Don’t just start

u/isopodpod:

The biggest thing is to get rid of any secret rules you're making about starting. You seem to recognize that you have at least two. First, that your commonplace book has to look good, and second, that whatever you put in there needs to meet some standard in order to be saved. You're aware that these are restrictions you're putting on yourself, and that you need to get past them.

Something I do to fight these mental blocks is 1) make a rule that I can only do this badly, and 2) make a deliberate effort to do it badly.

It helps to have a cheap notebook to start off, or start with a notebook you're already using. Write a rule in your book that entries are only allowed if they're ugly or self-indulgent. Only messy entries, or words that bring you joy are allowed. Then, whenever you want to write in your book, TRY to make it messy and self indulgent. Write in big bubble letters that you have to scribble out because they're off-center. Use a different color pen for each letter. Scratch out misspelled words. Draw little emotes, but only in pen so you can't erase. If you find yourself hesitating to put something in the book, then you HAVE to put it in. Place no restrictions, and make a point to make it kinda janky and unappealing. The only rule is that you find the content interesting, and you have fun