The Joy of Completion

Why finishing up a notebook feels so good

Hi friends,

I don’t want to brag, but I’ve finished a lot of notebooks in my time. Each one is different and special in its own way, part of my story, a confidant, and a relationship that I really cherish—especially when I’m right in the thick of it.

I’m here today to talk to you all about the joy of finishing up a notebook and really celebrating that achievement. I want you to think about what feels good for you when you finish up a book and put it on the shelf.

This might seem like a silly topic, or something that’s not really all that significant in the grand scheme of life or making or whatever—but I can tell you for certain, I wouldn’t have finished up this many notebooks if it didn’t feel so good.

Here’s what we’ll cover in this email:

• Why finishing a notebook feels so dang good

• Simple rituals to honor your completed pages

• How notebook closure fuels your creative momentum

Let’s make it happen!

Why It Feels So Good to Finish a Notebook

There’s a moment that hits me every time I get to the end of a notebook—it’s almost like a feeling of reassurance: Oh, right—I can do this. I did do this. It’s almost like a little part of my body and my brain forgets that I know how to do this thing each time.

One of the things I love so much is that the completed book becomes a little slice of my life I can put away on the shelf. A chapter of who I am, documented in real time. This was absolutely not on my mind when I was finishing up my first or second notebooks, but now that I’ve literally got a crate of them, it’s hard not to see. It doesn't matter if the pages are perfect (they’re not). They're mine. And now that they're full, they hold my stories, my photos, my thoughts, a bunch of currently lists, and the tiny mundane moments I chose to remember.

The best part about the whole thing? I get to do it again. I get to start fresh with a new notebook, new pages, new energy. It’s both an ending and a beginning. It’s like when you get to the end of the re-watch of your favorite show. Now you get to start it over and re-experience your favorite parts over and over again. Although, much better than a re-watch, when you start with a new notebook—it’s completely blank inside and you get to fill it up again from scratch. And this one (like each one) gets a voice of it’s own—another chapter in my life.

Your Turn: When was the last time you finished a notebook? What did it feel like for you?

The Rituals That Make It Special.

If you know me, you know I love a lazy casual ritual. When I ever I finish up a notebook, I:

• Write the date on the last page (I also date the first page when I start a book)

• Add a sticker, scrap, or stamp to mark the final page. Usually something that didn’t work on a larger page, and is just sitting around on my desk.

• Put the book in my storage crate with the others, lined up in chronological order. As you can see by the photo in the top of this post—it’s time for me to get another crate.

These are always fun things to look back on when I’m flipping through my previous notebooks. I also love looking back on the Currently Lists that I put in the book every Monday, so flipping through my completed notebooks gives me a beautiful snapshot of what life looked like during that time. It keeps everything grounded in reality.

Your Turn: Do you have any rituals for ending one notebook and beginning another?

What If You're Struggling to Finish?

You’re not alone, it happens to a lot of people (no, really). Lots of folks get stuck in the final stretch. The last 90% of any project can always be the most difficult.

Ask yourself:

• Does the notebook have too many pages? Like, are you already done with everything that needs to be said in this notebook?

• Are you trying to make every page too perfect? Are you being too precious with materials, time, or the surface area?

• Are you avoiding it because it feels like you don’t deserve to finish? Oof, that one is never fun.

Here's the tough truth: Some pages are going to suck. That’s part of the process. My favorite question when things get tough—how can I bring ease into this process. See if it works for you.

If you’re still struggling, remember that your notebook is your space to show up and take up space. If you’re not comfortable doing that here, it’s going to be hard to do it anywhere else.

So be brave. Be messy. Finish the damn book.

Your Turn: What usually stops you from finishing a creative project? What might help you push through?

Celebrate the Wins, Big and Small

You’re constantly hearing me talking about the little wins; whether it’s completing a page, using up a sticker sheet, or something bigger, like finishing up a whole notebook and putting it on the shelf.

Finishing a notebook is like wrapping up a season of your life. It’s like reaching the end of a week, month, or year—familiar and brand new all at once.

So celebrate it!

• Post a photo or video of your finished book

• Share your progress with the Awesome Ladies Project community

• DM me—I always want to know when you've finished a notebook!

• Set up a sticker reward sheet or a tracker

You’ll even find inspiration for your next book just stopping by the community and seeing what others are creating.

Your Turn: How do you want to celebrate your next notebook finish?

Every notebook you finish is a chapter in the story of you. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be yours.

Let your stack of completed books remind you that you are someone who shows up. Someone who creates. Someone who is writing their story, one page at a time.

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Weekly Resource List:

The Basic Guide to Daily Pages (7-minute read): Everything you need to get started with Daily Pages.

Daily Pages Inner Circle (Join me virtually!): Live co-creative sessions five days a week. This is the number one way that I keep up with my own creative habit. I show up at Noon ET—Monday through Friday. Join me and create alongside me.

CAF Podcast: Making Time for Daily Pages (31-minute listen): This is a guide to creating Daily Pages even if you’ve got a ton of other stuff on your plate. There’s a great rundown in the post itself, even if you don’t time to listen right now.

Five Years of Daily Pages: Seeing Growth in Your Creative Practice (5-minute read + 3 short videos): Take a look back at my Daily Pages throughout the years as I flip through a few of my first books, some from a few years back, and then one recent notebook. The growth is so much fun to watch.

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Sponsored by: Daily Pages Fifth Anniversary Celebration

Mark your calendar! On Saturday, April 5th at Noon ET, we’re celebrating FIVE YEARS of Daily Pages with a big, free event. 🎉

💡 What to expect:
✨ A look back at how Daily Pages has evolved over the years.
✨ Special giveaways + creative inspiration.
✨ A chance to make a Daily Page together, live!

This is an open-to-everyone event, and I’d love for you to join.

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Here’s what we covered today:

• Finishing a notebook gives you creative closure, motivation, and even inspiration

• Your rituals make each notebook your own

• Celebrating small wins keeps the momentum going

Action step: Pick a small way to celebrate the next time you finish a notebook—and make it count.

Talk to you next week!

xoxo,

Kristin

P.S. If you’re enjoying these newsletters, please consider sharing this edition with a friend who might need a little creative boost today.

And whenever you are ready, there are 3 ways I can help you build your creative habit:

1. Check out the FREE Daily Pages 101 course.

2. Upgrade your Substack subscription and join me Monday-Friday at Noon ET for my Daily Pages creative time (bring any project you’re working on). And—join us on the first Saturday of the month. for our live masterclasses, a new topic each month on building and sustaining your creative habit. See the full archive here.

3. Check out the free Awesome Ladies Project community + app and join us for weekly challenges, free stickers, and amazing friendships!