Welcome to issue #003 of Opt Out - A newsletter that aims to help you think differently, live more intentionally and escape the normal avenue of life. If you’d like to support Opt Out or buy me a coffee then consider becoming a paying member.
I’ve tried to build a journaling habit more times than I can count.
It always started the same way: a new notebook, a nice pen, a stack of “powerful prompts” saved to my Notes app, and the best of intentions. I’d write for a few days, maybe a week, and then life would get in the way. I’d miss a few entries, lose the momentum, and eventually shelve the whole thing.
The problem? I kept designing a habit for the ideal version of myself — not the real one.
The ideal me had time, energy, and a clear mind at the end of the day. The real me? Three kids, full calendar, brain like a browser with 47 tabs open.
Then I came across something simple from Sahil Bloom that finally stuck. A framework that actually works (for me anyway).
The 1-1-1 Method.
It’s as straightforward as it sounds.
Each evening (or whenever I can), I jot down three things:
1 win from the day
1 tension or stress that’s on my mind
1 thing I’m grateful for
That’s it.
No big essay. No pressure to be profound. Just a quick pause to reflect and It takes maybe 3–5 minutes. But the shift it creates? Surprisingly big.
The “win” reminds me I’m making progress, even if the day felt messy.
The “tension” clears space in my head.
The “gratitude” helps me zoom out and see the bigger picture.
More importantly, it’s easy enough that I actually do it.
No fancy ritual. No elaborate system. Just a notebook and a few quiet minutes.
And in the middle of a full life, you forget how much you need it.
If you’ve ever felt like journalling should work for you — but it never quite clicked — maybe this version will.
Let me know if you give it a try.
Before you go, Ive got a favour to ask - Which of the following do you like the best for the ‘feel’ of the newsletter? And yes, its got a new name (again).
Until next time,
Kyfer
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