Although it’s become a bit of a stereotype that we make resolutions in the New Year, it does seem like a natural moment to reflect and set intentions. My theme for this month is ‘New Beginnings’ – explore the tag to see the different facets I’ve been covering!

I’ve explored the benefits of journaling in other posts previously, so this time around, I’ll cut straight to the chase with some journaling prompts to help you reflect on the past year and set meaningful New Year’s resolutions and goals. Later in the week, I’ll be posting some tarot inspiration!

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1. Play Word Association

Summarise the previous year in one word. Feel free to elaborate on your choice with examples or how the word makes you feel. You could also consider doing this for each month, or stating what word you want to describe the year ahead.

2. State Your Aspirations

What is one thing you want to achieve in the year ahead? It may be helpful to explain why you want to achieve this, and how you plan to meet this goal.

3. Understand Your Sense of Fulfilment

There are eight facets of wellness: physical, intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual, vocational, financial, and environmental. Rank these from least to most fulfilled and think of three ways you could feel more fulfilled in each area. Alternatively, you could note the ways in which you are fulfilled in these areas.

4. Show Yourself Some Love

Give yourself ten compliments. These will be invaluable for the days that aren’t so great. Keep revisiting your list through the year to remind yourself of your positive qualities, and don’t forget to add to it! It might be interesting to see how your priorities and values change through how you compliment yourself.

5. Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

Come up with five new things you want to try this year. I tried a resolution similar to this one year – I started off small with restaurants I had never been to and museums; by the summer I was going to festivals alone! Think of things you’ve always wanted to have a go at – it doesn’t have to be something huge like a skydive (but it could be!) and actually do them!

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As always, these are prompts – you don’t have to stick to them rigidly! Allow them to get you started with your reflections and intentions and see where they take you. I’d love to see some of your responses in the comments or on social media!

If you enjoyed these prompts, don’t forget to check out some of my other journaling and reflection resources.

If you’re looking for structured writing prompts to support your self-discovery, I have several reflective eBooks available via Ko-Fi and Etsy for digital download 🙂