365 Journal Prompts For a Year: A Journaling Adventure

Do you find yourself stuck in a creative rut? Do you want to get into journaling but don’t know where to start? Look no further than these 365 journal prompts! With a prompt for every day of the year, this is the perfect way to get your writing; give your creativity a much-needed boost. Dig in to these 365 journal prompts for a year.

These journal prompts are designed to help you reflect on your life and explore your thoughts and feelings. By taking time each day to think and write, you can gain more insight into your life and what matters to you. You can use the prompts to record your thoughts and feelings or to express yourself creatively through art and poetry.

If you want to get even more out of your journaling sessions, you can use the prompts to set goals, stay on track with your plans, and work through any issues that might be holding you back. Writing can be a great way to process difficult emotions and gain clarity on difficult decisions. So why not use these journal prompts to take a journey into your own mind and explore the possibilities?

Daily Thoughts and Ideas

• Are you always honest with yourself? Write about this
• How can you find more time for honest reflection each day? Make a plan for this.
• Describe your day in bullet points.
• Talk about what you will be doing this weekend. How would you like the weekend to go?
• Are you happy with your current friendships and/or relationships?
• Do you feel happy with your life right now? Why/why not?
• What three things can you do this week to help improve your life?
• What is the number one biggest concern for you right now? How is it affecting you?
• Are you more of a positive or negative person? Why do you think this is?
• Would you like to develop a more positive mindset? How could you do this?
• What are your five best qualities?
• What do you think are the best qualities in other people? Why?
• How can you be a better friend?
• How can you be a better boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/wife?
• What do you believe are some of your greatest strengths?
• Do you think you value yourself enough? Why/why not?
• How can you develop a more positive mindset?
• What is something you are struggling with? How can you get to the bottom of it?
• Describe the times when your mind went to negative thoughts today.
• Is there one specific thing you are trying to work on? Why is this important to you?
• Do you believe you are a good person? Write about things that make you good.
• What was the best part of your day? What made it so good?
• What is your current morning routine, and how can you improve it?
• Do you feel happy today? Why/why not?
• What is a personal goal of yours? How can you make sure you achieve it?

Work and Business

• Describe your first job. How did it make you feel?
• Are you happy with your current job? Why/why not?
• What was your dream job when you were a kid? Write about the idea and why you loved it.
• Write about how that dream job changed as you got older.
• Where is your career heading? How do you feel about this?
• What actions can you take to make your dream job a reality?
• How can you make sure you bring more joy into your work life?
• If you are happy at your current job, do you feel there are ways for you to advance?
• What can you do more to make sure you advance in your career?
• What is your favourite part of your current job? Why?
• Describe three fun memories from your past jobs.
• Describe three work mistakes you have made. How can you avoid them in the future?
• Do you think you will ever start your own business? Why/why not?
• Describe your dream business.
• Create a brief business plan for your dream business.
• List some actionable tasks for your dream business.
• List education or classes you would love to take.
• Are you happy with how you have performed in your work/business in the last year?
• How can you change your work-related mindset to improve it this year?
• What are some ways you can improve your work TODAY?

Personal Goals and Aspirations

• What are some of your biggest stretch goals? What are your plans for these goals?
• Name some actionable steps required to achieve your three most important goals.
• What is your top 1-year goal?
• What is your top 5-year goal?
• What is your top 10-year goal?
• Have you thought about your ultimate, long-term personal goal?
• Who or what do you aspire to be?
• What is your top goal for next week?
• What are some things you would like to accomplish next month?
• Do you have some important things to accomplish this year?
• Do you have a bucket list? How do you feel about the idea of a bucket list?
• If you started a bucket list, what are ten things you would love to do?
• Are you where you thought you would be at this age? Why/why not?
• Who is someone that inspires you? Why do they inspire you?
• What is a movie you can watch that always cheers you up? Why does it cheer you up so much?
• Is there a book you always turn to for a certain type of mood? Write about how this book makes you feel.
• What type of music do you find uplifting? Make yourself a playlist of uplifting music.
• Is there a skill you want to learn? How would this skill help you?
• What hobbies would you like to learn how to do? Why does this interest you?
• If you could excel at one musical instrument, what would it be? Why?
• If you could start your life over, would you? Why/why not?
• What is one thing about your life you would willingly change? Why/why not?
• What is something that was difficult but you would never change? Write about this in detail.
• What is a mistake today that you believe you learned from? What lessons did you learn?
• Name something you are proud of today. How does this make you feel?

Health and Wellness

• Write down everything you ate today.
• If you feel it is helpful, make a space in your journal to track your weight and measurements.
• What are some things you can do to be physically healthier?
• Do you feel like you made healthy choices today? Why do you feel this way?
• What can you do tomorrow to head towards a healthier lifestyle?
• What is your favourite type of workout? Why?
• How can you incorporate your favourite workout into your regular schedule?
• What is a FUN activity that also helps you stay active? Write about how this makes you feel.
• Name your all-time favourite food. Why do you love it so much?
• Is there a way you could cook your favourite foods to be a little healthier? Write about some options.
• Do you have any fitness goals? Make a list of them
• Describe what you need to make your fitness goals a reality.
• Who would be a good workout buddy for you? How would having a workout buddy be helpful to you?
• How can you schedule more time for your health and wellness? Create a plan for yourself.
• Write about where you feel your mental health is right now
• How do you currently keep track of your mental health? Are there things you could explore to Improve this?
• Is anything causing you stress today? Write about how you feel and why.
• Start listing any triggers you may have for stress, anxiety, or depression.
• Decide to eliminate one bad habit. Keep track of how you feel about this over the next week.
• Keep track of your mental health signs and symptoms for one month.

Family and Friends

• Who is your best friend now? How does the friendship make you feel?
• Who was your best friend in school? Write about some memories you shared.
• Do you remember your very first friend? Write about this person.
• Who is someone you used to be friends with but aren’t any longer? Why did you grow apart?
• What does friendship mean to you?
• Who is someone from your childhood you would like to find again? Who are they, and why would you like to find them?
• If you could talk to one person right now, who would it be? What would you like to talk to them about?
• Write a letter to a childhood friend.
• What was your family life like growing up?
• Are you happy with your relationships with your family? Why/why not?
• When was the last time you talked to your mom/dad? (or another parent) What did you talk about?
• Do you have a significant other? Talk about they make you feel.
• Do you have kids? Write about something they’ve done recently to make you smile.
• Describe 3 of your kids’ favourite things to do.
• If you have one, write about a memory you’ve shared with a sibling.
• What is one of your favourite past times with your family? Write about how you feel while doing this.
• Write a story about a time you’ve spent with your grandparents.
• Who is a distant family member you would love to be with right now? What would you do, and how would it make you feel?
• Write a letter to a family member who has passed and who you would love to catch up with.
• Do you have any family pets? Are you a pet lover? Why/why not?
• Describe the characteristics of each of your pets and your favourite thing about them.
• Are there other pets you would love to get? Why?
• What is your favourite board game to play with friends? What happened last time you played?
• Plan out a game night with your family.
• What is your favourite family activity? What makes it so great?

Memories

• Do you have one favourite memory from your childhood? Write about it in as much detail as you can.
• What is the very first memory you remember? Write about it in as much detail as you can.
• Do you know what your first words were? What stories have others shared about this?
• What was your first day of school like? Write about it in as much detail as you can.
• Describe what your childhood was like.
• Draw a picture of how you think your school years went.
• What is something you are embarrassed about many years later?
• Describe a time in your life when you learned a really hard lesson.
• List your three favourite birthday memories and what makes them your favourite.
• What did you do for your 10th birthday? Write about it in as much detail as you can.
• Did you have a special 16th birthday party? Write about it in as much detail as you can.
• What hobby did you love as a kid but no longer participate in? Would you like to try this again now?
• What was your favourite cartoon? Why was it so great?
• What is a movie you loved watching with your family? How did it feel to share this with your family?
• Write about a special memory you shared with your parents.
• Can you remember the first time you went to the movie theatre? Write about it in as much detail as you can.
• How old were you when you drove for the first time? Write about it in as much detail as you can.
• If you could sum up high school with one word, what would it be? Why did you choose this word?
• Did you attend any high school dances? How did you feel about these at the time?
• Describe three of the happiest memories from your life so far.
• What is an embarrassing moment you would love to redo? How would you redo it?
• What has been the trickiest time of your life so far? How did this time shape you as a person?
• When you want to cheer up, what is one memory that always comes to mind? Write about it in as much detail as you can.
• What is something that is a little fuzzy and you wish you could remember better?
• Describe a toy you absolutely loved as a kid.

Seasonal and Holiday

• What is your favourite season? Why?
• What is your least favourite season? Why?
• What weather do you wish it was right now? Why?
• What is your favourite holiday? How does it make you feel?
• Describe a memory from your favourite holiday.
• If you could wake up each day and it would be one holiday or season, which would you choose? Why?
• What is your favourite thing to do in the summer?
• What are five things you love about fall?
• What is something you love doing every winter? Why do you love it?
• What is your favourite part of spring? Why?
• Describe a past Christmas you will never forget.
• Do you dress up for Halloween? Describe your go-to costume.
• If you used to Trick-or-Treat, write about some memories.
• How does your family celebrate Thanksgiving? Do you have any traditions?
• Name three holidays you are looking forward to this year and why you’re excited about them.

Self-Care and Self-Improvement

• Write a letter to yourself about the things you LOVE about yourself.
• List 5 things you can do for yourself today.
• Make a list of 10 things you can do for yourself this month.
• Spend 5 minutes writing about any subject, using this time to reflect on yourself and your life at the moment.
• Name a place you would go right now if you could go anywhere. How would it feel?
• When you were younger, did you imagine you would be alone or with someone else? Why did you feel this way?
• Meditate for 5 minutes, then write about the experience.
• Take 10 minutes a day to do something all for you, then journal about the experience.
• What are the seven things that bring you a sense of peace?
• Who are five people that make you feel loved? Why do they make you feel loved?
• What is one activity that cheers you up, no matter what? Write about it in as much detail as you can.
• What is a compliment you love to get? How does this make you feel
• Have you complimented yourself today? If not, write about how great you are.
• What is your best physical quality? How can you make better use of this?
• What is your best inner quality? How can you make better use of this?
• Write about all the things that make you special.
• List all the reasons you appreciate yourself and your life.
• What qualities do you feel you deserve in a romantic partner?
• What are some words you always try to live by?
• How can you love yourself more?
• Describe your perfect day.
• Delve even deeper if you can – who were you with? How did you feel? What makes that the perfect day?
• Describe sometimes when you feel happiest in your skin.
• Ignore your “flaws” – what is one of your features you would NEVER want to change? Why?
• What is a way you indulge yourself often?
• How would it feel if you could indulge a little more?
• Why do you deserve to love yourself?
• What are some quotes that teach great self-love and acceptance?
• What would you tell your teenage self if you could?
• What is one lesson you would love to teach a 13-year-old you?

Gratitude

• What is the ONE thing you are MOST grateful for in your life right now?
• Name five things you are grateful for this week.
• Who is someone you can’t imagine your life without? Why?
• What is a way you can show more gratitude every day?
• Do you feel that you appreciate the good in your life often enough?
• What is something that made you smile today?
• Write about something surprising that happened to you recently.
• Write about something fun you experienced in the last year.
• Talk about a challenge you are happy to have overcome.
• Name someone who has taught you an important life lesson.
• List three difficult things to live through, but you are now grateful for the experience.
• Write about how grateful you are for your family.
• Describe why you are grateful for your pets.
• Talk about how your job has changed your life.
• List 5 memories from your childhood you are grateful to have.

Travel

• What has been your favourite trip so far?
• If you could go anywhere, where would you love to go? Why?
• Have you been to any of the seven wonders of the world? How would it feel if you did?
• What is a monument you want to see? Why do you want to see it?
• Have you ever seen a waterfall? How did it feel?
• Have you seen a volcano? How did it feel?
• Who do you love to travel with? Why do they make travelling so special?
• Are you afraid of flying? Why do you think people develop a fear of flying?
• Do you get seasick? How has this affected you in the past?
• If you could take a cruise anywhere, where would you go?
• Have you ever flown first class? What was it like?
• Where do you like to go when you want to spend a weekend away?
• Start a savings tracker for your next trip.
• Do you ever have to travel for work? Do you like it or would you rather stay home?
• What was your least favourite vacation? Why did you not like it? How could it have been better?
• Are you planning any trips right now? What are you planning?
• What is your method for planning a vacation?
• Name five places you want to see before you die.
• Do you have a passport? Have you used it as much as you’d have liked?
• Have you ever been out of the country you live in? If not, how come?
• Are you a fan of road trips? Why/why not?
• What is a fun road trip you have been on?
• Where would you like to take a solo road trip? What would a plan for this trip look like?
• Name a place you want to see with your significant other. Why did you choose your answer?
• Describe your dream family vacation.

Make a List of

• Your favourite books.
• Books you want to read.
• Books on your shelf you haven’t read yet.
• Your favourite movies.
• Movies you would love to watch
• Movies you’ve seen in the theatre.
• Movies that hold special memories for you.
• Movies that scared you.
• Movies that always cheer you up.
• Movies you could quote by heart.
• TV shows you love to watch.
• Your all-time favourite shows.
• TV shows you loved as a teenager.
• The first show you think of when you imagine your childhood.
• TV shows you want to catch up on.
• Your favourite songs.
• Your favourite soundtracks.
• Albums you love.
• Your favourite singers.
• Your favourite bands.
• Concerts you have been to.
• Concerts you want to go to.
• Daily to-do list
• Weekly to-do list
• Monthly to-do list
• Annual to-do list
• Past or favourite dreams
• A wish list
• Party planning list.
• Your favourite quotes.
• Personal affirmations.
• Hobbies or crafts to learn.
• Classes you want to take
• The next steps for your business.
• Achievements you are proud of.
• The most important people in your life.
• Recipes to try.
• Healthy food to start eating more.
• Types of exercises you can start doing.
• Upcoming events
• Blog posts for your blog
• Holidays you want to plan
• Shopping list for yourself
• Shopping list for the next holiday or birthday.
• Home improvements you want to make.

Creative Writing

• Go outside, pick up one object, and write a story about how it got there.
• Tell a short story about your first crush/first love.
• Create a character for a horror story you would love to write or read. Describe the character in great detail.
• Think of whether a character from your favourite book was good or evil. Reflect on your choice.
• Create a mind map for a character in a romantic story.
• Map out a short story about someone overcoming a physical disability.
• Story prompt: You wake up in the middle of the night, and none of the lights work. You hear a sound in the attic, but you also hear a sound in the basement. Describe what you do next.
• Story prompt: You call your best friend to chat, but they don’t know who you are. Write a story based on why or how that is.
• Story prompt: Your main character wakes up in a boat, stranded at sea. What happened?
• Write a poem that rhymes about your weekend plans.

Prompts for Each Calendar Month

January:

• Write down the biggest thing you want to achieve this year.
• List your top 5 goals for January.
• Describe what fun things you hope to do in the spring.

February:

• Describe your dream Valentine’s Day date.
• What are your goals for February?
• Talk about how your year is going so far.

March:

• Make a list or schedule for spring cleaning this year.
• If you could sum up March with any one word or phrase, what would it be? Why?
• Describe your perfect way to celebrate a holiday this month.

April:

• Are there any important birthdays or dates to remember in April?
• Plan out your dream garden.
• What do you love to do when it rains?

May:

• You’re almost halfway through the year. How do you feel the year is going so far?
• Name one challenge you want to overcome in May.
• What do you want to do over the summer?

June:

• If you could trade places with anyone, who would it be?
• Talk about your June plans and goals.
• Think of one fear you can try to overcome in June.

July:

• Plan your dream summer vacation. Where would you go?
• Talk about one of your favourite summer vacations.
• What would be your major if you could return to school in the fall?

August:

• List 10 affirmations to repeat every day in August.
• Write a poem or short story that takes place in the fall.
• What are you looking forward to this month?

September:

• What are your plans for the fall season?
• Describe your experiences when you were in college.
• What would you love to do with your kids this month if you were a parent?

October:

• Have you accomplished any goals yet this year? What can you do to achieve at least one goal this year?
• Make a list of fun things you can do in October.
• Talk about your favourite Halloween costume. What made it so great?

November:

• What is your favourite fall treat?
• Make a memory: show your family your favourite movie, and write about the experience.
• Discuss three things you can do before the year is over. What would they mean to you?

December:

• Write about Christmas or another holiday you celebrate. Are you excited? What are your plans?
• What is your favourite winter activity?
• Write a review of the year. How did it go? What went well? What could have gone better?

General Journal Prompts

• Write down five affirmations that will help get you through the day.
• Talk about accountability in your life at the moment. What does it mean to you?
• Discuss your plans for the upcoming weekend.
• What is the best book you read in the last year? What made it so great?
• If you could start a book series over again, never having read it before, what would it be?
• What are some ways you improved in the last year?
• What are some important lessons you learned in the past year?
• Is there anything keeping you up at night? Write about what this is and why it might be affecting you.
• Write a letter (that you don’t send) to:
  • Your younger self.
  • A deceased family member.
  • A political figure you admire.
  • Someone causing you stress or pain.
  • Your bully from childhood.
  • Your crush.
  • Your significant other.
  • One of your parents (alive or dead)
  • Someone who has made a great impact in your life.
  • Your favourite teacher.
  • Someone who inspires you.
  • Yourself, to read on bad days.
  • Someone who put you through a hard time, but you have now learned greatly from it.
  • The person who still brings you grief.
  • A pet you wish you could communicate with.
• What have your dreams been like lately? Write down the ones you remember.
• What do you wish you could dream about tonight?
• Do you raise your kids differently than you were raised? In what ways do you do so?
• If you could have any family pet right now, what would it be? Why?
• What are your three biggest priorities in life?
• Are you happy that these are the priorities that came to mind?
• What are some of your biggest fears? How do they hold you back?
• What fear do you believe is keeping you from achieving your goals?
• What are some actionable steps you can take to overcome your fears?
• Create a mind map of what you are dealing with right now.
• Discuss 3 of your challenges and three ways to resolve them.
• What is your favourite way to relax? Why?
• You have met a genie and been given three wishes. What do you do?
• What if you could have any five wishes? What would they be and why?
• Have you ever participated in extreme sports? Write about the experience.
• What is a musical or play you have gone to? Write about the experience.
• Have you ever been to a ballet? How did you feel about it?
• What are three bad habits you would love to put a stop to? Create a plan to make this happen.
• What is your secret, hidden talent? How do you use it?
• You just won an Oscar (or Emmy). Write your acceptance speech
• You are afraid if people knew about this, they wouldn’t accept you. What is it?
• Add seven more items to your bucket list.
• What do you think is your biggest regret?
• What is something you never told your parents?
• Think about someone you love. Who came to mind? Write about them.
• Make a list of the ten best moments of your life.

Writing is an excellent way to release stress and express your thoughts and emotions. Keeping a journal is one of the best ways to get your creative juices flowing and explore your thoughts. But what if you don’t know what to write about?

That’s where these 365 Journal Prompts come in. With these prompts, you’ll have ideas and inspiration for your journaling practice all year. These prompts will keep your creative spirit alive. And best of all, you can use them at any time. So, even if you’re feeling a bit stuck, these prompts can help you get back into the groove of writing. Plus, it’s a great way to document your thoughts and feelings over a year.

If you want even more journal prompts to help you with goal setting, you might like this blog post.