
Journal prompts for the beginning of 2021? Absolutely! After the year we just had, I think it’s really important that we all focus on our self-development and mental health. Truthfully, I started journaling a lot more in 2020 and I can tell you, it is so helpful. Having an outlet for the thoughts inside our mind, which I know can get cluttered and crazy, is very beneficial for our mental health.
If you’re new to journaling, my advice is to just try it before turning it down. It may be the thing that you never knew you needed in your life. Find at least 30 min of free time and give a few of these prompts a try. I hope you love it!
You can use these journal prompts digitally or write them down in a notebook/journal. I will also be including a free printable at the end of this post so you can have them handy. Also, I opened an online shop, Simply Motivated, full of items that help you stay motivated so you can find some notebooks to use there!
Are you ready?
- Grab your journal
- Grab a cup of tea or beverage of choice
- Get comfy
- Let’s start journaling!
Journal Prompts
- What were some of your biggest challenges in 2020?
- What did you learn from those challenges?
- List at least 5 positive things that happened in 2020.
- How did you improve yourself in 2020?
- List 5 limiting beliefs that you’re leaving in 2020.
- What are you holding onto & need to forgive yourself for?
- What is your word for 2021?
- List 3 short term goals for 2021.
- List 3 long term goals.
- What are 5 resolutions you have for 2021?
- Where do you want to see yourself at the end of 2021?
- What’s one skill you want to work on this year?
- List 10 things you’re grateful for right now.
- What are 5 qualities of yourself that you want to strengthen?
- Find a quote that’s going to represent this year for you. Write it down!
- What is one negative habit you want to eliminate this year?
- What are 5 qualities you love about yourself?
- How are you going to practice self-love on a daily basis?
- How can you give back this year?
- Write a letter to yourself in 2022.
I hope these journal prompts bring you clarity and a little bit more peace! Remember to take it one day at a time.
Want a FREE printable? Click here!
Need more motivation? Check these posts out.
- 25 Positive Affirmations | Daily Motivation
- Motivational Quotes To Get You Through The Day
- 7 Toxic Things To Stop Telling Yourself Right Now
- 7 Ways To Change Your Life

Amanda Burnett is a 25-year-old content creator. Growing up with a disability, she wanted to prove to herself that she was capable of accomplishing her dream life. Today she is helping her audience realize their potential as well! Her goal is to motivate as many people as she can through her lifestyle, beauty, and self-improvement content.
I was looking for this all over the internet and this post is really helpful. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Lovely journal prompts Amanda! I like the most “How can you give back this year? “. Giving back has been on top of my list for quite some time but in November I started to donate to the Dutch Foodbank every week. I just couldn’t take the idea of hungry families. I also donate all my chemist points to the Foodbank and will continue to do so in 2021. My target is minimum 3€/week donation + 3 times a year blood donation.
Thank you, Jenni! I think it’s amazing that you give back in such an awesome way!
Great ideas. I like the idea of a letter to your future self. I’ve long advocated the ‘unsent letter’ as a journal post – writing a letter to someone where you truly express your thoughts and feelings (good or bad). You write honestly but know that you will never send the letter (sometimes you can’t – as my letter to my fiancee who died before our wedding) so you don’t have to concern yourself with hurt or uncomfortable feelings.
Thanks, Mike! Writing letters to our future selves or anybody in our past can be very therapeutic to just get it all out.
Hey Amanda. Love the post. I’m a writer myself and I have to agree with you that having a journal with writing prompts is very therapeutic and relaxing. I look forward to seeing more of your posts. Happy 2021
Hey, Kaitlyn! I’m so glad you enjoyed this post. Journaling is one of my favorite self-care activities.
These are such helpful and positive journal prompts. I’ve just started getting into bullet journaling and some bits I get a bit stuck on what to write etc. Thanks for sharing.
I’m so glad you found these prompts helpful, Damaris!
A great list, thank you! The 2022 letter really got me thinking, I might have to start with that one 😊
The 2022 letter is a personal favorite of mine too! I’m glad you found the list helpful.
Love these journal prompts, Amanda! Answering these questions is what I’m going to do tonight in my journal. Thanks for sharing xo
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I’m so glad you found them useful, Lynn!
thank you for this! I ‘ve written down mu journal prompts for the next few days and can’t wait to write them up!
Love this post! I’ve been journaling for a long time, and sometimes I go blank. But hopefully these ideas will help me. Writing a letter to myself in 2022, is a great idea. I’ll add it to my to-do! Thanks for sharing these prompts.
Have never used prompts before but this is a great idea!
Great blogpost! Happy New Year 2021.
This is a helpful blog post! I always mean to get into journaling but I never make the time. These prompts are a great way for me to get started and I love that you said just start it before you turn it down. I agree that you sometimes just need to try something to know if it’s a good fit for you or not. If you don’t try it, you won’t know what could have made your life better. Thanks!
Thanks, Nicole! I hope these prompts are able to get you started! Definitely try to find the time and see if it’s for you. 🙂