Students Of Success

Copyright 2005 Writer’s Eye Advisory Service

For really busy days, it’s nice to be able to journal on
something small. It makes it easier to keep up with daily
activities, if you keep some 3×5 cards nearby and jot notes on
them. I can remember not liking index cards in school, because
they always reminded me of Dewey decimal system and finishing
school reports on time. However, in college index cards became
my ally in keeping track of my off-topic thoughts during college
lectures. It made it so much easier, when I could jot something
down, so I wouldn’t forget it and still keep up with class. Now,
I can make a mini—journal with these cards. Or I write some of
my articles on cards, making sure to keep them in order. When I
get home, I can put the article into it’s computer file or in an
envelope and tape it into my journal. I also keep track of
business ideas when I’m showing my jewelry, so that I don’t lose
track of changes I need to make or credit myself for the great
work I did. So read on for instructions on how to create your
own mini-journal.

PURCHASE INDEX CARDS: My favorite index cars are 3 x 5 ruled
with neon colors. These colors are bright and bold, not like
their paler counterparts. You may also create your own cards
from collage materials, such as pictures, stationery or other
material that you can write an entry on. Use your imagination.
You can even use plain white unruled cards. It’s up to you what
materials you use. I only suggest that you keep the size
consistent or your journal will look a bit asymmetrical.

TYPE OF ENTRY: I would suggest picking one of the following
exercises for your mini-journal: write list(s), reminder phrases
or sentences, prayer(s), a short doodle, a poem, lyrics, an
image(s), your accomplishments, your feelings, a five-minute
dialogue, or other valuable information. You can also create
your own journal exercises, by combining some from this list or
creating totaling unique exercises. After you have read a
variety of other’s journal exercises, it becomes easier to
imagine and create your own.

CHOOSE A TOPIC(S): Pick a topic that is short. You can always
add more index cards as you expand your topic. You decorate one
side of this first card like a collage, then start you entry on
the other side. Remember to number your pages, they will stay in
better order, until you are ready to put them all together.

WRITE YOUR ENTRY: It’s time to write your entry. I’ve given you
several examples of exercises you can use. You can always use
plain text to to write your entry too. You can write on any
topic of interest to you. Here are a few ideas just to get your
started: talk about your pet, home, vacation plans, an important
phone call, your to-do list, laundry list, grocery list or how
you felt after you saw a movie, a recipe, sports scores, goals
and writing ideas. These are just a few of the topics you can
pick. The most important step that you can take now is to write.

CHOOSE A PLACE FOR YOUR INDEX CARDS: Wrap a rubber band around
your cards or put them in an envelope. Make to label and date
them so that you can find them later. You can always put them in
the back of your paper journal or in a desk drawer. I will show
you how to put all of the cards together later on.

PUTTING YOUR MINI-JOURNAL TOGETHER: Put your index cards in the
correct order. Make sure to punch two holes overlapping each
other either in one or the other corners or in the middle of
each card. (You can reinforce the corners with small bit of
masking tape). Open up your keyring and slide the cards over it.
Close the keyring and you have your mini-journal. (Note: you can
use other index card sizes and cord, yarn, or string to bind
your cards together, just make sure that the material you choose
is strong and will last.)

Enjoy your new minijournal!