Morning Pages: A Daily Ritual for Boosting Creativity & Transforming Your Life

I remember sitting at a cafe during my lunch break, talking about creativity and things that inspired me with my work colleague. She mentioned the screenwriter Julia Cameron’s book, The Artist’s Way, and how julia cameron writes about her daily dedication to the morning pages practice.

As a graphic designer, I didn’t see myself as an artist. How could this work or even be relevant for me? But the reviews and testimonials were from the incredible. There are so many stories from photographers, screenwriters, published authors, and teachers about how the morning pages method increased their careers and passion for their craft. It brought back their joy and uncovered a deeper connection to themselves.

My friend and I were both in creative ruts with our jobs and needed to try something new. From then on, each day (most days!), we started doing our morning pages and reporting back to each other.

I’ll share more about this process later, but first, what are morning pages, you ask? They’re three pages of stream-of-consciousness writing done first thing every morning. No editing, no overthinking, just pure, unfiltered thoughts flowing onto the page.

I hear you. Three pages every single morning? That’s a commitment. But trust me, it’s a commitment worth making. Morning pages have been my secret weapon for unleashing my creativity, finding clarity in the chaos, and starting each day with a positive mindset that sets me up for success.

Then, we’d discuss how we were finding the process and uncovering things about ourselves. I really want to share with you how powerful this can be for learning more about yourself and the deepest fears you might have.

Are you curious about the power of morning pages? Take the leap and experience the magic for yourself – you might be surprised at what you uncover!

What Are Morning Pages?

Morning pages are a powerful journaling technique that can transform your life. A ‘morning page’ is part of this daily writing practice where individuals wake up and write three handwritten pages each morning. It’s a simple yet profound daily practice of writing three pages of stream-of-consciousness writing first thing every morning.

Where Did the Concept of Julia Cameron’s Morning Pages Come From?

The concept of Morning Pages was created by Julia Cameron, author of The Artist’s Way. Julia is an acclaimed author, poet, teacher, filmmaker and artist. Her book gained mainstream popularity recently due to a resurgence of Cameron’s book. She had been trialing processes with her students to “unblock” their creativity, and after years of trial and feedback, the Morning Pages process had gained so much popularity in her circles that she was encouraged to write a book and document it properly. All the benefits of morning pages, as highlighted by Julia Cameron, include fostering creativity, overcoming creative blocks, and encouraging imaginative thinking.

Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity

The program begins with Cameron’s most vital tools for creative recovery: The Morning Pages and The Artist Date. From there, she shares hundreds of exercises, activities, and prompts to help readers thoroughly explore each chapter.

A revolutionary programme for personal renewal, this book will help get you back on track, rediscover your passions, and take the steps you need to change your life.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

The Purpose of Morning Pages

The purpose is to serve as a “bedrock tool of creative recovery”. They help clear the mind, foster better ideas, provoke insights, provide clarity and comfort, prioritize thoughts, and synchronize the day ahead.

What to Write in Morning Pages

Morning Pages involve writing three pages of anything that crosses your mind. There are no rules about what to write – it can be mundane stuff, serious issues, inspiring thoughts, or depressing feelings. The pages are meant for your eyes only. The third page is particularly important for mental planning and visualization, where you can write down intentions and affirmations to set a productive and fulfilling tone for the day ahead.

How to Do Morning Pages

Ready to give this powerful morning writing practice a try? Morning pages help overcome creative blocks by fostering creativity and quieting self-criticism. Here’s how to get started with this life-changing habit.

Materials Needed for Morning Pages

All you need is a pen or pencil and paper. I recommend using a notebook or journal. Writing longhand rather than typing is an important part of the process – there’s power in the physical act of writing things down.

When to Write Morning Pages

Morning pages must be done first thing in the morning, before your ego’s defenses are in place. Writing in the morning allows you to catch yourself before the day’s demands take over.

Tips for Making Morning Pages a Habit

To make morning pages a habit, consider using a habit tracker. Don’t overthink the process – commit to putting three pages of anything on the page, every single morning. It can become a keystone habit that positively impacts your entire life.

Benefits of Writing Morning Pages

I’ve been practicing morning pages for years now and can attest to the incredible benefits. Here are some of the ways it’s transformed my life.

Clearing Your Mind

One key benefit is that they help clear your mind of distracting thoughts, like “windshield wipers”. Getting worries, anxieties, and to-dos out of your head and onto the page frees up mental space.

Boosting Creativity

Morning Pages are a bedrock tool for creative unblocking and recovery. Engaging in this daily practice has boosted my creativity immensely over time.

Improving Self-Awareness

Writing provides a window into your emotional life and improves self-awareness. The pages allow you to have an honest conversation with yourself.

Reducing Stress and Anxiety

By providing an outlet for distracting thoughts and worries, Morning Pages help reduce stress and anxiety, positively impacting mental health. Getting concerns out of your head and onto paper puts them in perspective. While finding the time at first can be challenging, the clarity, creativity, and peace of mind you gain are well worth the effort. Give yourself the gift of this simple yet profound practice – your future self will thank you.

Key Thought:

Jumpstart your day with morning pages to clear your mind, boost creativity, and reduce stress. All you need is a pen, paper, and three pages of anything that comes to mind. Make it a daily habit for profound life changes.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Let’s be real, starting any new habit is tough. And morning pages are no exception. One of the biggest hurdles is finding the time to write. It takes longer than you might expect to fill up those three pages. Especially when you’re starting out and getting into the flow of things. But here’s the thing – the clarity and focus you gain from morning pages is 100% worth the time investment. It’s like giving your mind a deep clean every morning. All that brain clutter gets swept away, leaving you fresh and ready to tackle the day. 

Another challenge that pops up is the dreaded writer’s block. You sit down, pen in hand, and…nothing. Nada. Zilch. When this happens, start writing about having nothing to write about. Seriously. Even if you fill a whole page with “I don’t know what to write”, keep that pen moving. Sooner or later, the words will start flowing. 

Then there’s the issue of negative self-talk and that pesky victimhood tendency. Morning pages bring up all kinds of thoughts and emotions, including that critical inner voice. But instead of trying to shut it down, let it speak. 

Give your victim voice some airtime on the page. You might be surprised by the insights that emerge when you engage with that part of yourself with curiosity and compassion. The key to overcoming all these challenges? Consistency. 

Commit to showing up for your morning pages practice daily, no matter what. Don’t overthink it or judge what comes out. Just keep filling those pages, one day at a time.

Staying Consistent

I get it; staying consistent with morning pages can be a struggle. Life gets busy, motivation dips, and suddenly that notebook starts gathering dust. But here’s what I’ve learned – the magic of morning pages comes from the cumulative effect of showing up day after day. 

It’s not about creating a masterpiece every time you sit down to write. It’s about the long game of self-discovery and clarity. To stay consistent, try tying your morning pages practice to an existing habit, like your morning coffee or brushing your teeth. 

Make it a non-negotiable part of your routine, like a meeting with yourself that you wouldn’t dare miss. And if you do skip a day (or three), don’t beat yourself up about it. Just pick up the pen and start again the next day. Progress, not perfection, is what counts.

Incorporating Morning Pages into Your Daily Routine

Now that you’re sold on the benefits of morning pages, let’s talk about how to weave this practice into your daily life seamlessly. Because the easier it is to do, the more likely you are to stick with it.

Creating a Conducive Writing Environment

First up, create a writing space that feels inviting and inspiring. Maybe that’s a cozy corner of your living room with a plush armchair. Or a sun-drenched spot at your kitchen table.

Wherever it is, make sure it’s a place you actually want to spend time. Keep your morning pages supplies – a notebook and pen – easily accessible. I like to set mine out the night before so they’re ready and waiting for me in the morning—one less barrier to getting started.

Consider adding a few touches that make the space feel special and sacred. A candle, a vase of fresh flowers, your favorite mug. Think of it as setting the stage for your daily date with yourself and your thoughts.

Combining Morning Pages with Other Practices

Morning pages pair well with all sorts of other positive practices and rituals: meditation, movement, reading – experiment to find what works for you. In Atomic Habits, James Clear talks about “habit stacking” and how the best way to add a new habit is to stack it with one you already do.

Personally, I love doing a few minutes of stretching or yoga before I settle in to write. It helps me feel more grounded and present in my body. Then I’ll make myself a cup of tea and light a candle before diving into my pages. The key is to create a morning routine that feels nourishing and supportive, with morning pages as the centerpiece. 

You might be surprised by how much more you look forward to waking up when you have a soul-satisfying ritual to start your day.

Making Morning Pages a Non-Negotiable Habit

If you take one thing away from this post, let it be this: morning pages work best when you make them a non-negotiable part of your day. Like brushing your teeth or getting dressed. They’re just something you do, no matter what. One tool that can help with this is a habit tracker. This can be as simple as marking an X on your calendar for each day you complete your pages. Or using a more high-tech solution like an app. The point is to have a visual reminder of your commitment and progress. But ultimately, the real key to making morning pages stick is to fall in love with the process. To look forward to that quiet time with yourself each morning. To relish the insights and ahas and creative sparks that emerge onto the page. So be patient with yourself as you build this new habit. Take care of yourself along the way. And trust that with time and practice, morning pages will become an integral part of your daily routine and creative life.

Key Thought: 

Jumpstart your day and creativity with morning pages. Find time, push past writer’s block, and make it a daily ritual you can’t skip. It’s about progress, not perfection. Create a space that calls to you and pair the practice with other positive routines for maximum benefit.

FAQs

What do you write in Morning Pages?

Write anything that comes to mind. Thoughts, dreams, worries—let it all out on the page.

Do Morning Pages have to be 3 pages?

No, but three pages is the sweet spot for most people to clear their heads.

What is the psychology behind Morning Pages?

This practice reduces mental clutter by transferring thoughts from the mind to the paper, easing stress.

What is the difference between Morning Pages and journaling?

Morning Pages are free-flow thought dumps done daily. Journaling can be more structured and less frequent.

Conclusion

Morning pages have been a game-changer for me, and I hope they can be for you, too. Over the years, I’ve drifted in and out of doing my morning pages, but if I’m struggling with something personally or professionally, it’s a great morning routine to come back to. 

By taking just a few minutes each morning to pour your thoughts onto the page – 3 full A4 pages to be exact – you’ll be amazed at how much clearer and more focused you feel. It’s like getting all of the chaos out of your head and onto the page! 

Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to do morning pages. JUST WRITE! …without judgment or expectation. Let the words flow, and see where they take you.

After years of running an ecommerce business and juggling full-time work, Jen now writes about burnout, meditation, yoga and her new found mission of finding more zen every day! When not behind a screen, you’ll find her doing yoga, scribbling in her notebook, going for bushwalks and nerding out on sleep and meditation hacks.