5 Impactful Journaling Prompts to Start Your New Year with Purpose

The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to reflect, set intentions, and plan for the months ahead. But let’s be honest—getting back to life after the holidays can be chaotic and reflection and intention setting can be easily overlooked. That’s where journaling comes in.

Journaling provides a much-needed space to pause, reflect, and think about the future. But, as with journaling in general, it can be hard to know where to begin. And that's where journaling prompts come in. So whether you have five minutes in the morning or an hour before bed, try using these five prompts to get your thoughts flowing and to help guide you as you think about the year ahead. For even more prompts and beautiful journal to collect your thoughts in, check out our New Year Guided Journal!

Reflect on the Past Year

Journaling Prompt 1: “What were my favorite moments from last year?"

Reflecting on the best moments from the last year is a great way to start your New Year journaling. It helps you focus in on the good and treasure the memories you made. It's also valuable for understanding what things are meaningful to you, giving you a great starting place for planning the year ahead.

Journaling Prompt 2:  What were the hardest parts of last year?

While it can be hard to remember the challenging parts of last year, taking the time to journal through them is the perfect opportunity to process them while offering yourself grace and compassion. It can be healing, helpful, and meaningful.

How our guided journals can help: Our prompts are designed to make reflection simple, meaning, and impactful—perfect for busy moms wanting to live with more intention, or anyone looking to turn a page and go about life in a more meaningful way. 

Identify Core Values for the Year

Journaling Prompt 3: “What do I value most in this season of life?"

Identifying your core values, such as balance, growth, or kindness, can guide both your planning for the year and the decisions you make throughout the year. Take some time to write down 2-4 values that resonate with you, describing why they matter to you. 

Pro Tip: Revisit these values whenever you feel stressed, overwhelmed, or need to refocus.

Journaling Prompt 4: “If I had the perfect day in 2025, what would it look like?”

Imagine a day that feels peaceful, meaningful, or joyful. Where are you? Who are you with? What are you doing? Thinking about this ideal day helps with understanding your core values better and what those values might look like when they play out in daily life. Write down your insights to help align your daily actions with the life you want to create.

Practical Idea: Use this prompt to create a morning routine or a weekly ritual that is meaningful and life-giving to you!

Choose a Word or Theme for 2025

Journaling Prompt 5: “What single word or phrase captures what I want to focus on this year?” 

Don't worry about feeling constrained by this word or phrase. Use it as an anchor that you can come back to when you feel you've lost your balance or need a reset. It doesn't have to dictate every part of your year, but it will be there when you need to refocus. This guiding word or phrase will keep you grounded throughout the year. Write it boldly at the top of your journal page, tape it to your bathroom mirror, write it on a sticky note to keep in your office, revisit it often. 

Examples: Joy, Adventure, Focus, Connection. 

Journaling is a simple yet powerful way to bring clarity and purpose to your life. These prompts are a great starting point for a meaningful 2025. A little bit of your time invested now can really pay off as the year goes on. 

So, did you spend some time journaling and planning your year? We’d love to hear from you! What’s your word for the year? Tag us on Instagram: @printsandpaper.co 

Ready to take your journaling to the next level? Explore our collection of guided journals and journaling gift sets—designed to help you reflect, recharge, and thrive. Shop Now