Writing prompts are effective because they force you to consider things you might not ever think about on your own. Writing is also an effective process for personal growth because it forces you to slow your thinking and organize your thoughts. You can’t write nearly as quickly as you can think!

There are endless sources of writing prompts that can help you to discover more about yourself.

Consider using these:

1. How do you think others view you?

Imagine being an observer and watching yourself go through your typical day. What would you think about yourself if you were the average person? What changes do you think you should make based on this observation?

● Most people are very mistaken regarding how the world views them.

2. If you had lots of money and free time, what would your life look like?

What would you do? What would you stop doing?

● Everyone wants more time and money, but what would you do if your wish came true?

3. What negative experiences from your childhood are still influencing or impacting you today?

What impact is this having on your life? Why haven’t you let go of these experiences?

● Our traumas and negative experiences influence our adulthood more than we realize.

4. Describe the five habits you could develop that would have the greatest positive impact on your life.

What would you accomplish by having these habits? Why haven’t you been able to develop these habits yet?

● Good habits practically guarantee a great life.

5. Describe three habits you wish you could drop from your life and the impact that would have if you did.

Create a plan for dropping each of those habits.

● Bad habits can have a greater impact on your life than good habits.

6. What is the one thing you most want to accomplish?

What are you willing to sacrifice to accomplish that one great thing? What are you willing to give up now in order to get what you want later?

● We have a tendency to dabble in too many minor things.

7. What is one skill you wish you had?

How would that impact your life?

● What skill is most appealing to you? What skill would have the greatest impact on your life?

8. What do you think about while lying in bed at night?

What do these topics say about you? What do they say about your life?

● Where our minds go when we’re alone in the dark is illuminating.

9. How do you procrastinate?

What are some ways to limit the amount of time you procrastinate?

● Procrastination is a stalling technique that robs you of time and progress.

10. Which people in my life cause me the most grief?

Which people are the least supportive? Why have I permitted these people to persist in my life?

● We have things and people in our lives that cause more harm than good.

11. If I could go back in time, what would I do differently?

What difference would that make in my life right now? What can I do right now to make the most of the rest of my life?

● Past mistakes don’t have to be ongoing mistakes. Past mistakes are also educational. There’s also still time available to create a great life.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. There are plenty of additional sources of writing prompts available online. Consider doing one prompt each day for a month. You’ll be surprised by what you learn about yourself. All you need is a pen, paper, and a few minutes each day.