10 Journal Prompts that Will Expand Your Thinking

Journaling is a great way to express your feelings and reflect on your day. However, when you've been journaling for a long time, the banal entry of what you did today and what you thought about it might feel a little too repetitive. Once this happens, it's a good idea to try some journaling prompts. These can get you thinking about different aspects of your life that don't occur in your day-to-day experiences. Prompts can also be beneficial, because it can allow you the chance to write about a point-of-view you have that you can reflect on later in your life.

Who am I today?

This is a great starting prompt, because there's so much you can put into it. You can write about the kind of clothes you're wearing, the kind of music you like, your views on the world, and who your best friends are. These are things that don't necessarily seem very interesting now, but in five years when you look back, it'll give you an interesting peak at who you once were and you'll be able to reflect on how you've grown.

What are my hobbies?

This journal prompt is more immediately beneficial, because by writing down your hobbies and what you enjoy doing, you might think of some talent you've been neglecting lately. It's also helpful, because if you don't have many hobbies, you might want to pick up some more to expand your horizons and grow as a person.

Describe an ideal day.

This journal prompt will give you a chance to write about your perfect day then see how close it is to your daily activities. Reflecting on this might spur some change in your life, as you might want to alter your daily activities to include more things that relax you or make you happy.

Where do I see myself in 10 years?

This is an awesome prompt, because it will give you some time to really think about what you want in your future. It'll allow you to describe who you want to be and visualize the steps to get there. When life gets hectic it's hard to see past what your doing in the coming week, much less a year from now. But perhaps writing this will make you change how you utilize your time and navigate your life in a new direction.

How do I feel about myself and why?

This reflective prompt can help you if you've been feeling particularly negative, whether it's stemming from situations or a poor self image. Write down how you've been feeling about yourself and your life then describe why. Sometimes writing these things down help us see problems more clearly and a solution will arise mid-prompt.

Who do I care most about in my life?

Sometimes when we get caught up with life (going to school, working, volunteering, friends), we lose sight of those most important to us and forget to show them how much we care. So take some time to write down who you care about the most. Thinking about how great they are may cause you to consider how much time you've spent with them lately. Perhaps a phone call or lunch date is in order? Relationships are a huge part of life and staying happy.

What are my short-term goals?

This is a great prompt, because there's often a difference between who we are and who we want to be. Making some short term goals and writing them down makes it more likely that you'll achieve them. In addition, having it dated will allow you to keep track of when your goal started and when you want to complete it by. Try making a list then once you've completed most of them, make another. Continue to grow and learn. Expand your horizons.

What are some ideas I'd like to expand upon?

Do you have an idea for a business? Perhaps some decorating ideas you don't want to forget? Any ideas that pop into your head and you don't want to forget can be written down in this entry. Maybe later you'll have additional information that could make your idea come to life!

List the books you're reading this year.

Many people set the New Years Eve resolution or general goal of reading more books. Sometimes it's hard to keep track of which ones you've read and how many you've gone through. So instead of trying to keep a mental note, designate a page that will be used to list out all of the books you've read this year. It's helpful in achieving your goals and years later, you'll be able to look back at the kind of books you liked reading.

If I could travel anywhere, where would it be?

This can be considered another goal-oriented prompt or it could just give you some time to transport yourself to your dream destination. All of us have dreams and desires to achieve during our lifetimes and traveling is such a beautiful, eye-opening experience. Describe the country you'd like to visit and the things you'd like to do. You can even include things like foods you'd like to try and special places you'd like to see.