Everything You Need to Know About Journal Prompts
If you’re new to journalling, it can be daunting to open a blank notebook for the first time.
I know, I’ve been there and sometimes, it doesn’t become any easier with experience.
You don’t want to ‘mess’ up the pages with scribbles, spelling and grammar errors. You also might not really know what to say or how to say what’s on your mind.
However, there is an easier way to start journalling without having writer’s block or felling silly the first time you write down your feelings – journal prompts!
Journal prompts are really helpful because they give you that initial nudge to help you start writing and overcome any fears you have about journaling wrong – FYI, you can’t get it wrong!
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What Are Journal Prompts?
Journal prompts or writing prompts, are questions usually centred around a specific topic, for example personal goals, relationships or self-care. They help you work through any difficult emotions, seek clarity or remind you of the positive things in life.
How to Use Journal Prompts
Journal prompts can be used in a dedicated notebook or the notes section in your phone. You take each prompt and write your answer truthfully based on your thoughts, feelings and experiences.
With that being said, there’s no set rules on how to use a journal prompt. Some people choose one prompt at a time and challenge themselves to write whatever comes to mind for 15-30 minutes, whilst others will write until they’ve fully answered the question or found clarity on a particular situation.
I don’t usually have any set routine when choosing a journal prompt. If one speaks louder to me than the rest, there is usually a reason for this so I will use it for that day.
If you’re a beginner or if you’ve only journaled a little, I’d recommend using more generic prompts at first, like the ones below. I would allocate one prompt per day so you become used to writing down your thoughts but also making a habit out of journaling.
Another way to use journal prompts is to group a few together on the same topic and answer those in one session. Although, be careful to not mix topics. For example, if you’re currently struggling with finding your passion and what career path to choose, I wouldn’t recommend you also try journaling about any limiting beliefs you may have around money and finances.
You’ll become too overwhelmed and likely not be able to thoroughly work through your thoughts and feelings as proactively if you had stuck to one topic. After all, journaling is supposed to help you work through your emotions, not bring everything to surface level and make you feel more stressed and anxious!
When to Use Journal Prompts
You can use journal prompts at any time whether you’re a beginner or more experienced at journaling.
Personally, if there’s a day when I’m not too sure what to write then I’ll find a prompt that fits my current thoughts or how I want to feel once I’ve finished journaling. For instance, if I’m having a bad day then I will use these journal prompts for self-love to make me feel happier and appreciative.
Another time I’ve used writing prompts is when I knew I needed a change in career. I had so many different ideas and passions but some of these conflicted with how I wanted my overall future to look (hello, work-life balance!). So I used journal prompts for career development and self-discovery to truly understand how I was feeling and what the next step for me would be.
However, you might be a beginner just starting on your journaling journey, so journal prompts may help you to get into the flow of writing everyday and being more in tune with your thoughts and feelings.
My biggest piece of advice would be to use journal or writing prompts when you want to seek clarity on a situation or “talk” through a decision you need to make but you’re not sure where to begin.
Why Use Journal Prompts?
There are so many benefits to journaling and using journal prompts that it’s hard to think of a reason why you wouldn’t use them!
Journal prompts help you develop an appreciation for what you have and to be more grateful for everything around you.
The main benefit to using journal prompts is that they help you uncover your deepest thoughts and feelings that you might have pushed to the back of your mind. These thoughts then come to your conscious thinking and you can work through any feelings that come up about them.
Perhaps you feel not worthy or have a scarcity mindset when it comes to finances or personal relationships. With journal prompts you begin to understand why you feel like this and what has happened to lead you to these feelings. Then you can start your journey to healing and feeling your best self.
The biggest benefit for me, is that they provide me with so much clarity and help me make sense of all the thoughts I have running through my mind about a given situation.
Journalling can also uncover what you enjoy most about life and act as a reminder to organise more of those activities.
Examples of journal prompts for beginners
Below are 10 beginner friendly journal prompts to start your journaling journey.
- What is one bad habit you have? What small steps can you take to turn it into a positive habit?
- How do you feel today?
- How do you want to feel today?
- What is one thing you want to accomplish today?
- What am I grateful for?
- What am I worried or excited about?
- What are your strengths?
- Describe your perfect day.
- List the first 10 words that come to mind about how you would like people to describe you. How can you bring some of these descriptions to life?
- If time, money and resources weren’t an option, what is something you would love to do?
For more journal prompts, you might like these posts:
- Journal Prompts to Boost Your Productivity
- Journal prompts for self-love
- Journal Prompts Self-discovery
