Posted on by Dionne

Know Thyself: 33 Journal Prompts to Discover Your Authentic Self

So You Want to Know Thy (Authentic) self?

From self-discovery and keeping a beady eye on your goals, to venting about the shady stuff Derek in Operations says and managing stress, journalling offers so many benefits. Yes, really.

I’ve kept a journal off and on since I was a teenager, and it’s helped me introspect and understand myself on a much deeper level.

You’d think we ought to know ourselves better by now. But it’s not always as simple as that.

Life’s Noisy, Is it Any Wonder You’ve Lost Touch With the Real You?

First of all, we live in a world full of distractions. Secondly, we’re complex emotional beings. And third: some of the things living inside our heads aren’t even ours to carry.

Like the remnants of “should have”, generational trauma, insecurities, inner critics — just to name a few of the things floating around in our minds.

With all that going on, is it any wonder we lose touch with our inner (authentic) voice?

That’s where journalling for self-discovery comes in.

There’s No Perfect Way to Journal

Let me make this clear from the jump: there’s no right or wrong way to journal. You’re writing to yourself, for yourself. All you need to do is find a quiet moment and let your soul guide your pen (or keypad).

It really is that simple.

Seeing your innermost thoughts dancing on the page can be enlightening — and wildly therapeutic.

Discover Thyself: 33 Journal Prompts

If you’re staring at a blank page, wondering: “What Do I Write?”

Don’t let fear fool you. And whatever you do, don’t start scrolling. Step away from the FYP!

Here are 33 journal prompts to get you started on this beautiful, messy, magical journey of self-discovery.

Read through these slowly. Then start with the one that speaks to your heart.

  1. Describe your best day ever, what were you doing, what were you wearing, and who were you with?
  1. What’s your biggest insecurity? And what might life look like if you let it go?
  1. When was the last time you really paid attention to your thoughts and feelings?
  1. Are you patient with yourself when it comes to achieving your goals?
  1. What does your inner critic say to you?
  1. When is that voice the loudest?
  1. Write a letter to your critic. Tell it how wrong it is.
  1. Describe yourself using 10 kind, loving words only.
  1. Add one fun thing to your “must-do” list.
  1. List three distractions keeping you from your goals. How can you limit your exposure to them?
  1. Write about the last time you took a risk and felt proud of yourself.
  1. What beliefs are holding you back from going after your dream?
  1. Write about something you feel too scared to say aloud.
  1. What values motivate you? Where does your sense of purpose come from?
  1. Write down ONE dream you’ve never shared with anyone.
  1. What’s one change you could make today to ease your stress?
  1. How are you feeling; emotionally, physically, spiritually, right now?
  1. List at least three things you’re grateful for today.
  1. Write down one good thing that happened today.
  1. Create your ultimate bucket list (not necessarily a luxury trip — anything goes). What’s one thing you could start now?
  1. What’s one problem that’s keeping you up at night? Break it down, step by step.
  1. Write about one habit you could start today to get closer to your dream life.
  1. What have you suppressed to make others happy?
  1. Who are you when no one’s watching?
  1. What activity brings you joy when you’re alone?
  1. If you could change one thing in your life, what would it be?
  1. Are you living according to your own values, or someone else’s expectations?
  1. How did your darkest moment shape the person you are today?
  1. If failure didn’t exist, what would you do?
  1. List your FIVE best qualities.
  1. What does happiness look like for you? Where are you? What are you doing?
  1. How would your bestie(s) describe you?
  1. Write a letter to your younger self. What advice would you give?

The Answers Really Are Within

When life starts life-ing, it’s easy to forget: you already have so many of the answers within you. (Asking for help still counts, by the way.)

And it’s even easier to lose sight of all the hurdles you’ve already smashed — the ones that have shaped you into the version of yourself you are today.

Journalling for self-discovery is a beautiful way to remind thyself, track growth, make sense of your emotions, live more authentically — and keep firmer boundaries with people like Derek from Operations.

Say Yes to This Journal Challenge

As if self-discovery weren’t exciting enough, how about a little challenge: journal for 30 days straight. Say yes. You only need a few minutes a day.

Once the 30 days are up, read your journal back and prepare to be amazed to see what the real you has to say on things.

The journey into yourself can start any time. But you know what they say, right?

No time like the present. (Just saying.)

And to make it even easier… you can download all 33 prompts here.

See? Nothing’s stopping you now.