31 Journaling Prompts For Self-Discovery

Self discovery is the process of gaining a deeper understanding about yourself through introspection and reflection. One of the best ways to do this is through journaling. Along with having a wide range of benefits such as the potential to reduce stress and boost creativity, journaling can allow you to get in touch with your true, authentic self. Moreover, it’s a great outlet for letting out all of your unfiltered thoughts without the fear of judgment from others.

Self discovery journaling grants you the opportunity to identify and question your own beliefs and behaviors. It can also help you to recognize where you want to improve and make changes in your life. 

These self discovery journaling prompts will help you to connect with your core beliefs and values, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and discover your passion and purpose. 

Self Discovery Journaling Prompts:

1. How satisfied are you with your current life (for example: career, family, relationships, health, wellness, etc.)? In which areas are you most satisfied with, and in which areas would you like to improve? What steps do you need to take in order to start making improvements?
2. Where do you feel the most off balance in your life and why? Furthermore, what steps can you take to feel more balanced in this area of your life?
3. When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up, and why? Did you pursue this career as an adult? Why, or why not? Would you still like to? If you answered yes, then write about what is holding you back from pursuing it.
4. What does success mean to you in your own words?
5. What does a fulfilling life look like to you?
6. Describe what your dream life looks like. Use this guide for ideas on designing your dream life.
7. What is your dream job/career? Are you actively pursuing it? If not, write down why and then list the steps you can take to start pursuing it.
8. Write out what an ideal day in your dream life looks like from start to finish.
9. Describe your ideal morning routine.
10. Create the perfect evening routine for yourself.
11. Write about your ideal self. Think about how you look, feel, and act. In addition to this, write about what habits your ideal self does daily.
12. How do you want to be remembered in life? Similarly, what achievements do you want to be known for?
13. Describe what you want your life to look like in ten years from now. Five years? One year?
14. How do you want to evolve over the next year?
15. List three positive habits you can commit to that will get you closer to living your dream life.
16. What negative emotions or habits do you need to release?
17. What are some self limiting thoughts or misbeliefs about the world that you need to unlearn?
18. Write about what you value most in life. Then, list your top 5-6 values. Use this core values list for inspiration. What steps can you take to align your current life more closely with your values?
19. Make a joy list of the people, things, and activities that bring you the most happiness in life. How can you incorporate more of these into your life on a regular basis?
20. Make a list of ten things you love about yourself and describe why these things make you special!
21. When do you feel your best? What activities make you feel the most alive?
22. What do you feel you need more of in your life? How can you start to implement this into your life?
23. List your top three strengths and write about them. How can you use these strengths to accomplish your goals?
24. List your top three weaknesses. What steps can you take to improve on them? Conversely, do you think there are there any upsides to any of your weaknesses? Could any of your weaknesses be used in order to motivate and inspire others and if so, how?
25. How do you take care of yourself (for instance: mentally, physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually)? What activities can you schedule right now in your calendar to include more regular self care in these areas?
26. What thing(s) are you most passionate about in life. Write about them and then describe why they light you up!
27. What are some skills that you’re either currently learning or that you’d like to learn? How can you improve upon an existing skill or start working on a new skill this week?
28. What are you naturally gifted at? Write about your talents.
29. In your opinion, what is the world lacking? How could you use your talents, passions, and skills to make the world a better place?
30. Reflecting on your answer to the previous question, what do you think your purpose is in life?
31. With this purpose in mind, create a personal mission statement for yourself. Additionally, include how you’ll use your passions, talents, and skills to pursue your purpose.

Did you enjoy these self discovery journaling prompts? If so, check out these must-read books for self discovery!