30 New Year Journal Prompts for Reflection & Goal Setting

Another year rolls around and you are most likely feeling energized and motivated to start off on the right foot. Me too! So, I wanted to share some New Year journal prompts I personally use every year.

When I think of being intentional in the new year, journal prompts are a great place to start. They provide direction for you to take a look at the previous year and make plans for the year ahead.

To set yourself up for success these writing prompts will guide you in the following areas:

1. Reflect on the past year
2. Consider how you want to show up this year
3. Plan for the year ahead (goal setting and implementation)

Before we start, I want to point out that the new year does not have to be about setting resolutions – as we all know how those end up. Instead, think of the new year as the perfect time to allow yourself to reflect and reset.

New Year Journal Prompts to Reflect on the Past Year 

1. What moments brought you the most joy, and how can you create more of those experiences in the coming year? 

2. What were some of your wins in the past year, both big and small? (Think new skills learned, reaching a goal, changing a habit for the better – anything you are most proud of)

3. What habits or routines did you develop that positively impacted your life? Are there any you want to continue or change?

4. In what ways did you step out of your comfort zone, and what did you learn from those experiences?

5. How did your relationships change this year? What did you learn about yourself through your connections with others?

6. What are some things you let go of this year that no longer served you? How did that impact your life?

7. What challenges did you encounter this year and how did you overcome them?

8. What were some big lessons you learned in the past year? How can you apply these learnings in the future?

9. How did you take care of your mental and physical well-being this year? What improvements can you make in the next year?

10. How would you describe your year as a whole?

👉 Make sure to also check out these additional end of year reflection questions for some deeper journaling.

Journal Prompts To Help You Set Intentions for the Year

1. What would you like to continue doing this year that went well last year?

2. What would you like to stop doing this year that no longer serves you?

3. How would you like to show up this year? (Think about your home life, career, relationships, health, finances – anything that is most important to you).

4. Do you have anything you did not finish last year that you want to prioritize this year?

5. How are you feeling emotionally and mentally as you begin this new year? Think about new ways you can support your mental health.

6. How are you feeling physically in this moment and how would you like this to change or stay the same?

7. What are your core values in this present moment? How can you align these with your daily life?

8. How do you want to feel this year? What small practices or habits can you add to your daily routine to support this?

9. What areas of your life do you want to focus on for growth and improvement this year (e.g., career, relationships, health)? What intentions can you set for each area?

10. Choose a word of the year.  Think about a word or phrase that can provide you with direction this year. 

Journal Prompts for Planning & Goal Setting

Before we jump into the goal-setting section of these journal prompts make sure to download your SMART GOALS worksheet – to help you create the right goals that you can achieve.

1. What specific goals do you want to achieve this year, and why are these important to you?

2. What are the potential obstacles you might face in reaching these goals, and how can you prepare to overcome them?

3. How can you break your goals down into smaller, manageable tasks? What is the first step I can take today?

4. What resources or support systems do you have (or need) to help me achieve your goals? (Think about finding an accountability partner – someone you can check in with frequently to talk about your goal and the progress you’re making. This could be a friend or family member).

5. What timeline do you want to set for each goal, and how can you hold yourself accountable for making progress?

6. How will you measure your progress toward each goal? What milestones can you set to celebrate your achievements along the way?

7. What habits or routines can you establish to support your goals, and how can you incorporate them into your daily life?

8. How will you stay motivated when faced with challenges or setbacks? What strategies can you use to keep your mindset positive?

9. What will success look like for each of your goals, and how will you feel once you achieve them?

10. How can you reflect on your progress regularly (weekly, monthly) to ensure I stay on track and make adjustments as needed?

Final Thoughts

As you reflect on the past year and set your intentions for the year to come, remember that personal growth is a continuous journey, not a destination. 

These journal prompts are designed to help you gain clarity and focus, but the magic lies in the consistent effort you put into cultivating positive change in your life.

Important Reminder: As you set goals and align your actions with your values, be kind and patient with yourself and stay flexible. Things don’t always go as planned so allow yourself to adjust along the way as life happens. Perfection is never the goal.

This new year is an opportunity for growth, but it’s also a chance to celebrate how far you’ve already come.

Here’s to a fresh start full of positive intentions and your best year yet!

More New Years & Goal Setting Resources:

• 15 End of Year Reflection Questions
• 100 New Year Affirmations for Happiness & Success
• 125 Best Life Goals Examples To Set & Achieve
• Free Printable SMART Goals Template & Worksheet