Journaling Prompts for Self-Discovery: The Aristotle’s Cafe Guide

Journaling at first can seem very intimidating, the habit and practice of journaling can help you work through challenges, improve your mental well-being, and give you a place to express your gratitude. So you might be wondering how to start journaling – well you’re in the right place.

In terms of how to start journaling, you must determine what method works best for you and your schedule, whether that be a digital journal or putting a pen to paper. Sometimes physically writing out your thoughts and emotions can be more intrinsically gratifying but other times, it is more convenient to simply jot down your thoughts on a laptop or phone.

How to Start Journaling – Building the Habit

Arguably the most important aspect to start journaling is to create a writing routine and stick to it. It is extremely easy to write whenever you are inspired and motivated, but when you’re not, the writing routine established will ensure that you remain on track with your journal. Even if your schedule includes a five or ten-minute period of journaling before leaving for work or after coming home after a long day to de-stress, consistency is key when starting to journal.

By setting aside a certain number of minutes each day, you are setting yourself up for success with your journal by prioritizing time and incorporating it into your daily routine. While in the early stages of your journal, start small and keep your expectations and goals realistic which helps to create that consistent routine that is key with journaling. To keep yourself accountable, consider tracking your journaling habits and monitor some of your patterns which can help you grow throughout this process. Although you can write about whatever comes to mind when journaling, you can also use specific prompts to help guide your thinking and potentially help you overcome any writer’s block.

There are over 50 great journaling prompts to spark your creativity right here for you. You can use these prompts to help guide you when you start journaling

Want to look for specific prompts?

Creative Journaling Prompts

Inspirational Journaling Prompts

Journaling Prompts to Shift Your Perspective

Journaling Prompts for Self-Discovery

Creative Prompts to Start Journaling:

1. 10 things about yourself you would never tell anyone
2. 10 things you would love to do before the year ends
3. 10 titles of books you would write
4. 5 happiest memories from this year
5. A list of the new things you learned this week
6. 10 gifts you can offer to the world
7. Describe a movie you would direct or act in
8. What would a perfect day look like to you?
9. Make a bucket list
10. What has been the best year of your life?
11. Write down the first five words that come to mind and make a story out of them
12. Write something inspired by a recent dream you had?
13. Write about someone you miss dearly
14. Write a tribute to someone you consider a hero
15. Write about an object that’s been passed through the generations in your family
16. If you could invent anything in the world, what would it be?
17. What does your dream house look like?
18. If you hosted a radio show what would it be called and what would it be about?
19. If you could visit the set of any TV show or movie, which would you go to see?

Inspirational Prompts to Start Journaling:

1. Fill a page with your favorite quotes
2. Make a list of the things you are grateful for
3. The most heartwarming thing you’ve ever seen
4. Make a list of random acts of kindness you could do this week
5. Create an original mantra you want to live by
6. Create a list of songs that make you feel inspired
7. What is it that makes you who you are?
8. What is your favorite thing you did with family or friends this year?
9. Write about a funny story from your childhood
10. Would you rather have a few good friends or a lot of casual friends?
11. What do you think the world will look like in 100 years from now?
12. If you could go back in time and live in any era, which would you choose?
13. If you could have lunch with any figure from history who would it be?
14. If you could ask your favorite sports player, celebrity, actor, etc. any question, what would it be?
15. What does being a friend mean to you?

Perspective Prompts to Start Journaling:

1. What does it mean to be a part of a community to you?
2. Describe what you would do if you only had one hour left to live
3. What would you do if you were alone in the world for 24 hours?
4. If you could be anyone else in the world, who would you be?
5. Write about what it feels like to experience something for the first time (ex. Playing in the snow, seeing the ocean, etc.)
6. If you could talk to your future self, what would you say?
7. If you could go back in time and give advice to your younger self, what would you tell them?
8. If your life was a book, what would the chapters be?
9. What question would you most like the answer to?
10. What and how would the complete opposite of you act?
11. What is a dream you have had since childhood?
12. What is holding you back from reaching your full potential?
13. If you could master anything, what would it be and why haven’t you been able to do it yet?
14. What is your favorite childhood memory?
15. Write a list of self-affirmations you want to live by each day
16. What do you want to promise to yourself each day?

Self-Discovery Prompts to Start Journaling:

1. What does happiness look like for you?
2. Where do you want to be in five years? In ten years?
3. What is the meaning of life?
4. Who are your role models and why do you look up to them?
5. Is there someone you need to forgive in your life? If so, write a letter to them and forgive them
6. What does your ideal world look like?
7. What makes you feel truly alive?
8. Are you taking enough risks in your life?
9. What is a recent mistake you made and what did you learn from it?
10. How can you become more comfortable with the uncomfortable?
11. Do you base your decisions using your heart or your mind?
12. Do you focus on the present moment enough?
13. What are some little things that bring you great joy?
14. Who has been someone who has profoundly affected you?
15. List the five people you spend the most time with and how they have affected you (behaviors, thoughts, life, etc.)

How to Start Journaling – It’s Up to You

These prompts are here just to guide you as you embark on the journey to begin journaling.

It’s what you choose to do with the prompts above that is important.

So, use this resource for yourself and share it with a friend who you think could benefit from journaling and you can start to unlock all of the benefits associated with journaling for yourself.