50 Journal Prompts for Self-discovery and Reflection


journal prompts


Almost everyone has moments of uncertainty or unanswered questions going through their mind. Sometimes you bear the answers to these questions yourself. To tap into your inner sensei and get out of a rut, you need to have a sit-down with yourself and really listen.

Journaling has been proven productive, among ways to practice self-care. It also evokes a state of mindfulness; by stopping to recognize your thoughts, actions and feelings, you are able to live in the moment. Citing past frustrations also gives you a clearer picture of the future.

Ahead is a list of 50 journal prompts that will help you find your ‘why’, know yourself better and reflect on certain aspects of your life.

If you are not that much into journaling, you can use the list as a guide for self-reflection; as you read through each point, answer the question in your head and take time to self-analyze. Your speed-reading abilities need not be applicable here. Take one point a day, to give each one of them the attention it deserves.

Lao Tzu

journal prompts

1. 5 things you are grateful for.

2. How would you describe yourself to a stranger?

3. 10 things you are really good at.

4. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

5. What are you doing today to ensure that you get there?

6. What toxic habits do you need to let go of?

7. Come up with 5 ways that you can get out of your comfort zone.

8. What is your definition of happiness?

9. Write down 15 positive affirmations (e.g. I am beautiful…)

10. If you could get a yes/no-answer to anything, what would you ask?

11. List down 3 hobbies.

12. Who/what is your biggest inspiration? Why?

13. Your favorite place in the world? Why?


15. Describe your ideal ‘dream life’.

16. Write down the ways you show yourself love.

17. Write a letter to your younger self.

18. What are the 5 flaws that you choose to accept? Find something positive about them.

19. Write down 5 goals that you wish to accomplish before the year ends.

20. A self-care routine that you want to stick to.

21. Write down 20 things that you know for sure (especially ones that you didn’t know a year ago).

22. Highlight the limiting beliefs that are holding you back.

23. What are the distractions hindering your productivity? How can you reduce them?

24. What do you need more of in your life?

25. Describe yourself in 3 words (adjectives).


26. Reflect on your worst moments in life…how did they shape the person you are today?

27. When was the last time you did something for the first time? How did it make you feel?

28. Describe your ideal day.

29. What’s the one thing you’ve always wanted to do, but haven’t yet?

30. What are the things/activities that give you a feeling of importance? Do more of those.

31. What is one flaw that you can’t seem to accept? Make peace with it.

32. Write about the best piece of advice you’ve ever received.

33. Reflect on the different roles you play in life (partner, parent, sibling, friend, son/daughter…). How good are you at them?

34. What are you most proud of in your life?

35. What are your strengths? How can you use them to get ahead in life?

36. What is your biggest pet peeve?

37. What do you look for in a friend/partner? Does your current friend(s)/partner possess these qualities? If no, why are you keeping them anyway?

38. How do you deal with your problems? Is it healthy?

39. If you could only keep 3 of the things you have today, what would they be and why?

40. Arrange in order of importance; money, health, family.

41. What keeps you awake at night?

42. If you could go back in time, what would you change and why?

43. What’s your MBTI personality type?

44. Make a bucket list…do something this month to tick off at least one thing.

45. Describe your ‘dream job’.

46. In hindsight write about a blessing in disguise.

47. What do you often get complimented on?

48. What are your current struggles?

49. What’s one song, book or TV show that changed your life in a way? How?

50. If you could go to the happiest place on earth (doesn’t have to be Disney), who would you take with you? Why?

Have fun journaling!

39 Responses

  1. Artie

    I think I’m gonna save this post for closer to December and I’m getting my new journal ready for 2020!

    • Marion

      It’s understandable…but as I said earlier on, you can just use the questions and points for self-reflection.

  2. Amy

    These are some really great questions and they’ve definitely inspired me to get writing! Thank you for sharing 😊

  3. Sandy

    I have a bullet journal I use daily and love these writing prompts to use for journaling. I think it’s important to give ourselves “me time” and reflect on our days or things we are trying to improve. I saw some really good journal prompts about habits and self-love (#16).

    Thank you for sharing these. Your blog is always fun to read.

    Thank you!

    • Marion

      Thank you… I agree with every word. People often don’t see the importance of such… Glad you stopped by

  4. aimlief

    I’ve been keeping a journal for around 3 months now and it’s definitely changed me and the way I think.

    I love these journal prompts and will give them a try next week 🙂 I love that bucket list idea 🙂



  5. Emily

    These are some amazing prompts! I don’t journal as much as I used to- I’ve always thought my life was so boring, that I really didn’t have too much to write about, but these are such fun topics and really creative too! You may have gotten me back on the journal train 🙂 goodness knows I have enough notebooks to write in, haha.

    Emily | https://www.thatweirdgirllife.com

  6. Casey

    These are wonderful prompts! I am really trying to get myself to start journaling in some aspect. I always find writing and reflecting to be a great way to voice thoughts, feelings and reflect on life. I also think it’s ideal for thinking about decisions and simply expressing oneself.

    Great list!

    Casey | https://mccourtskee.com

    • Marion

      Couldn’t agree more 👍… All the best on starting Journaling,and thank you for stopping by

  7. Anda

    Bookmarked ! I’m using an app for a daily entries and these prompts sound fantastic for a written version 🙂 Thanks for sharing!

  8. Jess

    These post were well thought out and offer different ways to encourage someone. I like that there is one to test your personality type& one to identify 20 things you didnt know last year!

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