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Journaling prompt: Résumé values or eulogy values?
When I eventually shuffle from this mortal coil, I’m not sure I would want people at my funeral describing me as ‘a real go-getter’, who was a ‘great team player’. ‘Dave was a motivated and results-driven guy who often delivered results on-time and within budget.’ No, thank you. And yet, from a very early age…
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Journaling prompt: The Köln Concert
On the 24th of January, 1975, renowned jazz pianist, Keith Jarett performed what would go on to be one of the best-selling piano albums of all time to 1,300 people at Cologne’s opera house. ‘The Köln Concert’ is arguably one of the most influential jazz albums of all time and demonstrated Jarett’s mastery of improvisation…
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Journaling prompt: Benjamin Franklin’s thirteen necessary virtues
Statesman, author, inventor, printer, and scientist, Benjamin Franklin was one of the most extraordinarily talented men in all of history, and his autobiography gives us some clue to the way in which he used journaling to define his values and live a virtuous life, starying true to the ideals he had laid out for himself.…
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Journaling prompt: Always think with your stick forward
Prompt: Always think with your stick forward The phrase Amelia Earheart painted on the side of her plane ahead of flying across the Atlantic were, “Always think with your stick forward.” I think it’s easy to misconstrue the wisdom here and assume the phrase means, just keep heading in a given direction, no matter what,…
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Journaling prompt: How do we forgive ourselves for the things we did not become?
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Journaling prompt: Put your arse where your heart wants to be
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Journaling for men’s self discovery
“Self discovery” can sound a little intangible. For me, it brings to mind teenagers with wealthy parents going on a gap year to Thailand to ‘find themselves’. You are yourself, so what is there to discover? I’ve realised now that self discovery doesn’t necessarily mean seeking spiritual awakenings or attaining nirvana. Rather, it is the…
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Journaling prompt: Why should I fear death?
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Journaling prompt: A drier form of drowning
Tag: prompt
Thoughtful, authentic journal prompts for personal growth
More than just standard, generic journal prompts.
Each prompt on this page is inspired by my own journaling journey. Shaped by real-life experiences, deep reflection, and wide-ranging reading in psychology, philosophy, and personal development. They’re designed to go beyond surface-level questions and help you uncover what really matters to you.
Whether you’re seeking clarity, purpose, emotional insight, or a stronger sense of self, these prompts are here to support honest reflection and meaningful growth. They’re not about ticking boxes or chasing productivity, they’re about helping you develop a deeper, more authentic relationship with yourself.
Feel free to explore. Use one or more prompt or just allow them to inspire your own writing.
