Content creator Sleepy Tofu swears by this journaling method for productivity – here’s why it works

Ever feel like your to-do list keeps growing, but you just can’t seem to keep up with your progress? We’ve all been there. In fact, productivity content creator Sleepy Tofu—aka Rae Anne—knows that struggle all too well. But instead of letting it overwhelm her, she found a way to turn journaling into a system that actually works.

Rae started journaling as a creative outlet and a way to stay on top of school life, but it quickly became so much more. Inspired by the journal spreads she saw online, she started experimenting with different setups on her iPad, and before she knew it, journaling became an essential part of her daily routine.

“In the beginning, it wasn’t about following a strict framework—it was about finding what worked for me,” she shared in an interview with Her World Singapore. “Over time, I realised how essential journaling was for tracking my goals, emotions, and daily reflections, so I started integrating my own systems, like task planning and gratitude lists. Now, it’s a routine that keeps me on track.”

Clearly, she’s onto something. Rae’s approach to journaling has struck a chord with thousands—207,000 followers on Instagram (and counting)—and she’s even hosted her own workshop with Apple, teaching others how to journal their way to success with her trusty iPad.

That being said, let’s be real—sticking to a journaling habit can feel impossible when life gets busy. The thought of writing down an endless list of tasks every day? Kind of overwhelming. And if you’re someone who gets stressed out by an incomplete to-do list, you’re not alone. But Rae’s approach isn’t about rigid, overcomplicated planning. Instead, she breaks big goals into bite-sized, doable steps, making it easier to actually follow through.

So if you’ve been meaning to start journaling but don’t know where to begin, Rae’s got you covered. From structuring her journal to turn ideas into actionable steps to her best tips for journaling your way to success, she’s learned through trial and error what really works—and what doesn’t.

Ahead, Rae shares her go-to journaling strategies, how she stays consistent without overcomplicating things, and why the key to productivity isn’t about planning more—it’s about planning smarter.

Structuring your journal to turn ideas into actionable steps

For Rae, journaling is all about breaking things down into manageable, bite-sized pieces. “Having a long list of tasks can feel super overwhelming,” she says. “So, I structure my journal by first writing down my big goals for the week or month. From there, I break them into smaller tasks I can tackle each day.” But journaling goes beyond listing our your to-do lists. As a matter of fact, she emphasises the importance of daily priorities and reflection: “I always end my day by noting what I accomplished—or didn’t—and it helps me realign myself with my goals.” At the end of each month, Rae takes time to review her progress, which helps her set even better goals for the month ahead. Not only is it practical, but doing so helps her visualise her progress and keeps her accountable as she works toward her bigger goals. 

Her routine for journaling

Rae is disciplined and keeps her journaling consistent. “Day-to-day, I write about my day, my goals, and any personal reflections,” she explains. However, the magic really happens at the start of each month. “I take time to set specific goals and review what I achieved the month before. Then, every week, I do a quick check-in to see how I’m tracking toward those goals and adjust if needed.” Doing these weekly check-ins helps her stay focused on what matters most and keeps her motivated to stay consistent.

What she uses

When it comes to tools, Rae is a big fan of using her iPad Air M3 for journaling. It enables her to multitask easily even while she’s at home or even at her new office job. With the new M3 iPad Air, creatives like her have access to different apps like Adobe Photoshop and it keeps her journal in sync across her different devices–making everything seamless. Plus, the Apple Pencil Pro makes it easy to jot down ideas on the go. 

Keeping her journaling practical

Rae Anne’s approach is all about simplicity. “I used to overplan a lot too,” she admits. “But I learned that not every detail needs to be recorded.” Instead, she focuses on key priorities. “If something big happens that I need to vent about, I’ll write a longer entry. But if it’s just a regular day, I keep it short and sweet.” Her advice? “Do what feels helpful to you! You don’t have to force yourself to write if it doesn’t feel right.”

How journaling helps to regain momentum when you’re feeling stuck or unmotivated

We’ve all been there—those days when you just feel stuck or unmotivated. “When I hit a block, journaling really helps me process my thoughts,” Rae says. “I write down what’s causing the block, which helps me declutter my mind and figure out what’s really going on.” By giving herself space to reflect, Rae can reframe negative thoughts and regain the momentum she needs to keep moving forward.

One thing she wished she had known when she first started journaling for productivity

Looking back, Rae wishes she had realised sooner that journaling should be personal. “At first, I tried to follow other people’s productivity systems, but what works for one person doesn’t always work for another,” she reflects. “There’s no one right way to journal. It’s about finding what works for you and making it your own.”

Her advice for staying consistent with journaling

Consistency is key, according to Rae. “Start small,” she suggests. “Just write a few lines about how your day went or a key takeaway from the day. If you really can’t think of anything to write, you can even just record what food you ate. Consistency matters more than perfection when you’re trying to make a habit stick. You could also make your journal entries visually engaging (I like including photos and stickers!) so it feels like something fun rather than a chore.”

For those looking to journal for execution, Rae has a simple tip: “Start the day by breaking down your priorities into small, actionable steps. At the end of the day, reflect on what you managed to accomplish, what you didn’t, and any challenges you faced. This helps you stay organised and move forward.”

Tips on journaling for success

When it comes to journaling for success, Rae has some advice:

• Break big goals into smaller tasks that you can work on daily or weekly.
• Focus on making consistent effort rather than worrying about how fast you’re progressing.
• Don’t stress if you miss a day or fall off track—just get back on course the next time.

The M3 iPad Air starts from $819 and is now avaialble on Apple.com and at the Apple stores.