Journal Prompts for the New Year
The new year is a perfect time to set intentions and do some deep thinking. Try some of these journal prompts for the new year during your next journaling sessions.
Of all the tools that I keep in my mental health toolbox, journaling is a favorite.
I think of my journal as a completely safe, non-judgemental friend who is there to listen and be a container for whatever I need to share or process.
And looking back over all of the journals I’ve filled in my lifetime, I have a documented history of ups, downs, challenges, breakthroughs, and everything in between.
Psst — before you get the journal prompts, be sure to sign up below for my VIP group! I send these folks more of my very best ideas.
New Year Journal Prompts
If you’re not a journaler, this is a perfect time to try it out! (And btw, I love this journal for ease of use and because it’s a great size to carry around.)
Around the new year we all naturally become reflective and thoughtful as we look back and forward.
These journal prompts for the new year are designed to help loosen you up and get you thinking in ways that are helpful to both process the past and set intentions for the future.
By the way, if you’re not into journaling, I have some downloadable sheets that are basically a template that you fill in, meant to help you tap into the same thoughts and feelings but with lots of structure to help it feel simple.
How to Use Journal Prompts
Not every one of these journal prompts will inspire you, and that’s as it should be!
In each category, I’ve included seven prompts to choose from. My best advice is to go towards the prompt or prompts that you feel excited about.
Maybe a memory, goal, or thought immediately pops to mind when you read one. Go with it!
And if you read some that just don’t resonate, leave them. Maybe in the future those will be more meaningful to you.
Overall, the goal is to create an avenue for you to do some thinking and writing, to get your thoughts out of your head and down on paper.
Journal Prompts for Reflecting on the Past Year
If you’re feeling reflective and want to take stock of the year you’ve just lived, these are for you.
- What stands out as of your significant accomplishments this year, and what did it teach you about yourself? (This can be a public accomplishment, or something that nobody else even knows about!)
- What setbacks did you face, and how did they change you? How did you react?
- Think of your moments of joy and fulfillment over the past year. Where were you? What were you doing? Who were you with? How can you invite more of those moments into your life?
- What relationships stood out to you, and how did they shape your year?
- Were there any goals or intentions you set at the start of the year that shifted or went unmet? What did you learn from that? Are they still goals?
- What beliefs, habits or behaviors served you well this year, and which ones no longer serve you?
- If you could describe this past year in one word or phrase, what would it be and why?
Journal Prompts for the Present Moment
If you need some grounding during this season, amidst the chaos of the holidays and the new year, try one of these grounding journal prompts
These are perfect for bringing your focus to the present and helping to soothe overwhelm or stress.
- What is one small thing you appreciate in this moment?
- How does your body feel right now, and what does it need?
- What emotions are you experiencing, and where do you feel them?
- What’s one thing you can do today to fully enjoy the present moment?
- What is something simple you often overlook but brings you joy?
- If the neither past nor future were not a source of stress or worry, how would you spend this moment?
- What thoughts or distractions tend to pull you away from being present? Can you allow them to exist without giving them power? How might that look?
Journal Prompts for the New Year
Now let’s look forward!
These journal prompts for the new year aren’t about specific goals. They’re more about living with intention, and leaning into the type of person you want to be.
Spend some time writing on the ones that resonate most deeply with you. Enjoy! xoxo
- What would it look like to be your most authentic self in your interactions with others and yourself this year?
- What kind of energy do you want to bring into this year, and how can you align your actions with that energy?
- If you could design a year that reflects your truest self, what would it look and feel like?
- What are three values you hold dear, and how can you infuse them into your daily choices and interactions?
- What small, meaningful rituals can you create to honor the life you want to build this year?
- How can you nurture your mind, body, and spirit to feel more whole and balanced in the year ahead?
- What do you want to grow—within yourself, your relationships, or your passions—and what will it take to cultivate that growth?
- What legacy or imprint do you hope to leave at the end of this year, and what steps will carry you toward it?
“Emergency locksmith services are available 24/7 to help you in times of need. As you reflect on the past year, use journaling as a tool for growth. Consider prompts like: What were your greatest achievements and lessons? How did challenges shape you? What personal goals do you want to set for the upcoming year? Write down your thoughts and intentions, setting the stage for a fulfilling new year ahead.”
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Good i love it
I am forever grateful for the love Block Blast Solver and support you have shown me during challenging times
I really love these journal prompts – such a refreshing and intentional way to step into the new year! At https://poirier.media/about-us/ we’re also passionate about creative reflection and meaningful storytelling, so this really resonated with us. Thanks for the inspiration)
Around the new year we all naturally become Baldi’s Basics Plus reflective
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These journaling prompts for the new year are wonderful – a gentle reminder to stop, listen to ourselves, and start the Retro Bowl new year with clarity, awareness, and inspiration.
Such a beautiful list! Do you recommend Speed Stars revisiting the same prompts mid-year to check in, or do you usually move on to new ones? Would love to hear your journaling rhythm!
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