Whether you choose to journal in the morning while sipping your late, or in the evening before hitting the pillow, it’s a great way to sift through your thoughts and do some self-reflection. Journaling doesn’t need to be anything complicated. These journaling prompts for beginners are the perfect way to get started.
You may prefer to write in a decorative notebook. Or, you may find yourself more comfortable jotting down your thoughts in a regular old composition book. Personally, I like to go all out with colorful pens.
So where do you start? Well, it’s completely up to you! Sometimes you may find yourself staring at a bare page defeated by writer’s block. It happens to the best of us. This can definitely be frustrating.
Here, I want to share some journaling prompts that are great for beginners. These prompts will help you get the creative juices circulating in your brain. Before you know it, you may find yourself with pages that are completely full! I’ve used many of these prompts myself and found them to be a great way to get motivated.
64 Journaling Prompts For Beginners
1. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
This is a good prompt for thinking ahead. It’s very possible that you don’t have a clear vision of where you want to be in 5 years. Not many people do! If you start with this prompt, you may discover things you didn’t even know you wanted for your future. To make this prompt easier, start by thinking of where you are now and what things you would like to change going forward.
2. Where would you prefer to be right now, and why?
Whether it’s a sunny beach, your best friend’s house, or a former vacation spot, there may be some place you’d rather be. Start by thinking of a place that makes you happy. Why does it bring you joy? What are the smells, noises, and feelings associated with this place? Are you alone or with other people? Describe the place you would rather be in great detail and transport yourself back. Or, describe a place you’ve never been and imagine everything it would be!
3. If you could be a character in any story, who would you choose to be?
Books and stories can quickly transport us to other worlds. That is the magic of them! Is there a story you love to get lost in? If you could be any character in that story, who would it be? What personality traits does the character have that you admire? Where does the character live, and what does a typical day look like for them?
4. What is my happiest memory?
It isn’t always a simple task to choose a favorite memory. Maybe you have more than one, and that’s okay. The purpose of this prompt is to reflect on some of your favorite moments. What was it about these moments that made us happy? Describe the environment by using all five of your senses.
5. What is your biggest fear, and why?
We all have fears that may sneak up from time to time, but we don’t always understand why we fear them. This prompt may encourage you to dive deep into your subconscious to analyze your fears. Sometimes, writing things out is an excellent way to change your perspective. It may be true that your fears aren’t so scary after all.
6. Who was the best teacher you’ve ever had?
The best teachers have a way of leaving impressions on us for life. Is there a teacher you had that really made an imprint on you? I know I did. Chances are, they may have popped into your head right away. Where do you think that teacher is now? If you could see them today and talk to them, what would you say? You can even expand on this prompt by writing a letter to that teacher that you never plan to send.
7. If you could spend the day with anyone, who would it be? (alive or dead)
This journaling prompt is fun because it allows us to explore the possibility of spending the day with anyone we choose, even if they are not around anymore! Would you spend the day with a celebrity? Perhaps there is a deceased relative you would like to meet. What kinds of things would you do during the day? Where would you eat? What would you want to talk about? You can expand this prompt by choosing to spend the day with a fictional character.
8. Is it possible to buy happiness?
This journaling prompt is great for beginners because it doesn’t require us to be too personal. Most people say that money cannot buy happiness, but what do you really think? If money was truly no object, what would you do and how would your life be different?
9. What is your favorite movie, and why?
Similar to books, movies have a way of transporting us to new places and worlds. Is there a movie you think about on a regular basis? Do you relate to any of the specific characters? Maybe you even have some fond memories of watching the movie with a close friend or family member.
10. What is your favorite holiday?
The holidays can bring out a variety of emotions in us. Most of us have a favorite holiday that we look forward to every year. Do you enjoy opening gifts around the tree at Christmas? Maybe you have fond memories of dressing up with all your siblings at Halloween. Use this journaling prompt to explore your favorite holiday and the reasons you prefer it.
11. If you could be invisible for one day, where would you go?
The thought of being invisible is exciting and fun. If you could be invisible for one day, is there someone you would want to see? Is there a particular place you would want to go unnoticed? This is a creative journaling prompt for beginners. How much time would have to pass for you to tire of being invisible?
12. What makes you feel safe?
There are some things in life that make us feel secure. Maybe it’s a person you know, or even an inanimate object you’ve had since childhood. I had a stuffed rabbit that I carried with me everywhere. Describe whatever makes you feel safe and the reasons why. How would you feel if this person or object was no longer in your life? Is the object replaceable? Sometimes, it is something as simple as a familiar scent that makes us feel comfortable and protected.
13. If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
This is a fun question that often gets asked when we are young. It also makes a great journaling prompt. Your answer now may differ from when you were asked as a child. What superpower would you choose, and what kinds of things would you do with it?
14. What is one thing you wish you could learn, and why?
Is there a foreign language, musical instrument, or skill you wish you could learn? There could even be multiple things you would like to learn. You can take this prompt even further by discussing a skill you can never learn (such as magic or flying). After exploring this prompt, you may even find yourself interested in trying a new hobby.
15. What is your favorite season of the year, and why?
Not every part of the world is lucky enough to experience the changing seasons. If you live somewhere that has seasons, do you have a favorite? Write about the scents, sounds, and feelings that accompany the season. You can even elaborate on special events that occur during those seasons.
16. What is your idea of a perfect evening?
Everyone has a different idea of what their perfect evening would be. Would you stay inside and watch your favorite movie, or would you rather be out somewhere else? In this journaling prompt, you can discuss your perfect evening with as much detail as possible. Talk about the people you would spend this evening with, as well as the feelings you will experience.
17. If your pet could talk, what would you chat about?
If you have a pet at home, you probably have imagined that it could talk at some point. Who hasn’t? What would your pets voice sound like? What things would you like to know about your pet? This is a fun, creative journaling prompt that is a great way for beginners to get their creative juices flowing.
18. What is the best party you’ve ever been to?
Is there one party you went to that really made an impression? In this journaling prompt, you can explore the atmosphere of the party in great detail. What made it the best party? Maybe it was the people you met, or even the food that was served. Do you think you will ever experience a party in the future quite like it?
19. If you owned a store, what would you sell?
Who hasn’t daydreamed about owning a store in their life? What kinds of things would you sell? What would the store look like? Maybe you visited a store in the past that you really admired and would like to own. Where would you set up shop?
20. Do you believe in ghosts?
Some of us have ghost stories, and some of us don’t. This is a fun journaling prompt where we can talk about a spooky experience we may have had. Maybe you believe in ghosts because a close friend had an encounter and told you all about it. If you saw a ghost, what would you do?
21. What was the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?
Think of the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you. What was it? How did it make you feel? Maybe your partner surprised you with a night out when you needed it most. Maybe your mom cooked you your favorite meal when you were sick. These are the moments worth appreciating.
22. How do you think others perceive you?
It’s not always comfortable to think about what other people think of us. It’s interesting how much our individual perceptions of ourselves differ from the perceptions others have of us. Think about what your friends or coworkers might say if they were asked to describe you in detail. Or, think about what your best friend would say if he or she were asked to give an honest description of how they see you.
23. If you could be famous for one thing, what would it be?
Think about what your passion is and how you would like the world to perceive you. What would you want to be famous for? Would it be for your work, your art, or even your cooking skills?
24. If you won $10 million tomorrow, what would you do with your share?
Everyone ponders what they would do if they won large sums of money. There are some practical things that probably come to mind. You might buy a new house or work on repairs for your current one. How would wealth actually transform you? Would you do things differently if you were not worried about money?
25. What is your greatest achievement so far, and why?
Is there an achievement in your life that you are particularly proud of? It could be something related to work, school, art, or even something in your personal life. What was your motivation behind it? This is a great prompt for looking back and acknowledging accomplishments.
26. What makes you feel powerful?
Different things make people feel powerful for different reasons. For some, it’s a competitive sport, while for others it may new and exciting creative ventures. Think about what makes you feel powerful and how that has been truly meaningful in your life.
27. If you were given one chance to change something about yourself, what would it be and why?
Sometimes feeling unhappy with yourself is about more than just your appearance. It can be something a bit deeper, like how you handle conflict or approach relationships. Think about what would improve in your life if you were given the opportunity to change one single thing.
28. What is your favorite book, and why?
There is a reason why we read books. Some people want to learn, some want to escape their world, and others just want to be inspired in some way. What book has had the greatest impact on you and why?
29. If time stopped for one day, what would you do with the extra time?
We all have 24 hours in a day which is a scary thought sometimes. How are you using your time? If time stopped suddenly, what would you do with the extra time you had?
30. If you could become best friends with anyone, who would it be and why?
If you could become best friends with anyone, who would you choose? We all people we admire or look up to. What about that person would make them a good friend?
31. When was the last time you cried, and why?
From happiness to grief, there are many reasons people cry. Reflect on the last time you cried and the reasons behind it.
32. What is your idea of perfect happiness?
What does happiness mean to you? Is it the warm embrace of your loved ones and pets when you arrive home? Is it the triumph after working hard on a project you never thought you would finish? Is it the silence and calm that comes with a day off – finally!? Is it leisurely reading a book in your bed? Reflect on what perfect happiness means to you.
33. Who is someone you admire, and why?
Perhaps you admire a family member, a historical figure, or your best friend. Who is the person you admire most and what qualities do you appreciate in them?
34. What is your most prized possession?
You might consider this an object that you could never part with. Maybe it’s a gift, maybe it’s meaningful to you, or maybe it was passed down to you.
35. What do you want to be remembered for after you die?
One day, your life will come to an end. When that time comes, how do you want people to remember you? What legacy would you like to leave behind?
36. What was the most embarrassing moment of your life?
When you look back on a moment in your life, what was the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you? What do you remember feeling at the time and what emotions did you have?
37. If you could change your name, what would it be?
Would you take a family member’s name? Would you take your favorite author’s name or the name of a character you love?
38. What makes you feel loved?
Feeling loved is about more than just someone giving you a gift or spending quality time with you. It’s the feeling that people really understand you and appreciate you for who you actually are. Reflect on what makes you feel loved and how that has been meaningful in your own life.
39. What is the biggest risk you’ve ever taken, and why?
What is the biggest risk that you have ever taken and why was it significant to you?
40. What are your favorite smells, and why?
Have you ever thought about why certain smells are appealing? The smell of chocolate chip cookies baking in the oven… yes please! Or, maybe it’s the fruit trees that grow by your house. If you could bottle up a certain smell, what would it be?
41. If you could take back one thing you’ve said or done, what would it be and why?
We’ve all have said or done things we regret. Maybe you regret a comment that came off as a bit insensitive and now your friend barely speaks to you. Or, perhaps you did something mean to someone else. Think about if there is something you could take back and why it would make a difference in your life.
42. If you could be reunited with anyone, who would it be?
If you could be reunited with anyone in the world, who would it be? Would you choose a family member or an old friend?
43. What are you grateful for, and why?
Take time to reflect on what you are thankful for and why it brings you happiness. If you need ideas, check out 500 things to be grateful for.
44. What does unconditional love mean to you?
Unconditional love means many different things to different people. Some may think of unconditional love as what they have for their family, friends, or even pets. How does this compare to the love you’ve experienced in your own romantic life? How do you feel when others love you unconditionally? Do you think that there is a difference between the love for a partner and the love for a pet?
45. What makes you feel connected to others?
Most people want to feel like they are connected. It could be a social connection or the intimacy of friendships or romantic relationships. Think about makes you feel connected to other people.
46. What is your favorite memory from childhood?
Is there a memory from your childhood you love? Childhood is a great time to reflect on for a new perspective. What is this memory and why do you consider it your absolute favorite?
47. What is the most important relationship in your life?
Throughout your entire life, you will be influenced by many different people. Some of these people might be friends, family members, romantic partners, mentors, or co-workers. So, who are some of the most influential people in your life?
48. What are you passionate about?
Most of us have passions and hobbies we are interested in. For some, it is a hobby or something they do for fun. For others, it’s a career or cause that really inspires them. Reflect on what makes you passionate in your life.
49. What is your favorite memory with your family?
Family relationships are unique. Do you have a favorite memory that you share with your immediate or extended family? Does this memory influence the relationships you have today?
50. What is a moment in time where you felt like you were at your very best?
Its normal to have moments in your life where you felt like you were really operating at your best. It’s those moments when you are truly in the zone. Whether you were completely focused on solving a problem at work, or playing with your children. What is your favorite time where you felt you were at your very best?
51. What are some of your personal ethics or values?
Personal ethics and values are our ideas of what is truly right and wrong. Reflect on your own personal ethics and values. What was the experience that influenced your decision to adopt these values?
52. What does success mean to you?
Success means a lot of different things, depending who you are. For some, achieving goals is the ultimate measure of success. For others, it’s the ability to live a happy and rewarding life, or a life of freedom. How do you personally define success?
53. What makes you feel insecure?
Sometimes, insecurity lies within your career or even your physical appearance. Think about what makes you feel insecure and the reasons why. How does this insecurity affect your daily life?
54. What makes a good friend?
What are some of the qualities that you look for in a friend? Is there anything you value more than others when it comes to friendship?
55. What is your deepest fear?
Some fears may be more universal than others (spiders, anyone?). Think about your deepest fear and why this makes you fearful. How do you tend to confront or cope with your fear?
56. What are the most important lessons you’ve learned so far?
Different events in life can shape our perspective of the world and the way we go about our lives. What are the most important lessons that you have learned in life so far? How did these moments influence your current beliefs and ideas?
57. How have your relationships shaped you?
We all have influential relationships in our lives, big and small. Some of these relationships might be with family members, friends, romantic partners, or even mentors or co-workers. Reflect on how these relationships have shaped you as a person.
58. What is your passion?
Do you have an interest that makes you excited to wake up in the morning? What is your true passion? How did you develop this interest?
59. What are some of the best and worst things about today’s world?
The world is an amazing place, yet it also has some inherent flaws. What are some of the best and worst things about today’s world and how does this impact your daily life?
60. What makes you feel empowered?
What makes you feel strong and empowered? What makes you feel this way? Do you ever struggle with feeling powerless in certain situations? Why and how do you overcome this?
61. How do you tend to express your emotions?
It’s normal to have different emotional responses your daily life. We all process emotions in different ways. Some people are naturally more emotionally expressive, while others are more reserved. How do you tend to express your emotions?
62. How do you define comfort?
The idea of comfort is a unique one. Some people derive comfort from their relationships, while others find comfort in their daily routines. What about you?
63. What is the most ridiculous thing you’ve ever done?
Having a sense of adventure is fun. Some people try new things on a daily basis, while others prefer to stick with their cozy routine. What is the most ridiculous thing that you have ever done and how did this situation make you feel?
64. What is your biggest fear for the future?
Fear is a natural human emotion that we all experience at one time or another. We may all have different fears, yet some fears might be more universal than others. Think about your biggest fear for the future, and why this makes you fearful.
If you’re just getting started with journaling, hopefully these prompts will help you overcome writer’s block. Remember, you can journal any way you want to. There are no rules, and that’s what makes it so wonderful!
Other journaling prompts to explore:
Journaling prompts for couples