all my entries as it tells a story of where you were and what you were prioritising in that moment in time."
Study skills expert Chloe Burroughs loves the clarity an empty notebook can bring. "An empty notebook is a blank slate for me. A ripe opportunity to move in a different direction or try a different approach. Life and studying can get chaotic at times but an empty notebook is a way for me to move towards my goals with intention and clarity."
How to pick your notebook
If you are going to get that feeling of excitement and possibility, you need a notebook you love. You need to be excited to pick it up and open that first blank page.
Think about what you want to feel when you are using your notebook. Are you looking for creative inspiration, the confidence to be bold, or a dose of daily calm? Find a design and aesthetic that matches that, so each time your notebook catches your eye, you remember the promise you made to yourself.
Browse our lined notebooks, Luxe Pattern notebooks, or the Graphic Range for covers that feel right for the project you have in mind.
The fear of an empty notebook
Empty pages bring possibility, but they can bring fear too. Perfectionism makes us too scared to start, for fear that we make a mistake.
But mistakes are a natural part of the creative process. Jess Hellens, founder of Wild Coworking, shares her technique for just getting started: "I actually love the look of an empty notebook, but I get stuck in the 'how do I start using this' step. Then once I make the first note, I remind myself I will always hate that page but love the rest of it."
The next time you open up an empty notebook, give yourself the gift of an imperfect first page. And just begin.
21 ideas for your empty notebook
1. Write a to-do list
Is there a more satisfying feeling than checking everything off your to-do list? Use your empty notebook to log daily or weekly to-dos, or try a tear-off pad if you prefer something you can rip off and carry.
2. Store ideas to act on later
Sometimes your ideas are not ready to come to life. That is okay. Do not let them disappear. Add them to your notebook and store them for later.
3. Collect future inspiration
When you hear a quote, song or book that connects with your core, capture it. Life is busy and it is all too easy to forget these moments.
4. Start a travel diary
Memories fade and new experiences come along. A travel diary brings trips back to life. Our travel journals are designed for exactly this.
5. Set your goals
There are so many ways to set goals. The only right way is the one that works for you. If you are unsure where to start, read our guide to types of goals or explore daily planners.
6. Track your spending and finances
This might not be the most fun way of filling your notebook but it sure is useful. Tracking your finances gives you more freedom in the future.
7. Write your morning pages
The beauty of morning pages is that all you need is a notebook and a pen. In return you get a clear mind, ready to start your day. Here is how to give it a go.
8. Clear your thoughts before sleep
When your thoughts are racing and you cannot clear them to sleep, write them down instead. Get the mental clutter out of your head and onto paper.
9. Practise your handwriting
Whether you are working on bullet journaling fonts or improving your cursive, you can easily fill an empty notebook.
10. Log your family stories
What if there was a book that tracked the story of your family, ready to read for future generations? You can be your own biographer and get the whole family to join in.
11. Create your own recipe book
Handwritten recipe books are heirlooms. Make your own for your future family, or start with a dedicated recipe journal.
12. Journal your thoughts
Of course we could not write a list of empty notebook ideas without mentioning journaling. But which type will you choose?
13. Keep a memory a day
When full journaling is not your thing, a memory a day might be. Each evening, write one or two sentences about your day. By the end of the year you will have 365 sentences telling the story of your year.
14. Create your fitness plan
If you are working on your fitness, a written plan can hold you accountable. A wellness journal pairs well with habit tracking spreads.
15. Write meal plans and shopping lists
A handwritten shopping list does not lock mid-aisle. Your notebook stays open until you are done.
16. Keep your study notes safe
Whether it is class notes or fleshing out your essay plan, a notebook for each subject area can help. Study expert Chloe Burroughs uses hers to "get all my thoughts out of my head so I can then make an achievable study plan."
17. Flesh out plans for your business
If you run your own business, your head is likely overflowing with ideas. Your notebook can act as a safe space to store and explore them.
18. Store your meeting notes
A notebook you love can bring personality and confidence to your working day. Solutions specialist Paulina Folaron keeps a separate notebook for each client. "It is a whole new world! The potential of what I can fill that notebook with."
19. Track your career progression
Keep notes from review sessions, big wins and positive feedback in one place, so you are ready for that promotion pitch.
20. Dive into creative writing
A long story, a short story, a poem. Whatever type of writing you like, put it in your notebook and let your pen run free.
21. Create space for your sketches
It could be a doodle or a detailed sketch. A museum journal gives you lined pages plus dedicated space at the back for drawing and collage.
Start today
How will you fill your empty notebook? It is time to let your pen fill those pages. New to bullet journaling? Read our free guide to bullet journaling for a calm, step-by-step introduction.
