A journal optimizer in a computer database system with an adaptive journal mechanism. The adaptive journal mechanism dynamically adjusts adaptive parameters of the journal optimizer to optimize the journal based on one or more journal conditions to more efficiently utilize system resources. The adaptive parameters used to adapt the optimization include aggressiveness parameters and the location of the optimizer, where the aggressiveness parameters specify the intensity of optimization of the journal by the journal optimizer. For example, the adaptive journal mechanism may dynamically adjust an adaptive parameter of the optimizer to increase optimization of the journal when the resource utilization indicates the resources are underutilized and decrease optimization of the journal when the resource utilization indicates resources are strained.