Self-Discovery Journal Prompts to Learn More About Yourself

• 1. Write about how you feel when someone wrongs you. Write about how it feels and what you think about it.
• 2. Write about your most embarrassing moments. Don’t worry if some people aren’t going to understand why your most embarrassing moment was so embarrassing—it doesn’t matter. What matters is that you shared. And by sharing, you gained insight into how embarrassed you really felt.
• 3. Think back over your day. How many times did you laugh? Did you smile? Why were you smiling or laughing?
• 4. Take note of all the things that make you happy throughout the day. Do one thing every day that makes you laugh, smile, or cry. Note whether this brings you closer to those you love or not.
• 5. Make a list of your strengths. Focus on anything positive about yourself, and try to add 3 more examples to it.
• 6. Write about something good that happened today. It could be as small as noticing an insect. But it doesn’t have to be big; even a compliment from a stranger will do!
• 7. Write about everything that’s important to you. Your career choice, hobbies, relationships with others, etc. This exercise helps you get a better understanding of how to live a meaningful life.
• 8. Think about two things in your past that helped shape who you are now. Identify the lessons you learned from these events.
• 9. In 10 minutes, write about 5 facts that define you. Don’t forget to include details that show that you’re human like your favorite song, hobby, or talent.
• 10. Write about what you would tell your younger self. Would you still give advice? Did you learn any valuable lessons?
• 11. Think about the person you wish to become. Can you picture him or her? Describe what he or she looks like. Think about his or her personality, habits, and quirks.
• 12. Think about a role model. Who inspires you? Who do you look up to in your own life?
• 13. Imagine that tomorrow is your last day alive. Now what type of memories will you capture? Will there be good ones? Will you remember that you loved your family? Or maybe that you had fun with friends?
• 14. Think about the best friend you ever had. Were you close to them? If yes, then describe what made you so close.
• 15. Think of something that you might have done in a similar situation. Was it helpful? How did you handle it?
• 16. Every night before you go to bed, write down at least three things that you accomplished during the day. Include little tasks as well as bigger goals.
• 17. Think about different ways you can improve yourself as a person. List five of them.
• 18. Write about an experience you went through where you changed your mind about something. Explain how you came to this decision.
• 19. Think about something that made you angry today. Why was it making you angry? Was it justifiable anger or anger that should never have been expressed?
• 20. You’re not perfect. So what? Everyone has flaws. Write about what you’d consider to be a flaw in someone else — whether they admit it or not.
• 21. Think about a new skill that you want to learn. What’s stopping you from learning it?
• 22. Think about how your parents raised you. What did you learn from their actions that affected your way of thinking and interacting with other people?
• 23. Think about something you’ve always wanted to know. Whether it be about a historical figure, religion, or culture, find out what you didn’t know.
• 24. Think about the things you’re afraid of. Are they realistic fears or irrational assumptions? What evidence do you have that they’re real?
• 25. Think back on the times when you felt most joyful. The happiest day of your life? When you were most scared?
• 26. Choose one thing that makes you feel happy right now. Take action toward accomplishing it.
• 28. How does an ordinary moment make you laugh today? Describe that moment.
• 29. Describe three things you’ve done that will help you achieve your goal. Use specific details, like dates and times.
• 30. Tell one or more people about why you admire them. Do they have qualities you aspire to? What makes them special to others?
• 31. Think about a time when you decided against doing something because you thought it wouldn’t work out well. Consider the reason behind your choice.
• 32. What are you grateful for? Write about what you appreciate having in your life.
• 33. What kind of job would you love, if money wasn’t an issue? Write about your dream job.
• 34. Create a list of all the things you won’t miss after you die. Then cross off every item on the list.
• 35. Think about a time in the past when you lost something important that could have helped you make better choices. Describe this event and what happened next.
• 36. Think about one thing you can change in yourself. Is it big or small? Have you already started changing it? If no, start now!
• 37. Think about the hardest part of being a teenager. What was it?
• 38. In what areas of your life do you feel stuck? Make a list of reasons in each area.
• 39. Where does your motivation come from?
• 40. Identify any beliefs that keep you from achieving success.
• 41. Think about some negative thoughts and feelings that hinder you. Are they true? Can you prove they’re actually true?
• 42. What is your favorite season? Now think about one season you hate. Compare your two seasons. Why does one seem nicer than the other?
• 43. Think about a person who hurt you in the past. Who has changed since then? Does he/she deserve forgiveness?
• 44. Imagine if there were a situation in which you needed to choose between two different courses of action. Would you choose both options simultaneously? Why or why not?
• 45. Think about something you wish had led you down another path. Why haven’t you pursued it yet?
• 46. Write about someone’s idea of perfect happiness. Do you believe they’re correct? Explain.
• 47. Did anyone ever tell you you should have known something but just chose not to listen? Was there anything at stake? How did it affect you?
• 48. Think about someone who inspired you. Who taught you something? Were you lucky enough to meet them? Describe them as best you can.
• 49. Write about how much money you want to earn someday. It should be realistic to reach by your current age.
• 50. What are the three characteristics you value most in yourself? Which ones do you need to strive to develop?
• 51. What qualities are you proud of showing to others? Which ones are more difficult to convey?
• 52. How have your needs changed over the years? Write about the major changes.
• 53. How many positive emotions have you experienced lately? Describe a recent experience that made you smile.
• 54. Take a look back over your life so far. Sum up the meaning you’ve found these last few years.
• 55. What is something you learned to live without?
• 56. What is something you wish you knew earlier in life?
• 57. What makes you angry today? Explain.
• 58. What will happen if you fail completely in everything you try?
• 59. What is one thing that you always wanted to do, but didn’t know how?
• 60. What gives you hope? What keeps you going everyday?
• 61. Think of a time when you felt truly happy, even though you were surrounded with problems. Describe this feeling in detail.
• 62. When were you happiest? Describe what made it special.
• 63. What would you like to say to yourself five years ago?
• 64. Think about a time you used your talents in a way that benefited someone else.
• 65. Think about the places in your life where you’ve been disappointed by people.
• 66. What are your goals for the future?
• 67. Where do you see yourself in ten years?
• 68. What is your purpose in life?
• 69. If you could change anything about your personality, what would it be?
• 70. Have you ever done something completely out of character? Explain.
• 71. What are some things you like about yourself?
• 72. What is something you dislike about yourself?
• 73. Write about an important lesson you’ve learned.
• 74. What advice would you give to another person struggling through the same issues you’re dealing with right now?
• 75. What is one goal you still want to achieve before you die?
• 76. Make a list of all the things you’d like to accomplish during your lifetime.
• 77. What is something you’ve considered doing that you know would make you feel better?
• 78. In what ways have you been blessed? What do you owe to God?
• 79. Imagine living your entire life knowing only things about you that are true. Describe this situation.
• 80. Would it bother you if others called you crazy or lazy? Explain why.
• 81. Tell us about someone who influenced your life. Explain their influence on you.
• 82. Choose one thing you will never regret, no matter what happens. Share why. And also, what’s your biggest regret in life?
• 83. What does being successful mean to you and what are your life goals?
• 84. Write about something you’ll never forget.
• 85. What was the first serious relationship you remember?
• 86. What are the biggest obstacles in your life? Explain.
• 87. Consider your own self-image. Do you think you measure up? Why not?
• 88. Read the following words: “I am…” Write the opposite of each statement. See if they describe YOU.
• 89. Who can you count on? Give examples.
• 90. What is one word that describes you perfectly? Explain its meaning.
• 91. How has social acceptance affected your identity? Describe a time or event when you decided whom you needed to please.
• 92. Are there certain people in your life who help keep you grounded, strong, and confident?
• 93. What are three things that bring you joy? Explain each.
• 94. Is there something you’ve tried very hard to avoid, but couldn’t because you just had to try again?
• 95. Whom would you most like to thank in your life? Why?
• 96. Remember the last time someone helped you – tell them about it!
• 97. What would you want from another human being?
• 98. When was the last time you gave a gift to someone who meant a great deal to you?
• 99. What makes you angry?
• 100. Which person (living or dead) do you most admire?
• 101. What do you wish you knew how to do?
• 102. What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?

Conclusion

I hope that these list of journal prompts have helped you to learn more about yourself and your personality traits, as well as improving your daily life in general.

Best of luck!