It’s always time to explore your unique identity. Discover your true self with these 100 thought-provoking journal prompts, designed to help you discover the answer to the most important question: Who am I?
Getting to know yourself is more than our likes and dislikes. If you prefer summer or winter. If you’re a morning and night person. If you like dogs or cats better. But that is not all it takes to truly know yourself.
Getting to truly know yourself is so valuable to a fulfilling life of authenticity and happiness. That said, knowing who you are is often easier said than done. When trying to answer the big question, “Who am I?” it can be overwhelming and confusing. But this is OK!
Discovering oneself is a continuous journey that demands a deep and honest look within, introspection, exploration, and a willingness to be patient. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be a daunting or unsettling task. Instead, it is enjoyable and rewarding.
So pick up your favorite journal and a good pen, and begin your self-discovery journey using these prompts below.
- If you could describe yourself in three words, what would they be? Why?
- How do you feel others would describe you? Does this differ from how you would describe yourself? If so, why?
- What is your favorite non-physical quality about yourself? Why?
- List your core values as a human. How do you live in alignment with these?
- How would you describe your personality as a child? How is it different from how you are now? In what ways is it the same?
- Are you more emotion-driven or logic-driven? Why?
- What personality traits do you admire in others?
- Do you prefer quiet solitude or busyness? Why?
- Describe your ideal self. What characteristics and qualities would your ideal self possess?
- Reflect on your past failures. How have they contributed to your self-identity and personal growth?
- Describe a pivotal moment in your life that changed your perspective on everything. How did it impact your choices and values?
- Write a list of your favorite books, movies, or any piece of art that touched you deeply. What are they? What theme can you find from your list?
- How do you feel your childhood friendships shaped who you have become?
- Are you still in contact with any childhood friends? If so, how have your relationships grown over time? In what ways is it the same?
- How did you imagine your life at this age as a kid? How is it different? In what ways is it the same?
- What is a childhood dream you still hold on to? Why is it important to you?
- What do you feel is your default emotion when reacting to something?
- How do you handle anger?
- In what ways do your emotions hinder the quality of your life?
- In what ways do your emotions take away from the quality of your life?
- Do you have a favorite emotion? If so, why?
- When was the last time you felt true curiosity, awe, or wonder? What provoked this?
- Are you comfortable with vulnerability? Why or why not?
- Write about your relationship with nostalgia. How does it feel to you? Is it a positive or negative sensation?
- How do you deal with shame, guilt, or embarrassment? Describe a time.
- Describe your experience with compassion. How does it show up in your life?
- Are you more compassionate to yourself or to others?
- When was the last time you felt a sense of anticipation or excitement for the future?
- In what ways would you like your life to improve?
- Describe your career aspirations. What do you want to get out of your professional life?
- What are your goals for your future family life? Describe how you want your family to look.
- What is a major obstacle that haven’t yet overcome? Why is this difficult for you?
- What relationship goals do you have? Friendship, family, and partners.
- What negative habits would you like to break?
- Describe your educational goals. What would you like to learn more about?
- List your short-term and long-term goals. Why are they important to you? How are you going to achieve them?
