Journal Prompts for the New Year

The start of a new year is the perfect opportunity to hit refresh on your goals, your mindset, and even your daily habits. One of the most powerful ways to do this is through journaling. But sometimes, staring at a blank page can feel intimidating. That’s where journal prompts come in. These carefully crafted questions and ideas can help spark reflection, clarify your intentions, and set the tone for a meaningful year ahead. Whether you’re looking to cultivate gratitude, explore your dreams, or simply get your thoughts flowing, these prompts are your gentle guide into 2026.

Reflecting on the past year

What were my proudest accomplishments in the past year?
What challenges did I overcome, and what did I learn from them?
What new skills or knowledge did I acquire in the past year?
Describe a memorable moment or experience from the past year.
What habits served me well, and which ones would I like to improve or change?
What brought me the most joy this year?
Who were the most significant people in my life last year?

Setting intentions for the new year

What are my top three priorities for the year ahead?
What new skills do I want to acquire this year?
What healthy habits do I want to develop?
How will I take care of my mental and physical health?
What is one thing I will say “no” to in order to honor my priorities?
What is one way I can be kinder to myself?
What new hobbies do I want to try?

Envisioning the future

Picture yourself one year from now. What does your life look like and feel like?
If this is your dream year, what happens?
What is your guiding word or phrase for the year?
How can I start living my ideal life right now?
What do I want the overarching theme for the year to be?

I love a good journal. I love these ones from Amazon. If you’re looking for a journal with a prompt for each day, I love this one from Inside Then Out.

Journal Prompts for the New Year