51 Thought-Provoking Journal Prompts For Self-discovery

Self-discovery is a lifelong journey that never truly ends. That is part of the beauty, after all. When we really take the time to look inward, we begin to understand our true purpose in life.

Self-discovery helps us become more honest not only with ourselves, but other people as well. Journaling is a great exercise for self-reflection (and self-discovery). These thought-provoking journal prompts are a great place to get started.

If you’re new to the practice of journaling, be sure to check out this post with 20 journaling prompts for beginners.

51 Thought-Provoking Journal Prompts For Self-discovery

1. Who do I really enjoy being around?

Think about the people you really prefer to spend time around. You may discover something new about these personalities you surround yourself with.

2. What is the most courageous thing I have ever done?

Courage does not mean the same thing to every single person. There may be a moment in your life that comes to mind right away when you think of courage. It can be a really eye-opening experience to reflect on these moments and all the feelings involved.

3. Why is it difficult for me to make friends?

Making friends isn’t easy. Though, it does seem to come really naturally for some people. Even for people who seem to make friends everywhere they go, it can be a challenge to form relationships that are truly meaningful. If you have difficulty making new friends, try looking inward and reflecting on the reasons this is so. Also, be sure to check out these affirmations for friendship!

4. What makes me nervous?

From public speaking to meeting new people, being nervous is a normal part of life. But, have you ever really thought about the things that make you nervous? The reasons may not be as clear as you would think. Facing out worries in a journal is a good exercise and a simple way to work through your nerves.

5. If I could change one thing about myself, what would it be?

Nobody is one hundred percent happy with themselves, and if they say they are, they’re probably not being honest. There is always room to make positive changes and grow. If you had to narrow it down to one thing you could change about yourself, what would it be and why?

6. What makes me unique?

The beauty of the individual is that everyone is unique. You may have some fun personality quirks that set you apart from your friends and family. Examine these quirks and really think about how you feel about them.

7. What does success mean to me?

The word “success” really does mean something different for everyone that hears it. Are you successful in life? If not, what steps do you need to take to feel successful in your life?

8. What prevents me from living the life I want to live?

It is not uncommon to feel as though there are roadblocks preventing us from living our ideal life. Reflecting on these roadblocks is a great way to really work through them so we can better acheive our goals.

9. Do I consider myself a follower or a leader?

Honestly, there is no right or wrong answer here. Some of us are born as natural leaders, while others really prefer to follow. It takes all types to make the world go around – where do you fall?

10. Who is my biggest role model?

Its normal and healthy to have positive role models and sources of inspirations. Is there someone you look up to on a daily basis? This can be a friend, celebrity, or even a family member. Take some time to reflect on all of the reasons you have a role model and the personality traits that contribute to this decision.

11. What tradition in my family do I appreciate the most?

Family traditions are a wonderful way to bring people together. If you have a unique tradition that your family follows, does it bring you joy? I know my family does special things around the holidays. It can be difficult to pinpoint just one!

12. What is my dream job?

For some, this question may take some time to answer. Is there “dream career” you would absolutely love? What steps would you have to take to make this a reality? Check out these affirmations for landing your dream job.

13. Do I consider myself a lucky person?

I was asked this question at a job interview once, and it really stuck with me. What does luck mean to you? This is a nice way to reflect on whether we consider ourselves blessed with good fortune or not.

14. If I could be anyone in history, who would I choose to be?

It is not uncommon to imagine ourselves living life in someone elses shoes. Some people would really change the course of history forever. I love this prompt because it’s a lot of fun to think about what person in history we would choose to be.

15. If I could be a character in any fictional book, who would it be?

Fictional books are one of my favorite ways to escape the world. Is there a character in a fictional book that you really admire? Think of the personality traits and some of the quirks they have. Do they have any special skills?

16. Where do I want to be in 5-10 years?

Time has a way of flying by before we can really stop to appreciate it. A good way to start this prompt is by examining where you were 5 or 10 years ago. Think of the things you would have done differently. Now, look to the future and imagine where you want to be!

17. If I could be any animal, which would I choose?

This may be a question you were asked in grade school. Some animals fly in the sky, some swim, and some live underground. Instead of thinking of your favorite animal, think of how you would prefer to spend your days.

18. What advice can I give my former self?

Sure, we cannot turn back time, but we can pretend! Imagine going back in time and having the opportunity to speak with a former version of yourself. Think of all the things you would say, and any advice you would give. Also, would you former self even listen to you?

19. How would I describe myself in 3 words?

It can take some time to choose the perfect 3 words to describe yourself. After choosing the words you would use, reflect on why you made the choices you did.

20. Do I like it when people compliment me?

Some people love being complimented, while other people don’t take them as well. I am one of those people that really doesn’t do well with compliments. Perhaps you were given a compliment in your life that really stuck with you, and it changed your perspective. Do you prefer compliments on your appearance or your personality?

21. If I had to give up one of my senses, which would it be?

It certainly isn’t pleasant to imagine giving up our sense of sight or scent. This question can help us discover what we value most in life. Maybe you can’t live without the smell of coffee in the morning. Or, you may value the sound of music a bit more.

22. When am I most productive?

Some people are most productive first thing in the morning right after a fresh cup of coffee. Personally, I find I am most productive around 1:00 in the afternoon after lunch. Is there a time of a day you feel most productive? Figuring this out can help us work our schedules and finish tasks much more efficiently.

23. Do I like to follow the rules?

Typically, rules are in place for a reason. Even if we do not like them. How do you feel about following them? Some of us are naturally inclined to go against the grain and break the rules.

24. What are my vices?

We all have those habits and indulgences that we would rather not talk about because they’re considered unhealthy. What choices do you make under stress, and why? Are there any vices you wish you could replace?

25. Do I embarrass easily?

Have you ever noticed that some people never seem to get embarrassed? I am so jealous of those people! Looking back at our most embarrassing moments can make us cringe. However, it can be really eye-opening to dive in and reflect on the reasons we ever felt shame or nervousness.

26. What is my favorite movie, and why?

Movies have a way of transporting us to another world or place. Almost as good as books do. Does your favorite movie have a strong inspirational message? Could you watch 100 times and never be tired of it?

27. How is my relationship with my parents?

Our relationships with family definitely can change as we grow older. In your younger years, you may have argued with your parents on a regular basis. How is your relationship now? Would you change anything about it?

28. Who is my best friend, and why?

Being a good friend is not easy, and the idea of a good friend means something different for everyone. If you have a best friend, do they consider you their best friend as well? What traits and personality quirks do you really admire in them?

29. How do you feel when it’s your birthday?

It’s not uncommon to experience “the birthday blues”. I certainly do every single year. Other people love their birthday and enjoy celebrating as much as possible with the people close to them. Take some time to reflect on how you feel when your special day comes around.

30. If I had to describe myself as a color, which would I choose?

Colors seem to carry personalities along with them, don’t they? We can see yellow as cheerful and happy, while we may see black as melancholy and sad. Is there a color that pops into your head when you think about your own personality?

31. If I could be invisible, what would I do?

At one point or another, we have all imagined what it may be like to be invisible. It’s fun to imagine what kinds of things you may do if you had this superpower or the places you may go.

32. What inanimate object brings me the most joy?

Family, friends, and pets can all bring us great joy in our life. But, what about inanimate objects? Is there a sentimental object that makes you happy whenever you look at it or think about it? Think of this object and why it brings so much joy.

33. If I could go anywhere right now, where would I go?

This is a fun journaling prompt that can change often. Sometimes, we may wish we were relaxing on a sunny beach and listening to the sounds of the waves. Other times, we may want to be in the middle of a bustling city surrounded by people. Use all of your 5 senses to describe the place you wish you were.

34. What is my hidden talent?

Do you have a hidden talent that would surprise some of your friends? Why do you think you have kept this talent unwraps?

35. What is my biggest secret?

It’s only human to have secrets. Some of them we have had since childhood, while others are brand spankin’ new. What is your biggest secret, and does anyone know about it? How did you feel when you told someone about it?

36. What is my idea of a perfect morning?

The morning can be a beautiful time for self-reflection. It can also be a little hectic and crazy! So, what is your perfect morning? Perhaps you would be at home with your family, or you would stroll to a nearby café in a different city.

37. Do I consider myself a funny person?

Do you make people laugh when you’re not even trying? For some of us, humor comes more naturally than others. Think about what humor means to you and how you incorporate it into your daily life.

38. Which person would I like to see more of?

It can be difficult to keep up with visiting friends and family. Is there a person in your life that you love and wish to spend more time with? Think about what holds you back from seeing them more frequently.

39. How do I act when I don’t feel well?

For some people, being sick really immobilizes us. We curl up in bed and drink tea and blow our nose until it passes. Other people power through and pretend they feel just fine! How do you act when you’re feeling under the weather?

40. What do other people say about me?

While it may not be possible to know for certain how other people feel about us, it can be really fun to guess. Try stepping out of your comfort zone and taking on an outside perspective.

41. What is the weirdest dream I’ve ever had?

Have you ever woken up and remembered a strange dream you had the night prior? I know I do almost every night. Is there one particular dream that was so strange you’ll never forget it?

42. What do I consider my greatest achievement?

Achievements are like milestones in our life. It’s so rewarding to look back and see all the things we have accomplished. Do you have an achievement that stands out as being the most memorable?

43. How do I practice self-care?

Self-care is an important part of both your physical and mental health. How do you practice self-care? and, are there any ways you can improve your practices?

44. If I could spend the day with someone famous, who would it be?

Have you ever imagined spending the day with a celebrity that you admire? This is a fun journaling prompt because it lets you live out that fantasy in your head. Imagine the places you would go and the conversations you would have.

45. What is my favorite holiday, and why?

Holidays hold special memories and traditions. Everyone has a favorite. Think about yours and why you chose it to be your favorite.

46. How have I stepped out of my comfort zone recently?

Stepping out of your comfort zone is incredibly challenging. If you stepped out of your comfort zone recently, describe the experience in great detail. Think about what you did, how you felt, and how other people around you reacted.

47. Am I introverted or extroverted?

This may seem like a simple question, but it can really open the doors to self-discovery. Do you find yourself energized when you are in the company of others? Perhaps you recharge better when you are alone. Think of the reasons you consider yourself an introvert or an extrovert.

48. Am I a competitive person?

Some people don’t have a competitive bone in their body. They can play games or sports and it doesn’t matter if they win or lose. In fact, they may not even want to keep track! Other people may take family game night much too seriously. Where do you fall on the competitive scale?

49. What am I most grateful for?

Practicing gratitude can uplift our moods and bring us joy. Is there something that stands out when you see the word “grateful”?

50. What is my biggest regret?

Regret is a difficult emotion. These experiences can change us and shape us into different people. Think of your biggest regret and how your life may be different if you chose a different path.

51. What new habit do I wish to form?

Forming good habits isn’t easy, and it takes a lot of time! There is a reason people choose a “new year’s resolution”. What new habits do you wish to form in your life, and what steps will you take to form them?

I hope these journaling prompts spark creativity and motivation in your writing. Self-discovery is an amazing process that lasts a lifetime.

Never stop striving to be the best version of yourself. It’s important to always try and progress towards your goals and the person you would like to be.