7 Days of Journal Writing: Prompts for Self Discovery

In my Bullet Journaling for Beginners post last Monday, I talked about how bullet journaling keeps you organized, inspires productivity, and helps you track and reach your goals.

Today I want to come from a different angle and talk about the “journaling” side of the bullet journal. In fact, I want to offer you a challenge this week with seven journal writing prompts.

(Fear not, if don’t use a bullet journal, this post is still for you!)





7 Days of Journal Writing Prompts for Self Discovery, bullet journal, self reflection, mindfulness, diary, ideas

Focusing on seven things that make you you, these journal writing prompts are designed to help you pause, reflect, dig deep, and learn a little more about yourself.

So I challenge you this week to take 5-10 minutes every day and consider these questions. Studies have shown that just a few minutes of journaling a day not only helps you unwind, but also inspires self-confidence, improves communication, enhances your memory, reinforces mindfulness, and helps you achieve your goals. So what are you waiting for?

Let’s do this!

7 Days of Journal Writing Prompts for Self Discovery, bullet journal, self reflection, mindfulness, diary, ideas

7 Days of Journal Writing Prompts for Self Discovery

Day 1 – Where was I 10 years ago?

There is a reason the saying “Hindsight is 20/20” is such a popular phrase: it’s 100% true. Take some time today to look back 10 years. Using an objective lens, try and appreciate both the obstacles and opportunities that came your way, and recognize how they shaped who you are today.

As you consider this prompt, ask yourself: “How has my life developed?” “How have my beliefs changed?” “What characteristics of my life remain consistent?” “What have I discovered about myself and others over this 10-year span?”

Day 2 – Three qualities I admire most in others include:

This prompt does much more than simply illuminate what you find admirable in another person. It also brings to the foreground your own values and highlights what you may want to improve in your own life.

As you dig into this prompt, also consider: “Why do I admire these traits?” “Who do I know that demonstrates these characteristics?” “When do I see these qualities most practiced?” “How can I further incorporate them in my own life?”

Journal writing prompts for self discovery. Find deeper self awareness with journal writing. Self-care and self development begins with this 7-day challenge. #journalprompts #bulletjournal #selfcare #personaldevelopment

Day 3 – Write about the place that I call home.

This question might seem pretty straightforward on the surface, but if you dig deep, you may discover several different answers. For example, I call Massachusetts my home, where I live with my husband, my dog, Bruno, and my cat, Rascal. At the same time, I also call Minnesota my home, as that is where I spent the first 22 years of my life. It represents to me family, values, love, and joy. Both of these homes are very special in different ways, and it’s important to consider each one.

So today consider the place(s) you call home and ask yourself: “Why do I call this home?” “How does my home make me feel?” “What do I love most about my home, and why?”

Day 4 – What does success mean to me?

This is a loaded question, but it is also a critical one for us to consider. We live in a society that places incredible value on “success.” That being said, society’s standard of success does not always align with our own… and that’s okay! What matters is knowing what success means to you. Understanding these specific details allows you to work toward your goals without the pressure of the status quo getting in your way.

As you consider this prompt, as yourself: “What is society’s accepted version of success?” “What do I find valuable in this definition, and with what do I disagree?” “When have I felt successful in the past?” “How do I know when I’ve succeeded?” “Why is success important to me?”

7 Days of Journal Writing Prompts for Self Discovery, bullet journal, self reflection, mindfulness, diary, ideas

Day 5 – What are three things that I do well?

It is so easy for us to focus on what we need to improve in our lives. We need to be smarter, fitter, more organized, and more efficient. While it is important to have goals, it is also critical that we acknowledge our strengths. What’s more, we need to celebrate them.

For today’s prompt, ask yourself: “When and how did I acquire these abilities?” “When are these skills the most useful?” “How have these skills impacted my life and the lives of others?”

Day 6 – What are five things, big or small, that bring me joy?

It is easy to get down – easy to get lost in the struggles of our world, our country, our community, or our family. And when we fall down that rabbit hole, it is often difficult to recognize the positive. Take a few minutes today to highlight five things that bring joy to your life.

As you consider this prompt, ask yourself: “What is it about each of these elements that brings me such happiness?” “How specifically do these things make me feel?” “How can I keep these five components at the forefront of my life at all times?”

Journal writing prompts for self discovery. Find deeper self awareness with journal writing. Self-care and self development begins with this 7-day challenge. #journalprompts #bulletjournal #selfcare #personaldevelopment

Day 7 – What are my highs and lows for the week?

It is important to take time to reflect on the events – both good and bad – that you experience each week. It provides an opportunity for you to grow from your challenges and offer gratitude for the positive things that came your way.

So as you complete day seven of this challenge, consider the following questions: “For what am I most thankful?” “What did I find challenging this week?” “How can I learn from these challenges?” “How can I focus on the positive?”

So what do you think – are you up for the challenge? I hope so!

To assist you in your journey, I’ve created a free workbook for the week. For each prompt, you’ll find different questions to consider, which explore the idea from different angles and help you dig deeper into your reflection.

7 Days of Journal Writing Prompts for Self Discovery, bullet journal, self reflection, mindfulness, diary, ideas

Whether you use a bullet journal or you prefer a standard 8.5×11 piece of printer paper, I have you covered. Download your free workbook here! 

Beginners Guide to Bullet Journaling
Click here for a FREE class!

Want to learn the basics of bullet journaling? Check out my post, and my FREE class!

Question:

Do you use a journal? If so, what do you like about it? If not, what holds you back? Let me know below!

Did you find this post helpful? Do you know of anyone else who might like to take this challenge? If so, please share this post with the buttons below <3


61 thoughts on “7 Days of Journal Writing: Prompts for Self Discovery”

  1. Pingback: Goofy Girls and Coconut Rum – Chronicles of a Thug Life Mommy

    1. Paula

      Yes! Definitely give it a try. I’d be willing to be that you will have so much to reflect upon with this new one in your life. Congratulations, by the way 🙂 <3

  9. amandaelize

    This is so awesome for self reflection and improvement. What a great way to get others to stop and think about themselves for a few minutes each day. I know, as a mom we could all use a little more of this!

    1. Paula

      Thanks, Megan! Yes, that’s one of the reasons I love using prompts, too. You never have to stare at a blank page wondering what to write about 🙂

  17. Brenda

    I LOVE these! I like journaling so that my children will have a way to know my heart and these prompts are fantastic! I love how you included the benefits of journaling too.

  19. The Everyday Mom Life

    These are great prompts. I’m not really into journaling but these questions are even just fun to think about or discuss with friends.

    1. Paula

      Thank you, Sarah! That’s what I like about prompts, even if you don’t journal often, you can always pull one out and reflect 🙂

    1. Paula

      You should! That’s how it was for me, too; I returned to journaling a little while ago and have loved it:)

  24. Momma To Go

    I havent been using a journal, but I have been thinking about it, esp since I want to try to write more!

    1. Paula

      Do it! I didn’t used to journal, because I worried it might take up too much time. Then I realized that even 5 minutes is a great release 🙂

    1. Paula

      I love hearing from others who enjoy journaling. I agree – it’s nice to switch things up every once in a while and reflect on specific questions.

  29. nadaliebardo

    Hey Paula,

    Self-reflection is so important and honestly a great way to get to know yourself. I’m all about answering questions like “what does success mean to me?” But, also asking my blog readers what it means to them. Great questions!

    1. Paula

      Thank you so much, Nadalie! I agree – it’s so important to take time to reflect on these questions and check in with yourself.

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