There’s something magical about unpacking your thoughts on paper. In the pages of your journal, you do groundwork for your internal self. Writing clarifies your thinking, improves your mental health, and helps you get to know yourself. It’s a record of your path—where you’ve been and where you’re going. Today, let’s take a look at ten journal prompts for self-discovery.
If you haven’t already started a journal, I’d encourage you to go check out this guide on how to get started journaling. Now without further ado, let’s dive in to some journal prompts for discovering yourself!
“If you’re serious about becoming a wealthy, powerful, sophisticated, healthy, influential, cultured, and unique individual, keep a journal.”
— Jim Rohn
JOURNAL PROMPTS FOR SELF DISCOVERY
FOR THE PRESENT:
1. What currently brings you the most happiness and satisfaction? Whether it’s a book you’re currently reading, a project you’re working on, people you’re enjoying being around, or a habit that’s bringing you satisfaction—write it down! Keep track of the times when you feel most in tune with the things you love.
2. What resonates with you? Which books or movies stayed in your mind long after you finished them? What topics could you research for hours without tiring of them? Who do you admire, and why? What people do you love being around? All of these things are clues to what you’re made for.
3. What are you most proud of? We’re often so busy rushing to the next task in life that we forget how far we’ve come. Look back at the last few months, years, or decade. What have you achieved that you’re most proud of?
4. What motivates and inspires you? If you were to list a book of the most life-changing and influential books you’ve ever read, which books would you put on that shelf?
5. Truths to stick by. Make a list of the tried-and-true certainties in life that you want to live by—whether that means family, creativity, kindness, achievement, etc. Your values are your “nonnegotiables” in life
FOR THE FUTURE:
6. Name 10 practices you’ve always wanted to try but never started. I’ve always wanted to become better at piano, but never gotten around to practicing until recently. What ideas have always sparked your interest that you’ve never tried? What have you always wanted to learn more about, but never ended up pursuing? If you feel drawn to something, pay attention!
7. What would you do if you could not fail? Where would you go? What would you accomplish? What would you create? Who would you do it with? Why?
8. What’s up and coming? What are you working on right now? What’s working and what’s not working? What do you want to wrap by the end of the month? What can you begin working on to get to that point?
9. What’s your end goal? Where do you want to be by your next birthday? By the end of the year? Picture yourself in the future—how you feel, what you’ve accomplished, where you’re living. Think of different areas of your life: finance, creativity, health, personal, reading, writing, travel. What do you want to see happen? Draft up a version of yourself that might exist in six months. This question might bring up some pressure, but try to focus on goals that excite you.
10. What is your definition of success? Everybody’s idea of “success” will vary, depending on what matters to you. To find signs of what you want to achieve, look at people you admire. What about their life do you want to emulate? Applying these traits to your own life, what does success look like to you?
We are really interested in Journaling. I use three journals. How many do you use?
That’s great! I try to keep just one personal journal at a time, but I have a separate planner and a notebook for morning pages as well. What do you use your three journals for?