How to Start Journaling for Beginners: 10 Effective Self-Reflection Prompts

Photo by cottonbro | @cottonbro

Journaling isn't always easy for everyone, especially if you’ve never done it before. It’s a great way to declutter your mind and offload your thoughts for clarity. It’s especially helpful when you have a lot going on and need a self-check when stressed. Once you get into it, it gets much easier and over time the benefits are very clear.

Although you can journal at any time, from experience I have found the most value in journaling at the end of the day. I carve out 15 minutes of uninterrupted time right before bed with soft music or no music at all, and a hot beverage. For me, doing it at the end of the day has proven a great way to go to bed less stressed and to wake up with a clear idea of how I will do better for that day.

Below is a list of questions I created when I first started journaling as a helpful guide until I got into it.

1. Did I use the day wisely?

2. Did I take care of myself physically and mentally?

3. Did I let things I can't control get to me or stress me out?

4. What did I do to get closer to my goals?

5. What act of kindness did I do today?

6. Did I stick to any of my plans?

7. What opportunities came my way, and if none, did I actively create opportunities?

8. Did I do anything out of my comfort zone?

9. Did I learn anything new today - about myself, general information, work related etc?

10. How will I do better tomorrow?

Next Steps

Photo by Jess Bailey Designs | @jessbailey.com.au

Buy a notebook and a pen, then download a copy of this list below to leave in your notebook and get started today.