Self Healing

50 Journal Prompts for Self Discovery: Unlock Your Authentic Self

written by: Adreanna Santos     |     May 28, 2022

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Do you ever feel lost or like you're living someone else's life? That maybe you're not quite sure who you are or what you want out of life? If so, self discovery may be the key for you. Journaling can be a powerful tool for self exploration, and by using prompts to guide your thoughts, you can peel back the layers and get to know yourself on a deeper level. In this article, we'll be discussing the benefits and challenges of discovering yourself, and how to use journal prompts for self discovery so that you can start living a life that is authentic to you, your goals, and your dreams.

If you're just here for the self discovery journal prompts, click here to skip ahead. But if you want to learn a little more about self discovery and how it can benefit your life, read on!

 

Is this you?

You've been through a lot lately. You've changed jobs, moved to a new city, and gone through a break-up. It feels like everything in your life is in flux and you're just trying to keep afloat. In the midst of all this change, you start to wonder: who am I? And more importantly, who do I want to be? 

Or what about this?

You've been feeling it for a while now. That there has to be more to life than just going through the motions day in and day out. You want to feel passionate about something, you want to feel like you're making a difference. But you have no idea where to start or what that even looks like for you. 

So many people around you seem to have it all figured out and you just feel lost. 

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The good news is, you're not alone. Many people go through periods of self-doubt and introspection, especially during times of transition. In fact, most people feel this way at some point in their lives. The even better news is that there are ways to figure out who you are and what you want in life. Journaling is one of those ways.

But first, what does it mean to ~*discover yourself*~?

 

What is self discovery and why is it important?

Self discovery is the process of finding out who you are and what you want in life. It's an important journey to undertake because it allows you to get in touch with your authentic self. The better you know yourself, the easier it becomes to make decisions that align with your values and goals. And only when you start making decisions that align with your values and goals can you start living a life that is authentic to YOU.

Self discovery can be defined as "the process of finding out more about your own identity" and it is important for a few reasons:

  • Get to know yourself on a deeper level
  • Understand your values and what's important to you
  • Clarify your goals and what you really want in life
  • Let go of negative thoughts and behaviors
  • Create a more positive outlook on life
  • Identify if you’re out of alignment with your authentic self
  • Improve your relationships
  • Learn things about yourself that you never knew before
  • Reduce stress and anxiety
  • Peel back the layers of your programming and conditioning that are holding you back from your authentic self
  • Reveals the story you have subconsciously programmed about how you view yourself and your life
  • Identifies your soft spots of low self worth and low self esteem
  • Uncovers limiting beliefs, past programming, and traumas that can create a roadmap to healing and unlocking your greatest potential

 

What are the benefits of self discovery?

When you start the process of self discovery, you start to step into your authentic self.

When you're in touch with your authentic self, you're able to make decisions that align with your values and goals. You're no longer pulled in different directions by outside influences or societal expectations. You know what makes you happy and what doesn't, so you can start living a life that is authentic to you.

When you're living an authentic life, you're more likely to experience joy, fulfillment, and happiness. You're also more likely to attract people and opportunities that are aligned with your values. So not only will you be happier, but you'll also start achieving your goals.

Woman in a field with a journal

What are some of the challenges you may face along the way?

The challenges you face will depend on where you're at in your journey. 

If you're just starting out, you may feel lost or confused about where to even begin. It can be helpful to talk to someone who has been through the process or read books about self discovery.  

If you've been on the journey for a while,  you may find yourself facing old wounds or traumas that you thought you had healed. This is normal and it's a sign that you're ready to release those old patterns and behaviors.

Anyone on their self discovery journey is guaranteed to face frustration of feeling like they're not making any progress and being overwhelmed by the process. This is normal and to be expected. The important thing is to keep moving forward and not give up. 

No matter what challenges you face, remember that the journey is ultimately about finding your authentic self. And once you find your authentic self, you'll be able to live a life that is authentic to you.

 

How do you go about discovering yourself?

You know the saying, "you don't know what you don't know?" 

Well, that pretty much sums up the first step in self discovery: becoming aware that you even need to discover yourself! 

For most of us, this awareness comes when we hit a major life event or milestone that shakes up our world and makes us question who we are and what we want out of life. It could be something as drastic as a divorce or job loss, or something more subtle like your kids leaving home or reaching a certain age. 

Whatever the case may be, these moments have a way of forcing us to take a good hard look at ourselves and our lives. And while it can be scary and uncomfortable, it is also an incredibly worthwhile journey to embark on. So if you find yourself at a crossroads, take heart knowing that it just might be the first step on the path to self discovery.

Once you not only are aware of that you have work to do to discover who you truly are, but can also compassionately accept it, you can begin taking steps to achieve it.

Once you've become aware, journaling can be a helpful tool for self exploration. By using journal prompts, you can start to get in touch with your authentic self and figure out what you want in life.

 

How journaling can help you discover yourself

Journaling can help you in so many different ways, but when it comes to self discovery, it can be a powerful tool. Journaling is a powerful tool for self-discovery because it allows you to explore your thoughts and feelings without judgement. It's a safe space for you to be honest with yourself about what's going on in your life and how you're really feeling about it. By writing down our thoughts and feelings, we can begin to see patterns and trends that we otherwise might not be aware of. We can explore our deepest desires and fears, and to work through tough challenges and decisions.

Journal prompts for self discovery can help guide your journaling practice and provide clarity on your authentic code (who you are and what you want in life) and identify the steps you need to take towards achieving it. 

More importantly…

Handwriting is the gateway to the subconscious mind.

For many of us, the act of journaling can feel like a therapeutic release. It can be a way to vent our frustrations, make sense of our thoughts, and process our emotions. But what we may not realize is that journaling can also be a powerful tool for accessing the subconscious mind. 

By writing down our thoughts and feelings, we can quiet the monkey mind and tap into a deeper level of wisdom and understanding. In doing so, we may find answers to problems that have been eluding us for weeks, months, or even years. 

So look through the self discovery journal prompts below, pick up a pen and paper, and let your subconscious mind do the talking. You may be surprised at what you discover.

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Journal prompts for self discovery

There are many journal prompts for self discovery available online and in books. It can be difficult to know where to start or what will work best for you. The most important thing is to be honest with yourself and journal about whatever comes to mind. Don't worry about finding the "right" answer, just let the journaling process help you explore your thoughts and feelings.

Here are some journal prompts for self discovery to get you started:

 

Taking inventory of who you are

  • What are my values? Why do they matter to you?
  • What makes you happy?
  • What do you want to achieve in life?
  • What are some ways you don't stay true to yourself?
  • How can you stay true to yourself?
  • What are you passionate about?
  • What makes you feel fulfilled?
  • What are your biggest fears? What would happen if you faced them head on?
  • Who has been the most influential person in your life and why?
  • What are some things you've always wanted to do but haven't had the chance to yet?
  • How would you describe yourself both physically and emotionally?
  • What are some things you're proud of that you've accomplished?
  • What do you think your purpose in life is?
  • When are you your happiest?
  • When were some of the darkest times in your life and how did you get through them?
  • What are your favorite things to do in your free time?
  • What are your passions in life and why do you feel so passionate about them?
  • Are there any causes or issues that you feel strongly about and want to dedicate your time to advocating for them?
  • How would you describe yourself both physically and emotionally - what are some adjectives that come to mind when you think of yourself ?
  • Who are the people in your life who have had the biggest influence on who you are today and why?
  • If you could go back and change one thing about your past, what would it be ? And how would that change impact the present day you ?

Envisioning your future self

  • Who do you want to be?
  • When you remove all fears and limiting beliefs, what do you want to achieve in life?
  • When you close your eyes and envision your authentic self, how do you interact with the world?
  • How do you act in romantic relationships?
  • How do you act in friendships?
  • How do you act at work?
  • What do you do for fun?
  • How do you spend your free time?
  • What contribution do you want to make in the world? 
  • What adjectives can you use to describe your future, authentic self?

 

Becoming your authentic self

  • What are the ways you know you're holding yourself back from being the person above?
  • What are some of the fears you have about becoming the person above?

 

Now that you've journaled about who you are and what you want in life, it's time to start taking steps to achieve it. Remember, the journaling process is just the beginning. It's up to you to make the changes in your life that will help you become your authentic self. But with journaling, you now have a tool to help you stay on track and aligned with your true self.

Woman in bed with a coffee and journal

How can you stay on track and keep motivated during your journey towards self discovery?

Here are some tips to stay on track and motivated during your journey of self discovery:

  • Start with baby steps. You don't have to do everything at once.
  • Find a journaling method that works for you. There are many different ways to journal, so find one that suits your needs.
  • Set aside some time each day or week to journal. This will help you make it a habit.
  • Find a journaling buddy or join a journaling group. This can provide support and accountability.
  • Most importantly, be patient with yourself. This is a journey, not a race. Enjoy the process!

 

How do you stay true to yourself once you've discovered your authentic self?

Once you've discovered your authentic self, it is important to stay true to yourself. 

I'm not going to sugar coat it, it can be incredibly hard to stay true to yourself. There are so many factors working against you. For one thing, it's easy to get caught up in what other people want for you. You might start to doubt yourself, or feel like you're not good enough. You might also worry about what other people will think of you if you don't go along with their plans. And then there's the pressure to conform to societal norms and expectations. 

It's important to remember that you are the only person who knows what's best for you. You are the only one who can make decisions that are truly in line with your own morals and beliefs. When you allow yourself to be influenced by others, it can lead to making choices that make you feel uncomfortable or unhappy. Staying true to yourself requires being confident in who you are and being willing to stand up for your beliefs, even when it's not popular. It's not always easy, but it's always worth it.

Here are some tips to help you stay true to yourself:

  • Set boundaries. Know your limits and stick to them.
  • Be assertive. Don't let others take advantage of you.
  • Don't compare yourself to others. You are on your own journey.
  • Know your values and stick to them.
  • Make time for self care. This is important for maintaining your mental and emotional health.
  • Check in with yourself often to make sure that your actions and decisions are aligning with who you want to be

 

Most of us go through life on autopilot, not really taking the time to get to know ourselves. We do what's expected of us and what we think will make us happy, but often end up feeling lost and unfulfilled. 

If you want to live an authentic life, it’s important to first discover who you are. Journaling can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and staying aligned with your authentic self. Use these journal prompts for self discovery so you can get in touch with your authentic self and start living a life that’s in alignment with your true desires. We hope this guide has helped you on your journey to discovering and loving yourself unconditionally. 

If you want to build a deeper relationship with yourself, don’t forget to download our free “Self Love Kickstart Guide” which will help keep you accountable on your quest for inner peace and happiness.

I’m an expert at subconscious reprogramming, a nerd when it comes to human behavior, and my obsession is teaching others how to be their best selves (without all of the resistance and self-sabotage).

hey there!

I'm Adreanna.

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