New Year Journaling Prompts

Let these new year journaling prompts help you to better envision a bright future. Grab a pen and some paper because it’s time to get to work.

The time around a new year is often a collective moment to pause, reflect and aspire. The end of one year symbolizes closure and a definite endpoint for evaluation.

Of course, you don’t have to wait for a near year to give yourself a fresh start, but there’s no time quite like it!

 
 

Reflection on the past year

These specific new year journaling prompts can help you truly see where you currently are in life. You’ve got to know where you are now to figure out where you’re going tomorrow. In order to grow, you must look back first. It’s often in retrospect that we can most clearly see our recurring patterns.
 
What were the greatest highlights?

Write about one of your favorite memories from this past year.

What were the biggest lessons?

What media did you consume? (movies, TV, books)

What is something that has changed about your life in the past year?

Did you learn anything new about yourself?

What would you like to leave in the past, and why?

How was your mental health?

How was your physical health?

What things did you feel most grateful for?

What is something new you tried?

What are some small things that brought you joy?

What obstacles or challenges did you face?

How did you practice self-care?

Did some of your relationships evolve or change?

Is there someone you need to forgive? Is it yourself?

Where did you spend most of your time?

How well did you take care of yourself?

Reflect on a mistake you made and what you learned.

Describe the past year in 3 words.
 
 

 
 

Where you are now

First we looked back, now it’s time to look in the mirror. This set of new year journaling prompts is about understanding your current position and becoming more self-aware. It’s important to be honest with yourself when you’re answering these prompts so you know exactly where you’re starting from.

What are your current priorities?

Can you identify any limiting beliefs you’re holding on to? How can you reframe them?

Rate your satisfaction on a scale of 1-10 for these aspects of your life:

Relationships –
Finances –
Career –
Health –
Spiritual –

What are some of your greatest strengths?

What are some of your biggest weaknesses?

Describe your current state of mind.

Describe your daily routine.

Does it align with your priorities and goals?

Are you happy with your physical environment? (home or work place)

How are your energy levels?

What is currently sparking your excitement?

Rate your physical health.

Rate your mental health.
 
 

 
 

Looking ahead to the new year

Now it’s time to establish a clear vision for your new year. Clarity is key. Without it you may end up feeling lost and indecisive. You can’t set specific plans or goals without knowing what you really want. When you’re writing about the year ahead you want to also be visualizing the outcomes you desire. Picture yourself a year from now and what you’ve done to make yourself feel fulfilled.

What are your biggest goals?

What are some smaller goals?

How can you make it easier to stay motivated and consistent?

What are some new adventures you’d like to experience?

What is something you’ve always wanted to do, but have never made the time for?

What are some skills you’d like to acquire?

Set a word or theme for what you want this new year to be like.

What new habits do you want to start?

What habits do you want to quit?

How can you make yourself a priority?

What do you want to change?

What do you want to stay the same?

What are you looking forward to?

How can you maintain a positive attitude even when it’s difficult?

What are some steps you can take now to move closer to your ideal life?
 
 

 
 

 
Completing these new year journaling prompts is a great way to kick-start your new personal growth journey. The three different kinds of prompts help you evaluate the past, embrace the present and shape a bright future for yourself.

I encourage you to respond to these prompts with pen and paper, instead of typing it on your phone or computer. Let me know which of these prompts felt the most meaningful to you in a comment below!