Business idea · Subscription
Five-Year Journal
Five-Year Journal is a journaling system that allows users to reflect on their past entries over five years, encouraging personal growth and self-awareness by providing a unique perspective on recurring themes in their lives. It was pitched on My First Million in the episode "How to actually hit your goals in 2026" (aired December 8, 2025).
At a glance
| Podcast | My First Million |
|---|---|
| Hosted by | Sam Parr and Shaan Puri |
| Episode | How to actually hit your goals in 2026 |
| Aired | December 8, 2025 |
| Category | Subscription |
| Real companies on the episode | HubSpot, Hampton, UFC, Simple Modern, Airbnb |
The problem it solves
It addresses the issue of people feeling stuck in their habits and thoughts by providing a structured way to track changes and reflections over time.
How it makes money
One-time purchase for the journal, potentially supplemented by a companion app with premium features available on a subscription basis.
Skills you need
Product design, marketing, content creation, and knowledge of journaling and self-improvement techniques.
The market, and why this works now
The rise of mindfulness and self-improvement trends supports the Five-Year Journal concept, as consumers increasingly seek structured reflection tools. A viable first-revenue move involves promoting the journal through the r/journaling subreddit, where engaged users actively discuss journaling techniques and products. However, potential risks include the capital required for initial production and marketing, which could strain cash flow before the journal gains traction in the market.
Our analysis, written after the episode. Not a quote from the show.
Real companies discussed on this episode
- HubSpot
A leading inbound marketing, sales, and service software platform.
- Hampton
A community for entrepreneurs to connect, share experiences, and hold each other accountable.
- UFC
Ultimate Fighting Championship, a mixed martial arts promotion company.
- Simple Modern
A water bottle company known for its high-quality products and significant revenue.
- Airbnb
An online marketplace for lodging, primarily homestays for vacation rentals, and tourism activities.
Where this idea came from
Podcast: My First Million, hosted by Sam Parr and Shaan Puri
Episode: How to actually hit your goals in 2026
Aired:
Summarized from the episode transcript. The show does not say which speaker raised each idea, so we credit the show, not a person.