The Do Something That Matters Journal

I’ve used a lot of journals over the years, but this one stands out. Do Something That Matters is thoughtfully designed and easy to use—no fluff, no guilt, just real momentum. Since using it, I’ve been more focused and more consistent on what matters most. It’s not overwhelming, and it actually works. This is the first journal I’ve stuck with—and for good reason.

I have a stack of them waiting to be filled when I clear my first! Huzzah!

In a fast-paced world of constant stimulation and distraction, finding time to pause and reflect meaningfully—not obsessively—can transform scattered thoughts into purposeful momentum. Michael Bungay Stanier’s Do Something That Matters Journal serves as a perfect companion for this journey.

The journal’s vibrant design instantly pulls me in, prompting me to engage with the practices outlined within. Its thoughtful physical design—just the right size, weight, and binding that lies flat—makes it a pleasure to use rather than a challenge to manage.

The real magic lies in the carefully structured approach. Daily and weekly prompts train my mind to pause, set intentions, and reflect with purpose. Every six weeks, deeper reflection questions help me assess my path and course correct. Inspiring quotes scattered throughout provide additional moments of contemplation and wisdom.

What sets this journal apart is the clear, practical guidance to build a sustainable reflective practice. The structure creates a powerful cycle of trying, reflecting, and trying again—all focused on helping us progress toward what truly matters in our lives.

I am an avid journaler and I collect all different varieties of journals. This one is unique because it is a well thought-out guide and is for a specific purpose. To help someone figure out something that really matters to them. Michael has included everything you need to get motivated and to dig into that thing that really matters to you. I love the simplicity but deepness of the questions, and how it is organized into 6 week cycles to keep you moving forward, with insights and quotes with deeper exploration each week, along with the breaks after each cycle that allow for time to pause and reflect. It’s clearly designed to help you get the most out of the journaling process!

This isn’t just another journal-your-way-to-happiness book. This is a carefully crafted guide toward greater clarity and purpose. There are pattern-building daily questions that help to build a greater awareness, and there are periodic reflection questions… don’t skip over those quickly! Some seem almost coffee chat casual until you sit with them. Give them your attention and they become keys to insight, answers and even deeper questions. It’s almost like a morning coaching session with MBS. Try it and you’ll see.

There is only one journal I’ve ever kept up with (even slightly) – the 5 Minute Gratitude journal. While I love to write creatively in open pages, journaling into a blank slate doesn’t help structure and challenge my thinking in the way I need. Enter Michael, who has once again tapped into his wizardry to create the world’s most perfect journal. I wanted to use it for a while before reviewing it and the verdict is in: I LOVE IT. Why?

1) It’s the perfect mix of quick, efficient, and structured (4 short daily questions to dial in on certain qualities like focus, presence, commitment, and gratitude) as well as some of his best, most powerful questions (and if you know and love MBS, he’s the undisputed king of these).
2) In a short time, the awareness and insight I’ve gained from using this tool have been incredible.

Strong recommend!