110+ Juicy, Fascinating Journal Prompts to Get to Know Yourself

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Last Updated on July 20, 2023

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Wish you could get to know yourself a little better? These journal prompts will give you the ultimate self-discovery in all things personal growth, goals, relationships, personality traits, and more!

Self-discovery is pretty darn important! The more we learn about ourselves, the more we understand what we want out of life.

We can learn about our preferences, what motivates us, what our goals are, and the direction we’d like to take. Ultimately, we can get a clearer picture on how to live a happier life. These journal prompts to get to know yourself will help you do just that!

Journaling is so beneficial that it is often used in therapy settings and has been shown to reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms.

This makes sense when we consider that writing is a useful emotional outlet for many. Being in touch with your thoughts and emotions assists in a better handle on them and ultimately enhances your sense of self.

So if you’re ready to dig deep and become your very own new BFF…let’s explore these journal prompts!

This blog post is all about journal prompts to get to know yourself

Journaling is the BEST way to get to know yourself

You really don’t have to do anything crazy to learn more about yourself! Self discovery doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive, it can be as simple as interviewing yourself. These journal prompts to get to know yourself are designed to ask you meaningful personal questions so you can learn your deepest truest self.

Using journal prompts to get to know yourself is as simple as…

Keeping a journal – well, duh! You’ll want a personal journal to keep all your self discovery notes and journal prompts.
Making time to write – journaling is most effective when done consistently. This can be every day, or when you’re starting out, I suggest at least once or twice a week to catch up with your thoughts. It’s also ideal to find a time of day that always works best for you and stick to it, like first thing in the morning or right before bed.
Choosing just a few prompts at a time to focus on – by all means, you do NOT have to respond to every journal prompt on this list! (But I like to give you options 😉) Just choose a few prompts that interest you the most.
Following your natural train of thought – usually when something comes up in your train of thought, it’s coming up for a reason! Just jot down your thoughts as they flow and translate anything in your mind onto the paper.

What questions to ask yourself while journaling?

Aside from the journal prompts to get to know yourself in this post, you also want to ask yourself questions like:

How did my childhood upbringing influence who I am today?
Is there anything I’m sensitive about? Why am I especially sensitive about that thing?
What helps my growth? What hinders my growth?
What could I let go of that no longer serves me?
What kind of lifestyle or environment do I thrive in?

There are honestly endless questions you could ask yourself when self-discovering. But these prompts will help you get started!

110+ Journal Prompts to Get to Know Yourself

You’re in for a great personal Q&A session! These journal prompts to get to know yourself will help with your self-reflection skills, love and relationships, work and career, personal growth and goals, personality traits, your past and future self, and your emotions and mindset!

You won’t wanna forget these journal prompts! Pin them for later!

Journal Prompts for Self-Reflection

1. What are the positive ways you’ve changed over the last five or ten years?

Think about: How have you grown as a person? What are the life skills you’ve gained?

Feeling more confident in my competency has been an overarching theme that I gained as I exited my teen years. I remember when I first started working, learning how to drive, and navigating the adult world I genuinely felt so incompetent and completely uncomfortable with these things.

But as I’ve had more exposure to them, I naturally began to feel more confident and comfortable doing “adult” things.

2. How can you fill your own cup first before giving yourself to others?

Think about: What needs need to be met for you to give your energy to others? Think of a time when you gave yourself to others, but still felt anxious and unfulfilled. Why was that?

I think back to times where I’ve extended myself to others when I’ve had too much on my plate. For example, say I had a lot I needed to get done, but someone needed my help, so I agreed to help. While helping the other person, I couldn’t stop fixating on what I needed to get done in my own life, so I wasn’t fully present in giving them the help they asked for.

For me, it’s important to tackle my daily tasks or resolve something I am stressed about first.

3. What do you value most in life?

Think about: What has made you the happiest? What qualities about your life do you like? What qualities do you yearn for or wish you had in your life?

I value my free time, working to achieve what I really want, and gaining new experiences.

I don’t think I would thrive well in a demanding job that requires long hours, therefore lessening my free time. However, I find it worth it to put in the effort to achieve something I really want and be consistent. And with new experiences, each one creates a new memory and helps me feel like I am living my life to the fullest.

Understanding your values is probably one of the most important journal prompts for getting to know yourself!

4. What advice might your future self give you today?

Think about: Do you worry about things that might not matter in the long run? Have you mastered “living in the moment” or is it something you struggle with?

Oftentimes when we think back to different parts of our lives, we recognize that we worried about things that really don’t matter in the long run. Or, conversely, we were too worried about the future to focus on the present moment, therefore neglecting the good things that happened to us at the time.

5. What does my life seem to lack? How can I change my mindset around this?

Think about: Evaluate all areas of your life. Are there some areas that you’re less than satisfied with? Can you do anything to change them? If not, how can you work on accepting them?

With the impact COVID-19 has had on our lives, there might be certain areas, such as our social lives, that might not look the way we want them to.

First, you can consider if problem-solving is an option. With the social example, maybe you can try meeting friends online or reconnect with old friends. If there’s nothing you can do about it, focus on accepting it. The situation may be temporary–not reflective of your life even a few years from now. You may be able to work on enhancing other areas of your life to fixate less on what is unsatisfactory.

6. What things have been inspiring you lately?

Think about: Different topics, TV shows, or books you’ve read that have caught your interest. Times you’ve seen someone do something awesome and wished you could do it too.

I’ve had a pretty steady basis for what inspires me. Namely dance, writing, and psychology. But sometimes, I’ll watch YouTube videos of other people’s lives and get new ideas based on what inspires them!

You’ve probably seen those people with a calming morning routine, healthy breakfast, and focused mindset–looking so put-together. It can inspire me to want the same for myself.

7. What are some things you like about yourself?

Think about: Traits that make you a good friend, your skills, your temperament, your ambitions.

I feel that I welcome openness in my friends and am there for them to express anything to.

When I put my mind to something, I am really determined to stick to it and achieve my goals.

I like helping others understand themselves better and provide people with information that is useful to them (hence the point of this blog).

8. What would you do if you were brave enough?

Think about: This could be as big as skydiving or as small as striking up a conversation with someone you’re interested in. What about the event is holding you back? What emotions do you feel when envisioning yourself in the event?

A lot of my “if I were brave enough” thoughts have to do with my social anxiety. For example, I think I would enjoy teaching and leading a dance class, but it makes me really nervous to be that “in charge.” What if I’m awkward? What if I’m not good at it?

And if there’s something you really want to push past your fears on, assess what actions you can take to ease those fears.

9. What is something empowering that you’ve done?

Think about: Times you’ve done something you were proud of or when you did what was best for yourself.

For me, this relates similarly to the last prompt about being brave. The way I went about meeting my boyfriend was empowering for me.

I had the bright idea to head to a Starbucks and if a cute boy happened to be there, I would write my name and number on a sticky note and give it to him. So when he walked in and sat two seats over from me, that’s exactly what I did!

Seeing that it worked out and that we’ve been together for almost three years now, I can’t thank myself enough for taking the plunge and doing something WAY outside my comfort zone. Knowing that my actions were responsible for my relationship coming about feels empowering.

10. Make a list of everything you’ve accomplished

Think about: Academic achievements, job promotions, improvement in your mental health, places you’ve visited, and life milestones.

I’m proud that I got my bachelor’s degree, maintained a good GPA, went from working in fast food to an office job, made traveling to cool places a priority, got my first apartment, and gained more coping skills! Sometime we downplay our accomplishments, so this is one of my favorite journal prompts for getting to know yourself because it allows you to recognize your successes!

Journal Prompts to Get to Know Yourself PDF

If you wish you had guided journal prompts conveniently bundled just for you to help with tough thoughts and emotions, you’ve got to check out my printable mental health journal!

It’s jam-packed with 33 pages of writing prompts and mental activities for understanding your emotions, overcoming unhelpful behaviors, and reframing negative thoughts. A must-have tool for processing your emotions.

GET THE anxiety JOURNAL

Now that you get the gist…here are even more journal prompts to get to know yourself!

Personal Growth and Goals

Do you believe in everyone having a “purpose” in life? What do you think yours may be?
What gets you feeling most motivated?
What is your biggest priority in your life at this time?
How much do you prioritize wellness and a healthy lifestyle? What could you do better?
In what area of your life do you think you could go easier on yourself?
In what area of your life do you think you need to push yourself harder?
Which bad habit do you wish to break most?
Which good habit do you want to do more of?
What would your most ideal life consist of?
If you could only achieve one thing before you die, what would it be?
Are you happy with the way your life is headed? What would you change if you could?
What are some common types of negative self-talk you say to yourself? How can you reframe these?
Are there any limiting beliefs currently holding you back in your personal growth?
When was the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone and what was the outcome?
If you could only achieve one thing in the next year, what would it be? What can you do on a daily or weekly basis to keep consistently working towards this?

Personality Traits

Do you feel energized by social situations or do you need a lot of time alone?
What is your biggest pet peeve?
Do you have an addictive or obsessive personality?
Are you impulsive or do you take time to think over decisions?
What are your favorite things to do for fun?
How do you tackle a problem? Do you tend to avoid it or tackle it head on?
Do you make most of your choices based off emotion or logic?
How do you think people in your life describe you?
What personality trait or skill are you most proud of?
Are you more of a conventional or unconventional person? In what ways?
Do you prefer living a quiet suburban/rural life or a bustling city life?
How have your personality traits influenced your interactions with others?
Describe a time where a positive personality trait of yours had a positive impact on others.
What is a specific personality trait you admire seeing in others? Why do you admire it?
Is there anything you can do to work on achieving this personality trait yourself?
What are 5 things you are content with about how your personality has grown?

Your Past and Future Self

How was your transition into adulthood?
What is the biggest way you’ve changed between your teen years and now?
Think of a significant event from the past that’s shaped you in some way. What did you learn from it?
How did this significant event shape your beliefs or worldview?
What are the best pieces of advice you’d give to your younger self when they were struggling the most?
What personality traits, qualities, and values does your ideal future self have?
Is there any way you hope to contribute to the world in the future? Describe.
How do you see yourself growing and evolving in the next 5-10 years?
How have your goals and aspirations shifted in the last 5-10 years?
Do your current habits, goals, and intentions align with your future self?
What steps can you take to get closer to where you want to be?
Do you have any regrets or mistakes from the past? How do you view these now?
How can you learn to make more positive choices in the future as a result of what you’ve learned from the past?
How has your belief system and values evolved with age?
What do you hope to have accomplished in 10 years?
At what age do you think you’ll be “fully established” in life? Do you think there ever is such a time?
Vent any fears or insecurities you have about your future self. How can these be addressed?
What can you do right now to look out for your future self?
What kind of progress have you made in your personal growth from the beginning of your journey to now? How can you continue to build on this progress?

Your Emotions and Mindset

What is your biggest regret?
In what ways are you resilient in your life?
How has your idea of what it means to “be content” changed over the years?
What ways do you feel stuck right now?
Are you self sabotaging yourself in any way?
How do you feel about money? Do you manage your money well or is it a struggle?
How do you feel about your home? Are you content or dissatisfied with it?
What is the best way for you to unplug?
What is your favorite self care activity?
Do you have a lot of dreams at night? What do you think dreams mean?
What do you think about society and the notion that we all should go to college, work a 9-5, settle down, and have a family?
Name 5 little things that never fail to light you up with joy.

Love and Relationships

What is your personal definition of love?
What does love look like in different areas of your life?
Reflect on your current or previous most meaningful relationship. What did it teach you?
What were/are the positives and negatives of your current/last relationship?
What are your non-negotiables in a romantic relationship?
What are your non-negotiables in a friendship?
What are your most ideal expectations/desires in a romantic relationship?
How have these expectations and desires evolved over time?
What would your #1 most ideal romantic partner be like, in terms of values, qualities, and personality traits?
What did you/do you appreciate most about your current/last partner?
What are some challenges in your current or previous relationship?
Write a letter to your future self about the kind of relationship you aspire to have one day.
What are your love languages and why are they so valuable to you?
Do you have any negative beliefs or patterns that impact your current/last relationship?
What are a few ways you can work on yourself to become a better partner?
Reflect on a memorable moment in a relationship that’s impacted your life (romantic, platonic, or familial).
What boundaries do you need to get better at enforcing in the relationships in your life?
Which type of relationships are you focusing on most right now and why? (Romantic, platonic, familial).
What are your thoughts on marriage?
What are your thoughts on children? Do you feel pressure or excitement about this topic?

Work and Career

What type of work do you know is absolutely not for you?
What type of aspects about a work environment do you thrive in?
Does the profession you’re in/trying to get in align with what you really wish you could do? Why or why not?
What are your long-term career goals? Do they reflect your truest passions?
What steps do you still need to take to get you on track to your dream career?
Reflect on where you are currently at in your professional life. What do you enjoy and dislike about this phase of it?
What are some challenges you’re currently facing in your career?
What are some areas for improvement in your skillset?
Do you have a “dream” career? If not, what are your opinions about the idea of having a dream career?
Thinking about the career path you’d most like to pursue, what makes it so appealing to you?
What are your core values in life? How do they align with what you do for work?
Do you feel like work takes up too much of your energy/life? Vent your feelings.
What strengths or skills do you bring to the table in your professional life?
Reflect on an accomplishment so far in your career. How did you get there? Did you ever imagine yourself getting there?
Reflect on a career setback. How did it impact you, and what emotions did you have about it?
What was the biggest lesson you learned from that setback?
What leaves you feeling motivated and inspired about work?
Do you have a healthy work-life balance? If not, what can you change to create this?
Do you feel like you have good leadership skills? Have you had the opportunities to build these skills?

FAQs About Journaling for Self Discovery

Next steps: how can I start journaling?

Here’s my best advice for anyone who’s always thought about journaling, but never found a way to stick to the habit.

Start small – the biggest mistake many people make is getting overly excited and committing to too much. If you never journal, it’s going to be hard to go from never journaling to journaling everyday. Pick 1-2 days a week at the same time of day to begin with.
Use journal prompts – this is exactly why I created these journal prompts to get to know yourself! If you’re a newbie journaler, there’s nothing more intimidating than staring at a blank page. Make things easy for yourself and take prompts from the experts!
Follow your flow – if your train of thought is all over the place and doesn’t make a ton of sense, no worries! Just run with it! You aren’t writing an essay or a novel, where you’re relying on the approval from others. Just follow wherever that brain of yours takes you.

How to use journal prompts effectively

When you journal, you want to make sure you’re getting the most out of what you’re putting down on paper. Try these steps to make sure you’re reflecting on yourself in the best way possible as you journal!

Pick journal prompts that resonate with you – if a prompt looks like it would help bridge a gap in your knowledge about yourself, use it! It also helps to journal with a certain goal in mind. Ask yourself what exactly it is you want to learn about yourself?
Romanticize the act of journaling – like setting the mood, lighting a candle, putting on chill instrumental music…the whole nine yards! Curating your environment to put you in the appropriate headspace is a big help.
Just write – I suggest setting a timer for 10 or 15 minutes and as soon as the timer is set, just write! It doesn’t matter if it’s perfect, or if it even makes sense. You want to take the pressure off of yourself because journaling isn’t supposed to look a certain way! Simply reinforcing the habit of writing is a good goal to start with.
Allow further questions to pop up – one journal prompt might have you coming up with a few related prompts all on your own. You may want to dig into the “why?” behind your answer, or reflect on when an opinion, idea, or thought first formed. Go with your flow and lean into whatever additional follow-up questions come up!
Always be looking back – one of the most powerful benefits of journaling is the ability to look back on past entries to track your progress. When journaling for self-discovery, like with these journal prompts to get to know yourself, this is especially useful to see how much more concrete your sense of self becomes over time!
Don’t judge yourself – journaling is personal, private, and doesn’t need to be for anyone else! This is your safe space to explore your thoughts and feelings without fear. Remember that there is no right or wrong. Practice self-acceptance throughout every journal prompt.

With enough practice, you’ll start to see what types of journal prompts work for you and which don’t. You don’t have anything to lose, and you sure have a lot of self-discovery to gain!

Quick benefits of journaling

There are SO many amazing benefits to keeping a regular journal practice. Out of all the ones I found, these are a few of the most eye-opening benefits.

Journaling encourages space from negative thoughts. You’d be surprised at what a release it can be to take those thoughts out of your head and onto the paper in front of you. Instead of letting negative thoughts fester and stay bottled up in your mind, journaling is your chance to distance yourself from them.
It boosts overall immune function and reduces the risk of illness. Researchers found that people who journal for just 20 minutes a day saw benefits like fewer doctors visits, improved immune functioning, and reduced blood pressure! Making journaling great for your mind and body.
Improves your emotional intelligence. The more comfortable you get with journaling, the easier it’ll be to make sense of your feelings and the context involved in them. You’ll get to discover your emotional triggers, strengths, weaknesses, and what is and isn’t good for your mental well-being.

How do you get to know yourself through journaling?

When you have guided prompts specific to uncovering the details of your personality, your likes and dislikes, and the way you think, you’ll definitely get to know yourself. The best way to self-discover is to reflect on all the aspects that make up you!

You probably have a basic idea of some traits about yourself, like whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert or whether you like to work under pressure or you need a laid back environment. But if there’s still some aspects you’re unsure about, using guided journal prompts to get to know yourself like these will help you fill in the gaps!

Before diving in, you gotta have a good journal of course! Below are some really cute options. If you don’t have a dedicated journal already, go get one of these! I really saw a difference in my ability to stay organized and keep focused when I had a notebook reserved just for journaling and nothing else.

Buy on Papier

Get It On Erin Condren

Grab at Rifle Paper Co.

This post was all about journal prompts to get to know yourself

Whether you are new to journaling or just need some new inspiration, these journal prompts can help you discover more about the way you think. The fantastic thing about journaling is that we can track our ups and downs and reflect on how we change and grow through the years, making it a valuable tool.

Using journal prompts to get to know yourself will help you get so much more in touch with who you are. Let me know if these prompts help you accomplish that!

Self care is one of the best ways to connect with yourself. Grab my (free!) daily self care check in below and incorporate a little self care into your morning and night routines!

More Journal Prompts to Get to Know Yourself

70 Easy and Fun Journal Prompts for Beginners

35 Future Self Journal Prompts for Becoming Your Best Self

80 Motivating Self Improvement Journal Prompts

52 Journal Prompts for Self Love to Empower Yourself

Like these journal prompts to get to know yourself? Pin them for later!

One Comment

Vicki says:
February 2, 2021 at 6:46 pm
Kudos to Alexa! This writing is in depth and far reaching to help us understand who we are as the auther coaxing us to take time out for ourselves and understanding priorities!! The author of this writing is in tune to emotional development and probing the questions that help us to figure out how we exist and grow. Well done.