Self discovery writing prompts

35 Journaling Prompts for Self-Discovery and Personal Growth – Silk + Sonder

Having journal prompts for your self-discovery journey can be incredibly helpful. There are so many aspects to understanding your character. And doing the much-needed journaling and reflection to experience personal growth is part of the process.

Depending on your mood -- whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or excited to dive in -- you may want to focus your self-discovery journaling on different topics.

Self-Discovery Journal Prompts For You to Try

We’ve put together a list of 35 prompts broken down into seven different categories. These are designed for you to pick and choose from. Don’t feel like you have to work your way through sequentially.

Start somewhere, and see which of these journal prompts geared towards self-discovery flow the best.

Limiting Beliefs & Thought Patterns

1. What’s keeping you from living your dream life?
2. What makes you feel powerful?
3. What makes you feel powerless?
4. Name someone else who inspires you? What makes you different from them?
5. What belief are you holding onto that is holding you back?

Feeling Overwhelmed

6. What is stressing you out right now?
7. Which areas of your life are the most overwhelming?
8. What keeps you from experiencing peace?
9. What’s your favorite way to relax?
10. What’s one thing that happened last year that made you truly happy?

Setting Personal Growth Goals

11. List 10 things you want to accomplish this month.
12. Describe who you want to be in 10 years.
13. What is one goal you set that you did not achieve? Why?
14. What is something you’ve always wanted to do?
15. What is your dream job or dream hobby?

Path to Becoming Better

16. What parts of your daily life need to change for you to achieve your goals?
17. What things do you need to make more time for?
18. What things do you need to let go of?
19. What have you accomplished in the last year that you’re proud of?
20. What book do you want to read next?

Establishing a Daily Routine

21. List three things that you want to add to your daily routine.
22. List three things that you want to eliminate from your daily routine.
23. What is your ideal day?
24. What is something you can do every day to stay focused on achieving your goals?
25. Pick one daily self-discovery practice you want to try.

Positive Affirmations & Self-Love

26. What makes you feel alive?
27. What would your closest friends and family say is your best quality?
28. What do you like most about yourself?
29. What is your favorite quote, word, or phrase?
30. Write down how you’re feeling right now. Close your eyes and breathe deeply. Write down what you're feeling now.

Living Your Best Life

31. What is something you want to work toward?
32. Name someone else you want to get to know better.
33. What is one great way to show kindness to others?
34. What’s something new you want to try?
35. Why do you want to improve your life?

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Journaling for Self-Discovery Is a Process, But It's Worth It

Wherever you are in your journey, the desire to become a better version of yourself is one that drives you to make decisions and changes. But it’s not always that simple.

For many of us, self-discovery means looking back at our childhood and pasts. It also means analyzing our habits and assumptions about ourselves. It can also mean figuring out what we really want in life.

One of the best tools we have to document this journey is journaling. But, as we’ve said before, journaling can take many different forms. So, give yourself time and space to figuring out what type of journaling is right for you.

Then, begin working through some of these prompts. Comment to let us know what prompts resonated with you.

Need more prompts? Check out our other blog. Subscribe to our newsletter for more topics on journaling, wellness, personal growth, and more.

117 Thought-provoking Journal Prompts For Self-discovery

A list of self-discovery journal prompts and deep writing prompts about life for reflection and inspiration

Journaling is like talking to yourself. It’s the moment to tune in with your thoughts and dig deep into your mind.

It’s also the best time to reflect on life and learn from it. According to The University of Rochester Medical Center, journaling also boosts mental health by providing an opportunity for positive self-talk.

However, most of those who quit journaling at some point didn’t stop because they couldn’t see the benefits of journaling. They just don’t know what to write about.

I get it. A blank page can be intimidating. I’ve been using this list of journal prompts for self-discovery for some time and find it particularly helpful for journaling beginners just like me.

These thought-provoking journaling prompts have made writing a diary a relaxing self-exploration process. So if you want to know yourself better as well, definitely try it!

Table Of Content

Journal prompts for the presence
Journal prompts to rediscover the past
Journal prompts to cultivate mindfulness
Journal prompts to find your true passion
Journal prompts about strengths
Journal prompts to know your weakness
Journal prompts about relationship
Journal prompts to find your purpose

Journal prompts for the presence

How will you describe yourself?
Describe one of the best days you have recently.
List all the things that make you happy today, big or small.

How do you feel about your body?
What do you want to do with your free time today?
What is the habit that you keep for the longest time?
If you can only keep 3 things you have, what will they be and why?

Describe a life-changing moment.
What is going well in your life right now?
If you are to tattoo a quote, what will that be?
How will you describe yourself to a complete stranger?

What are you most grateful for at the moment?
Money, family, health, how do you prioritize?
What worries you the most currently?
What do you do today to take care of yourself?

Describe one of your hobbies.
What keeps you awake at night?

Read also: 34 Inspirational quotes to live in present whole-heartedly

Journal prompts to rediscover the past

What is your first Instagram post about.
Were you a happy kid?
What do you regret the most? What would you do differently if given a second chance?

If you meet a friend that you haven’t seen in 10 years, how will you tell him/her about your life right now?
Do you have any trauma that you never heal from?
Describe your happiest day in childhood.
What have you lied about? Why?
If you can time travel, what will you tell your teenage self?
What is the greatest life lesson you’ve learned?
Who do you hate the most? What have they done to you?

Write down one thing that you can not let go of.
Write a letter to someone that has done you wrong.
What is the biggest mistake you’ve ever made?
Write a thank you letter to someone.
If you are to tell your child your story, what will that be?

Journal prompts to cultivate mindfulness

How do you make decisions? By heart or with logical analysis?
What do you do on a bad day?
What is your MBTI personality type?
Do you believe faith is powerful? Why and why not?

What are your distractions?
How do you cope with stress?
What is your wildest fantasy?

What is one thing about you that no one knows?
How do you deal with anger?

Write down the lyrics that keeps looping in your head.
Describe a relieving moment.
Write about a change that makes your life better.
If you can wipe something out from your mind, what will that be?
Do you want to live forever? Why?

Journal prompts to find your true passion

What is the one thing you are excited about?
What will you do on a day-off?
Describe something makes you proud.
Any future plans you are excited about?

What makes you lose track of the time?
What is your favorite book?
Given enough time, where will you go and what will you do there?
Describe a detail in a movie that you can’t forget.

Make a bucket list.
My life won’t be complete without ______ .

Journal prompts about strength

What are the things you do better than people around you?
What is the skill you have that come as a surprise to others?
How will you describe your biggest strength?
Write about an experience that you stand up for someone else.

What cheers you up on a bad day?
Describe your dream job.
Write about the most glorious moment in your life so far.

What makes you unique?
Think of the last time you solve a problem. How did you do it?
Write about a moment you feel brave.

Journal prompts to know your weakness

What is the thing that’s been dragging you back?
Is there anything you always want but haven’t? Why?
What is your biggest fear?

What are the risks in your life? Given what you need, how will you tackle them?
What has your partner or family complained about you?
What makes you angry?

What do you want to change about yourself?
What is one piece of advice that turned out to be helpful?
What is keeping you from your dream?

What is the worst you’ve done?
What superhero are you?

Read also: 23 questions to boost self-awareness

Journal prompts about relationship

How do you tell if someone can be your friend?

What are the qualities you value in a friend?
How will you describe your soulmate?
List the qualities of the person you want to spend your life with.

Describe your best friend.
Who do you miss at the moment?
What are your feelings towards parents?
If you could only bring one person with you to Mars on the apocalypse, who would that be?

Read also: 112 Best friend quotes that you and your BFF can relate to

Describe the worst breakup you had. How did you heal from it?
Have you “lost your mind” for anyone? What do you feel about him/her now?
If you can marry a celebrity, who and why?
Are you comfortable being alone?

What animal would you spend the rest of your life with?
Describe someone who makes you feel relaxed.
Do you believe love on first sight? Why?

What support do you need that will instantly make your life easier?
Do you believe in eternal love? Why?
How do you describe your present relationship status?

Journal prompts to find your purpose

Who do you want to be?
How do you want to be remembered?
What difference do you want to make in the world?
How will you picture yourself in 10/20/50 years?

What will you do with $50,000,000?
Write your own epitaph.
What is your life purpose?
Who do you admire? What will you say to him/her if possible?

If you can be one celebrity, who will that be?
If you can solve a problem of your country, what is that?
What will make the world a better place?

Here are all the thought-provoking journal prompts for self-discovery.

Leave a comment or drop me a mail to tell me what you think!

Happy journaling!

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Read also: 97 Journal Prompts For Introverts To Restore Your Calm

it will improve your life - The Idealist

Author: Darius Foro

One of the most important habits I have formed in my life is daily writing.

Without a doubt, the habit of daily writing has given me many wonderful things: career improvement, diligence, creativity and, most importantly, the ability to share my ideas with you, the readers.

I wanted to be a writer for many years before I became one. All I did was make the appropriate decision. At some point, you need to look at yourself and say, "I'm a writer." And then start working, writing texts every day. nine0005

And even if you don't intend to become a writer, here are five reasons why I recommend writing daily to everyone:

Self-discipline

Life in the bliss of pleasure is simple. Watch Netflix and relax. It's easy to "squander" all your free time. But these easy things will not give you inner satisfaction. The reason we don't do anything useful on precious vacations is because we lack self-discipline. But when you write every day, you strengthen it in yourself. And when this property grows in you, then you can use it to achieve almost anything in life. nine0005

Improving persuasion skills

Writing is nothing more than persuading the reader with words. But your tools are limited - you can only use words to tell a story. And when you write for yourself, you are trying to convince yourself of your own thoughts. So, the more you write, the more persuasive you become.

Self-knowledge

Nothing will help you to know yourself better than putting your thoughts into words. When you force yourself to write every day, you automatically know your thoughts better. And self-awareness is one of the most important skills that ensure career success. nine0005

Effective decision making

Too often we do something without understanding why we do it. Think about it. How often do you answer "I don't know" when someone asks you "Why did you do that?" This is a sign of weak thinking. Of course, it is impossible to know everything. But you have to start with yourself. And when you write about your decision-making process, you automatically get the answer to the “why” question.

The advantage of a long process is clear

When you do something on a daily basis, you don't notice any difference at any given moment. You think: "Where is the progress?" But when you keep doing it for a long time, the positive effects are inevitable. And writing texts every day perfectly demonstrates this pattern.

In general, there are many other benefits to writing texts every day. It helps a lot in the development of thinking, reduces anxiety, helps to find new ideas. In addition, you can use writing to inspire others or achieve other goals of your own. nine0005

“Okay, that's great. But how did you manage to form such a habit?

Here are 4 tips to help you:

Read and learn

Start by borrowing other people's styles. This is a strategy that I myself borrowed from Austin Kleon. This technique is an effective way to develop your own style. Also, when you borrow ideas, you can never use the excuse "I don't have inspiration." But take the art of writing seriously. Learn it as much as possible by reading books and attending courses/seminars. nine0005

Set a daily letter reminder

For a writer, nothing is more important than routine. First, think about the best time for you to write. In the morning or evening? Before/after the kids wake up? Then set a daily reminder on your phone - when it goes off, sit down and write.

Set a minimum (not a maximum) level

Your goal is to write only one cool sentence. Only one. The beauty of this goal is that the first sentence that comes to mind is always the best one of all. So never say that your text sucks. Avoid striving for goal setting, such as "I want to write 1,000 words a day." It's too global. Instead, try to write one sentence. And then continue. nine0005

Remove distractions

Tell people in your life about your daily habit. Ask them not to disturb you while you are writing. I turn off my phone for 3 hours every morning. I told my family about this and warned the girl not to disturb me at this time.

People often give banal advice: “just start!” And there is truth in this. Getting started is very important.

But something else is much more important: everyone can write for a day, two or three. However, there are very few people who write continuously for many years. And the longer you write texts, the more benefits you get. nine0005

So start writing. And do it regularly.

Original: Dariusforoux

Test on the topic: "Self-knowledge" - Psychology, Other

Results of authorized users

Test name	date	Result	User
History / Test with answers: “From the book treasury of Ancient Rus'”	01-30-2023 03:55:57 pm	9/20	Diana Montoeva
Biology / Test with answers: “Methods of studying biology”	01-30-2023 01:15:19 pm	11/20	Janita
Biology / Final test with answers in biology for grade 5	01-30-2023 01:08:55 pm	15/20	Janita
Russian language / Test with answers: “One-part sentences”	01-30-2023 09:12:16 am	13/20	Victoria Izmailova
History / Test with answers: “Peter I”	01-30-2023 06:39:01 am	18/20	Dashulya Tushentsova

All results

#1.

A. self-observation

B. self-surprise

C. self-medication

#2. “Man is knowledge that knows itself.” Who is the author of this statement

A. Pushkin

B. Grishkovets

b) Grishkovets

#3. How success is divided into what, one can single out self-esteem

A. motivation

B. claim

C. beauty

#4. Which of the following is characterized by the ability to acquire knowledge, skills, rules of conduct

A. social individual

B. organism

C. identity

#5. In psychology, there are so many motives for turning a person to self-esteem

A.4

B.2

C.3

#6. Through what personality manifests itself

A. self-recognition

B. self-study

C. self-knowledge

#7. “I think, therefore I am.” To whom do these words belong

A. Aristotle

B. Descartes

b) Descartes

#8.

nine0002 A. under

B. same as usual

C. over

#9. From the point of view of the religions of the Ancient East, it is with the help of self-knowledge and self-development that it is possible and realistic to comprehend this essence of man

A. real

B. true

C. basic

#10. What is the name of the study by a person of his own mental and physical characteristics, understanding himself

A. self-knowledge

B. self-study

C. self-realization

#11. The spheres of self-knowledge include so many levels of human organization identified by psychologists

A.3

B.2

C.4

#12. Which adolescents are characterized by diffuse identity

nine0002 A. who do not think about their destiny and the future in general

B. who put off making fateful decisions until later

C. who make important decisions in their lives under the influence of others

#13.

A. motivation

B. claim

C. beauty

#14. What is the name of the search for favorable knowledge about oneself

A. self test

B. self-understanding

C. self-importance

#15. Which adolescents are characterized by diffuse identity

A. who do not think about their destiny and the future in general

B. who put off making fateful decisions until later

C. who make important decisions in their lives under the influence of others

#16. Which adolescents are characterized by diffuse identity

A. who do not think about their destiny and the future in general

B. who put off making fateful decisions until later

C. who make important decisions in their lives under the influence of others

#17. What knowledge is considered the widest and most accessible way of self-knowledge

A. nature

B. other people

C. peace

#18. What is the name of the correlation of one's own knowledge about oneself with the assessments of one's importance by others

A. self-improvement

B. self test

C. self-understanding

#19. Through what personality manifests itself

A. self-listing

B. self-realization

C. narcissism

#20. What is the name of the correlation of one's own knowledge about oneself with the assessments of one's importance by others

A. self-improvement