Journaling Prompts
Welcome! I hope you are doing well :) Here you will find a compilation of daily prompts I use. The prompts are a mix among prompts I pull from random lists, thoughts that pop in my head, and questions from books I have read. I used to think journaling with prompts was a bit cheesy, but in the past few months, I have found a lot of value in working with prompts. A few benefits I found were:
● It builds habit. Knowing that I have a prompt to answer every day kickstarts the day for me.
● It doesn't matter if my answer is one sentence or two long paragraphs, as long as I answer the prompt, I feel a sense of accomplishment.
● It allows me to reflect on myself, my life, and my environment. In my daily life, I don't get to sit down and just think. Having to answer a prompt gives me the opportunity to keep in touch with myself, no matter how silly the question is!
So, I hope you join me in writing a few lines a day!
P.S. You might notice that for a lot of the questions, I did not include follow-ups like, "why?". This is because I want you to decide whether you want to expand on your answer. Sometimes I'm only in the mood to write a blunt 2 word answer. Sometimes, I write 2 paragraphs. The "why?" is implied.
- What will you leave behind in 2024? What will you bring into 2025? (e.g. a habit)
- Think of something you collect. What is a version of it that you wish to find, or you wish existed? (e.g. I wish I could find my perfect yellow fountain pen ink)
- What is a food you like that many people don’t like?
- Think of a personality flaw you have. Why do you think you have that flaw?
- If you could have a 5 storey building all to yourself, what would each storey be for?
- Do you think it is possible to have a truly perfect day, with no negative emotions and no negative events?
- What is something you love about your country?
- What is a bandwagon you jumped on?
- Suppose someone is describing you to a sketch artist for a wanted poster. What traits would they say to make the sketch identifiable as you?
- Can you admit a time you have likely caused a customer service person grief?
- What is something you wish people cared more about?
- What is the best vehicle for ice cream: cone, cup, or popsicle? The other two will no longer be offered in this world.
- What do you miss and don’t miss about highschool?
- What is an out of character thing you have done?
- What is a recurring problem in your life?
- There is line of 100 people. If you beat them all one-by-one at one thing, you get a big fat cheque. What challenge would you choose?
- What makes you instantly turned off about someone?
- How do you typically respond to a threat? (fight, flight, freeze, flop, friend)
- Suppose you were not related to your family, and they are all around the same age as you. Do you think you would get along as friends?
- Does how you feel about your appearance affect how you act during the day?
- Suppose you could make your own pizza with unlimited free toppings. What would you pick to maximize the value, while not compromising on taste and integrity of the pizza?
- From your view, what is the biggest global event that happened in your lifetime? Thoughts?
- What is an admirable trait you see in others, that you wish you had yourself?
- Have you ever felt crazy for disagreeing with the majority opinion?
- What do you think about marriage?
- What is a food you will always overeat, no matter what?
- What is something you have always wanted to do? What would be the first step in making that happen?
- Think of a movie, TV show, or book that you consume over and over again. What do you like about it?
- If you could have the full range of something, what would you choose? (e.g. all 108 tombow dual brush pen colours)
- Suppose you had not used a planner or journal this year. How do you think your life would be different?
- What are you going to do differently tomorrow?
- What would you like to get done before 2024 ends?
- What is your favourite and least favourite part of a typical day in your life?
- What is a hypothetical version of yourself that you would hate to become?
- What happened the last time you needed to contact customer service?
- What is something that you are proud of, but no one witnessed it or knows about it?
- Which holiday do you think has the best food?
- What are the personality differences between child-you and adult-you?
- If there was a $15 pill that could give you your daily nutritional needs so that you don't have to eat, would you take it?
- What does [your name] 10.0 look like? (i.e. an improved version of yourself)
- If you had to survive only on what you harvest from a 2m x 2m (6.5ft x 6.5ft) garden, what would you plant?
- What is something you haven’t been honest with yourself about?
- What do you think about completely going off social media for 1 week?
- What makes you feel enthused and energised?
- As a child, what dinner meal did you like the least?
- Have you ever successfully implemented advice from a quotation? Or: What advice from a quotation would you like to implement in your life?
- What do you often daydream about?
- What do you think about turning your hobbies into a career?
- Do you have a day of the week you look forward to?
- What gadget--except your phone and computer--makes a big difference in your life?
- What sort of content do you wish existed? (On YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, etc.)
- What is something negative that stopped happening?
- What is the difference between someone who "can" and "can't" dance? What about you?
- What can you do today to be a smidgen better of a person than yesterday?
- Do you think it is possible for everyone to succeed?
- What has been on your mind lately?
- What is a "boring" item you would unironically like to receive as a present?
- What is something you have been pressured to do--by society or family?
- Which vacation spots would you like to go during the spring, summer, autumn, and winter?
- What would the world be like without celebrities (specific to entertainment) and social media influencers?
- What are your goals for December?
- You are leaving your current city forever. What restaurant or store would you visit one last time?
- Is there anything you are avoiding right now?
- What is a difficult truth you had to accept?
- If you could win a lifetime supply of something under $10, what would it be?
- Do you feel mentally like your age?
- Are you and your childhood best friend still friends? Why did it last, or why did it not last?
- Do you think you would make a good prime minister (or president)?
- A child in 2200 sees your photo and asks who that is. What would you like the answer to be?
- What do you think is a big waste of time?
- Is there something you are really close to achieving?
- Would you rather have sushi in Italy, or pasta in Japan?
- Is there a colour you always gravitate towards when buying things?
- How is your relationship with your neighbour? Would you like to be closer with them?
- What excites you about this week?
- If you had an extra room in your house, what would you turn it into?
- Think of someone you dislike. What is something positive you can say about them?
- Would you rather travel to 5 cities in 10 days, or stay at 1 city for 10 days??
- What does a boring day look like for you?
- Do you tend to assume the best in others until poven otherwise, or vice versa?
- How are you different from your parents? (or caretaker)
- What is a flaw about yourself that you have accepted?
- What is a flaw about yourself that you want to work on?
- Have you ever participated in a protest?
- What is a realistic dream you have, and what is a far-fetched dream you have?
- What is a hobby you admire, but you probably won't get into it yourself?
- Have you ever been the villain in someone else's story?
- It's 11pm. You just got home after a long, stressful day. You have a $60 UberEats gift card. What are you ordering?
- How do you ensure you don't get stuck just "going through the motions" of life?
- What are your first thoughts when you see photos of yourself from 5 years ago?
- What is your favourite season to dress for?
- What are your goals for November?
- What was something you really really really loved as a child?
- What is your least favourite smell?
- What do you love about this time of year?
- Currently, do you think you should be doing more or less things every day?
- What is something free that you are grateful for?
- If you were given the opportunity to pick a research project to fund, what would you like to find out?
- What first impression do you want other people to have about you?
- What is your go-to order at a new cafe/bakery, to "test" their quality?
- Who is your biggest cheerleader?
- Would you rather be 1ft (30cm) shorter or taller?
- What is a risk you are glad you took?
- Do you comment on social media platforms often? What makes you want to comment?
- What activities cause you to lose track of time?
- What is something you catch yourself getting jealous about?
- What is your favorite way to celebrate milestones or achievements?
- Is there something you swore you didn't like, until you tried it?
- What’s something you tried once and instantly knew it wasn’t for you?
- Imagine your life in 10 years is similar to your current daily life. Would you be satisfied?
- Have you ordered something that turned out being completely different from what you expected?
- What unexpected places have you found beauty and inspiration?
- What is something you wish your parents (or caretaker) did differently?
- What are your opinions about zoos and aquariums?
- What has been a positive outcome of the pandemic?
- What is the dominant emotion in your life right now?
- Would you rather have a longer morning, afternoon, or evening?
- Would you rather your pants be a bit too tight all the time, or at risk of falling down all the time?
- If you could find out the date of a future event, what would you like to know the date of?
- Would you rather listen to a speech by someone who is too quiet, or too loud?
- What genre of books/movies do you rarely consume?
- What are your goals for October?
- What is a feature you would like in your dream home?
- Are you looking forward to retirement? Or, are you enjoying retirement?
- How do you decide whether to give yourself a pass, or practice discipline?
- What do you wish your government would invest more in?
- Which format of video content do you like most? TikToks, Youtube Videos, TV shows, movies, etc.
- Do you enjoy fashion and picking an outfit?
- What is an incorrect assumption people often make about you?
- What are you good at?
- What motivates you to keep going during difficult times?
- What is your favourite household chore?
- What extracurricular activity do you wish you were enrolled in as a child?
- What is a daily inconvenience you face?
- What is something you have been wanting to purchase, related to a hobby?
- How do you decide what groceries to buy?
- How would you spend your time, if earning a living wasn't needed?
- How can you be a little less wasteful?
- What is something you learned about yourself this year?
- What is something you wish you could do without consequences?
- When do you feel the most peaceful?
- If you were offered a lead role in a Marvel film, would you take it?
- What was a seemingly insignificant event that changed your life?
- What would you like to spend more time on?
- What would you like to spend less time on?
- What is something you almost always order, if you see it on a menu?
- What is something you didn't understand, until you went through it yourself?
- What snacks would be part of your perfect movie night?
- What is a stereotype that is true about you?
- Have you ever had to block someone?
- You just got a text and smiled as soon as you saw their name. Who is it?
- Is there something you hope will happen by the end of this year?
- What are your goals for September?
- How do you want the next 6 months to be different from the previous 6?
- What have you changed your mind on?
- What is a recent purchase you are excited about?
- Would you rather drink a hot drink on a hot day, or a cold drink on a cold day?
- What is your go-to response to someone asking: "Tell me about yourself?"
- What makes you press "dislike" on a YouTube video?
- Do you think the world is a better place, compared to 10 years ago?
- What is an uncertainty in your life right now?
- Describe your ideal birthday cake.
- What is your relationship to books and reading?
- What worries you about the next 5 years?
- What is something you want to remember about today?
- What do you feel lucky about?
- What is your favourite toast topping?
- What are you looking forward to tomorrow?
- What animal scares you?
- What is something that people consider "childish", that you still love?
- What popular vacation destination do you have no interest in visiting?
- At what time of day do you work best?
- Is there anything that is always at the back of your mind?
- What was a short-lived obsession you had?
- Do you think you would handle worldwide fame well?
- What artificial fruit flavours do you like and dislike?
- Who would you like to interview?
- What is one thing you want to know about the future?
- What is something that drains your energy?
- Do you like staying in hotels?
- What would you love to receive as a gift?
- What is your go-to way of treating yourself?
- What is typically the first thought when you wake-up?
- What are your goals for August?
- What are some recent challenges?
- What has made you smile recently?
- Are you satisfied with your social life?
- How do you choose which causes to care about?
- Do you like your natural hair colour? Would you change it?
- When was the last time you felt pure joy?
- What is your favourite bag of chips? (for UK folks: crisps 😉)
- What product do you not mind spending more money on?
- Name a pet peeve that peeved your recently.
- What is a foreign dish you would like to try?
- What is a weird rabbit hole you went down?
- Who makes you instantly happy?
- What items do you prefer to shop online for?
- What items do you prefer to shop in-person for?
- If you had an extra 2 hours daily, how would you spend it?
- Are you easily influenced by others?
- Do you like Saturdays or Sundays better?
- What would you like to do less of?
- What is your least favourite letter of the alphabet?
- What is a trend you love?
- Do you enjoy celebrity gossip?
- Are you happy living where you live?
- What does a "healthy" person mean to you?
- Why do you think many people are scared of spiders? Are you?
- How can you be 1% better today?
- What food/drink is your ideal afternoon pick-me-up?
- What is a subject you would like to learn more about?
- What word would you use to describe this phase of your life?
- What do you wish you started doing sooner?
- What are your goals for July?
- What types of videos do you like to watch on Youtube?
- What was your most recent accomplishment, big or small?
- What is currently your biggest source of stress?
- How much time do you spend outside daily?
- What is something you look forward to each day?
- What is your favourite social media platform?
- Describe your perfect sandwich.
- What do you think most people misunderstand?
- What is the ideal time for you to wake up?
- Is there a fandom that you simply do not understand?
- What is the purpose of small talk?
- Write down something new you want to try this weekend.
- What is something you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy?
- What age would you like to live until, at least?
- For how many more years do you think humans will exist?
- What are 3 things you would like to be remembered as?
- Do you hold onto first impressions heavily?
- What are your opinions on job interviews?
- What is your favourite part about being you?
- Rate 2024 so far out of 5 stars.
- If you could write a children's book, what lesson would you like to teach?
- Where should you cut your spending a bit?
- What is the saddest meal you've had?
- Name a public figure who has inspired you.
- What is a luxury you like to splurge on?
- Do you think you can look up to someone fictional?
- What is a weird food combination you like?
- Do you like planning parties and events?
- Do you see value in buying flowers for yourself?
- What is something you can do tonight to relax?
- What are your goals for June?
- What are you planning to eat for lunch today?
- If you could pick a year, would you rather go back in time, stay in the present, or visit the future?
- What has been the most painful physical pain you experienced?
- What do you find cringey?
- What is a fashion trend you like and dislike?
- Do you believe in romantic soul mates?
- What is an urge you resisted recently?
- Do you think you’re a better person today than a year ago?
- What do you like most about your job?
- What can you do this year to make 2025-you proud?
- What is the most crowded place you have been to?
- What do you need most right now?
- If you could tell your parents one thing at the time of your birth, what would it be?
- Is there a business you stopped buying from recently?
- Do you have any weekly traditions?
- How do you feel when you tell people what you do for a job?
- What would wealthy look like for you?
- Are there any foods that you’d like to eat more of?
- What’s your favourite spot in your home?
- How do you feel about getting older?
- What was a coincidence that you noticed?
- List your three favourite physical traits.
- What is a habit you would like to adopt?
- Who is the most confident person you know?
- Have any books changed your life?
- What is a topic you can give an impromptu lecture on?
- Would you rather have more structure or flexibility?
- What is something that you’ve been wanting to try?
- To what degree to you care what other people think?
- What are your goals for May?
- What makes you feel like a child again?
- What is an inexpensive thing you purchased that has improved your life?
- What actor would you hire to play you in a movie biography?
- What book setting would you like to visit, if you could?
- If you had to sacrifice one of your senses (taste, touch, smell, sight, hearing), which would you choose?
- Which disease known to humankind do you hate the most?
- Would 10-year-old you be proud of you today?
- How can you be a better friend?
- What is your favourite day of the entire year?
- What characteristics or personality traits are most important to you in a politician?
- What is something unusual you noticed recently?
- What's the most difficult part about being you?
- What do you think about as you are falling asleep?
- I wish I had enough money to...
- What has been your most memorable compliment?
- What is a snack you have no self-control around?
- What quality do you dislike in other people?
- What do you not get enough credit for?
- Who is the most impactful person in your life right now?
- What does your name mean?
- What do you think is unfair about your life?
- What are some things on your wishlist?
- What are you looking forward to right now?
- What do you need to stop doing?
- What would you do if time stopped for 1 day, for everyone but you?
- What is something that I can do today, that will benefit me tomorrow?
- What breakfast is your favourite to start the day with?
- What is a hobby you have been wanting to try?
- I have trouble sleeping when…
- What was your favourite toy or game growing up?
- What are your goals for April?
- What was the most interesting thing you saw or heard recently?
- What is one of your quirks?
- If you could live 24 hours as any person in the world, who would it be?
- What was a difficult decision you had to make?
- What is your favourite scent of lotion?
- What is a skill or area of knowledge you would like to develop in the next year?
- What emotion do you find the most challenging?
- How do you respond to compliments?
- What is a weird food combination you like?
- Are you a spontaneous person?
- What have you been procrastinating?
- If you had to choose between having a personal chef, a housekeeper, or a personal trainer, which would you pick?
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If you could have a paid-for shopping spree at any store for 1 hour, which store would you pick?
- What was the first way you earned money?
- What worries you about our society's trajectory?
- What is your favourite hour of the day?
- What colour do you like to wear the most?
- What do you think you are the top 1% in?
- If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be?
- I wish there were a law that ...
- How do you find the balance between saving money for the future while spending money on things in the present?
- I wish I had a friend who shares my love for ...
- Do you find value in rereading books, or rewatching movies?
- What is the silliest lie you have told?
- What do you think of the saying, "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery"?
- When on a vacation, do you prefer to lounge and relax, or go out and explore?
- What is your favourite cuisine to get takeout of?
- What company do you refuse to buy from for any valid or petty reason?
- What are your goals for March?
- What is one job you would never do?
- Can you buy happiness?
- What year would you like to relive, without changing anything about it?
- How do you think instant riches affect relationships?
- What does it mean to be a friend?
- What would you do if you found hair in your food?
- What do you think the world needs right now?
- What is your favourite charitable cause?
- What is one thing that happened recently, that you would like to remember 10 years from now?
- Describe your most important possession.
- What is the best restaurant that you have been to?
- What tempted you today?
- What is something that bugs you?
- What advice would you give to a new student?
- Would you like to be a celebrity?
- If you found a suitcase full of money in the middle of the street, what would you do?
- Describe the ocean to a person who is blind.
- Sum-up your day in one word, then your week in one word, then your month in one word.
- What is a trait you wish you had?
- When were you the happiest in the past 5 years?
- How do you deal with bad body image days?
- What colour makes you think of happiness?
- I wish I didn't have to ...
- When do you feel proud?
- If money wasn't an issue, what kind of a house would you have?
- What is troubling you the most, at this moment?
- Is there a movie that has brought you to tears?
- Have you had an incident because you overslept?
- What is a convenience you cannot go without?
- What animal frightens you?
- What are your goals for February?
A Peek Inside My Journal
A few of my favourite entires! You can read them, but no judging...
June 24
Q: Why do you think most people are scared of spiders? Are you?
A:I am mildly afraid, but I don't mind them. I think it's the unknown that is scary. Like, they crawl so fast that they could disappear in 3 seconds, and we don't know whether they are out of the house or crawling up your sleeves. So I guess it comes down to unpredictability? Also, it's probably partially a taught thing. I can't imagine humans who live more closely with nature be afraid of spiders. I'm guessing that at some point, we hear other kids, parents, and media yell in fear about a spider, so we learn that it's a scary thing. Now that I'm older, I started to not kill off spiders. I use the cup & cardstock method to relocate them outside. I'm not sure if this is a thing, but I feel like spiders are very intelligent and they have feelings.
June 17
Q: Do you like Saturdays or Sundays better?
A: I looove Saturdays. Since it's immediately after the last work day, the joy of the rest day is pronounced. But also, since there is Sunday to look forward to, it's a safe, in-between day. Sundays are great too, but with Monday creeping up, there is more pressure to make the most out of the day. The dreaded Sunday Scaries!
June 11
Q: What is a weird rabbit hole you went down?
A: I spent quite a few nights reading & watching documentaries about large crowds and crowd crush incidents. This was shortly after the Travis Scott concert so it made sense why I was interested, but man I was thinking about it 24/7 for a few days. Part of the reason why I am lowkey really scared of large crowds now, and I have no interest in attending a Taylor Swift concert despite it being my dream since I was a kid. I know I would not survive a crowd crush. I am not scared of death, but I really don't want to die while suffering physically, you know???
May 25
Q: What is a luxury you like to splurge on?
A:Definitely getting my nails done! 3 weeks of feeling polished ;) I use my hands a lot so it makes me happy to see them pretty & done! Getting to choose a colour also makes me feel in control of something in my life lol.
May 24
Q: Name a public figure who has inspired you.
A:Taylor Swift :) She is not perfect; I'm sure she has done shady things. But I admire her work ethic so much. She puts everything into her craft, is good at it, and it looks like she has fun doing it! I also love how she treats everyone who has helped her get where she is now. I hope to emulate her tenacity and geneorisity, but umm, on a much smaller scale.
April 16
Q: How do you feel when you tell people what you do for a job?
A:At one point in my life (mostly highschool), I was embarassed. Actively tried to hide my business, probably because I had (and still have) low self esteem. The fact that I was doing someting outside of the norm made me feel uncomfortable and out of place. But now, I am very proud to share that I run an online stationery business. It's a great conversation starter especially since most people are not familiar with the planner and stationery world. It's a pleasure, and I'm so lucky to have this job!
April 13
Q: If you could tell your parents one thing at the time of your birth, what would it be?
A:I need a little bit more patience than Karen. My brain isn't as organized, I am more "out of the lines", and I am not conventionally a smart kid. But I promise I will always try to impress you and show appreciation for all that you do for us. I love you ♥
April 5
Q: What is a fashion trend you like and dislike?
A:Like: High waisted mom jeans.
Dislike: Crop tops. I swear I have to double check when shopping to make sure it's a full shirt.
Mar 17
Q: What quality do you dislike in other people?
A:Unreliability and arrogance. The first is mostly because I have anxiety and ambiguity of any kind stresses me out. It also signals to me that I am not worth their effort. The second is a turn-off in general. Typically, arrogance comes with close-mindedness and being quick to dismiss.
Mar 14
Q: I wish I had the money to...
A:... go to the grocery store and pay for everyone's grocery haul each time. I think that is how I would be able to make the biggest, most direct, and most useful impact on people who need it most. Imagine being able to do that every single time.
Mar 12
Q: What's the most difficult part about being you?
A:My brain is annoying to deal with. Imagine fighting with yourself 24/7, two million ideas running around all at once, while being sure that your life will end in the next year if you don't act on XYZ right away. Being obsessed with certain things to the point of exhausion, while a simple task that should take 5 minutes to do ends-up taking 3 weeks and a whole lot of worrying and planning. Having a clear idea in your head but not being able to string together the correct words and just my presence bring other people discomfort because surely, something is off about me.
Feb 18
Q: What do you think you are the top 1% in?
A:Sardine consumption.
Feb 14
Q: What was the first way you earned money?
A:Ohhh boy. Doing commissions on DeviantArt. They have "points" as currency and I remember it to be 100 points = $1, and you also had to meet some threshold of points to cash it out. My small pieces went as low as 1pt (1 cent) and my bigger commissions ranged from 10-50 points. God forbid it's in the triple digits haha. But I loved it, and I didn't mind at all. It helped build my foundation for art. I also tried to sew hair bows but nobody bought them lol. Also tried to start a meal prep service after reading a novel about it. I was so naive haha. Zero cooking & service experience and I thought people would be lining-up for my cooking. Yikes...
Feb 2
Q: What is one of your quirks?
A:The way I eat hard-boiled eggs. I have a ritual that I follow and apparently it's a bit strange:
(1) Peel the egg whites and eat it layer by layer
(2) Eat the egg yolk last
Obviously this only works for true hard-boiled eggs. I eat jammy soft-boiled eggs normally.
Jan 24
Q: When do you feel proud?
A:When I do the right/selfless thing when I know no one is watching.
Jan 19
Q: What is a trait you wish you had?
A:Charisma, which I currently have none of haha. I think no matter what other trait(s) one has, charisma will get a person very far in life. I'm not sure if charisma is something that can be acquired/practiced. I will have to look into that!
Jan 6
Q: What would you do if you found hair in your food?
A:Honestly, pick it out and eat it (the food, not the hair omg). I obviously don't want hair in my food, but I will not make a big deal out of it as chances are, there are grosser things in the food. Dead skin, spit, all the nasties floating in the air. And unlike the aforementioned things, you can actually take out the hair so I find it to be less gross. But now I am losing my appetite thinking about it.
Journal With Me!
If you are needing a bit of background noise, here is a journaling session of mine without any talking.
Just pen on paper :)
Hi…I’d really like to use these in my HC for 2024! However, I only see prompts for January. Where can I get the prompts for the rest of the year?
I can only see January and the first one in February. Am I doing something wrong?
I love these prompts!!! it has a great mixture of introspective, and fun surface level prompts.
I get really annoyed when the prompts are all too introspective and gratitude drive. sometimes it’s exhausting.
:) Thank you again, I’ve copied them over to my Hobonichi!
Thanks so much Helen for sharing these. I look forward to using them this new year.
I love your journal prompts - I will use them myself and also share them with my 12th-grade students to use for their bellringer activity. I have been writing in various kinds of journal notebooks for over 25 years. You can truly find a lot out about yourself with journaling. So beautiful that you are journaling.
Burcie