61 Positive January Journal Prompts For Daily Writing In The New Year.

This post was updated 12th November 2023

If you want to start the month of January with a heart full of optimism and hope, there is no better way than daily journal writing. Who doesn’t love a new year’s resolution?

Happy New Year!

I love how January 1st is like a blank page in my life.

I can choose to start again, be anything I want, go for any dream.

How about you?

Your winter break is over. Are you are looking forward to the next year and making plans for the rest of your life?

Jump to January Journal Writing Prompts.

Before we dive into the 61 inspiring January journal prompts, let me just remind you of a few of the benefits of journal writing.

1. Goal setting and becoming crystal clear on your dreams.
2. Turning those goals into reality through action and a plan.
3. Get answers to a question you have.
4. Relieve stress and tension.
5. Sleep better at night.
6. Create powerful affirmations.
7. Take time out from your phone and constant updates.

61 January Journal Writing Prompts.

My journal prompts have been created to take 15 minutes or fewer to work on.

There are a handful that require deeper thought and time. I highlighted these for you.

I designed my journal writing prompts to be printed, so you can keep them in your beautiful new journal (how much do you LOVE the first page of a new journal??).

Are journal writing prompts worth your time?

I get it.

We are all super busy. I’m a full-time homeschooling mom, so I know all about busy life.

I also know the importance of self-care and how I can always seem to find time for Instagram and Pinterest when I want.

My word for 2023 is INTENTION. This coming year, I am all about intentional living.

I can give a few minutes of my day for something that will benefit me more in the long term than scrolling.

So grab your journal prompts, your journal, a cuppa and some pens (you can download your free printable January prompts below).

DISCLOSURE: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchase at no extra cost to you. For more information please read my full disclaimer policy here.

January Journal Prompts.

1. What’s your word of the year? Explain why?
2. What changes did you make last year that you are proud of?
3. What bad habits are you ready to drop this year?
4. Chose one new good habit that you want in your daily life? What do you need to do to achieve this?
5. Write three things you love about yourself.
6. Write a love letter to your future self. What valuable advice would you say to yourself? What words of love would you give? (longer journal entry).
7. What do you think are your best friends’ favorite things about you? Why does that make you feel happy?
8. This time next year I will have:_______________________.
9. Write a list of all the books you want to read this year.
10. How can you make your home more cosy and peaceful this year? (this is big as we are still spending more time at home).
11. What is the best thing you can do for yourself this year? (this can be hard to think about if you are a mom, but it is so worth doing).
12. Make a list of things that you want to do just for fun. Now, chose a day of the month to do just one of these.
13. Imagine you lived in the Hundred Acre Wood. Where would you live and why? Why is it so magical? (this is one to do with your kids if you have them and is a longer journal entry. Did you know January 18th is Winnie the pooh day?).
14. Clear your mental desk, free write and get it all out. This is so good to do and I would make it an entry in your monthly journals if you can.
15. Find a favorite quote, poem or verse that inspires your soul. Why does this uplift you so much? How can you take action on these words?

Post: 13 Beautiful Autumn Love Poems

16. Who is your favorite character from a Disney movie? What qualities do they have that you would love yourself? (this is one of my fun prompts. I want to be the wild and free Jessie from Toy Story).
17. What is your favorite memory about last year?
18. What 4 things are you proud of about yourself right now?
19. How do you want your children/friends/family to describe you?
20. Write 3 wins you achieved last year? Take a moment to give yourself a big-hearted compliment.
21. It’s January 13th, drams come true day. What dream would you wish for if you knew you could not fail?
22. What was your first meal of this year?
23. What is your favourite song right now? Why does it make you happy?
24. What new year resolutions did you make on January 1st? What changes have you made? (celebrate even the smallest of wins).
25. What is your biggest goal for this year? Is there a little bit of action you can take daily on it? (one more glass of water, 5 minutes of meditation, one chapter of a book).
26. How will you celebrate Benjamin Franklin Day this year (January 17th and celebrated in the United States).
27. Free write for 10 minutes today.
28. What was your biggest lesson from last year?
29. What advice would you offer a friend on making 2022 their best year?
30. What is your favorite color? Name four emotions it brings up.
31. Who inspires you? Why?
32. I am a great (mom/parent/friend/person) because of____________________________?
33. How can I give myself more love this month? (bed earlier, not over schedule, less screen time, more fruits and veg….)
34. What season of life are you in right now? Why do you love it? Why is it hard?
35. I feel like my best self when I am ____________________________________?
36. Which people in your circle make you feel most supported?
37. Which people hold you back? (this can be very difficult to dive into, but it’s important to remember how much of an impact your closest circle has on you).
38. Write out five positive affirmations for this month. Related Post: 59 Affirmations for Gratitude and a Positive Attitude.
39. Think of a situation from last year that you wish had gone differently. Now write your own positive alternative. (longer journal entry).
40. On January 31st write a review of the month. What wins can you celebrate? What action do you need to work on?
41. Where is your favorite place to be? Why?
42. How can you make your home more warm and Hygge this January?
43. What is makes January a special month?
44. What makes January a tough month?
45. How can you show yourself radical self-love and self-compassion in January?
46. Write your top 3 most inspirational quotes, poems, or song verses.
47. If you were being totally, authentically you, how would you look, walk, talk, sing, dress?
48. What new skill would you love to learn?
49. How can you be more playful? (this is great to think about if you are a parent or not, play is an underrated activity).
50. Which season do you prefer and why?
51. Do you look forward to or dread January? Why is this?
52. Write two things you wish people knew about you.
53. I am happiest when ___________________________________?
54. My favorite meal is_____________________________?
55. Where would your dream vacation be this year?
56. Write out the first sentence of your favorite book, then add your own story.
57. Make a list of inspiring books, podcasts and films you will make time for this year.
58. List as many ways as possible you can bring more fun into your life this year.
59. How have your goals changed since last year?
60. What are your top 3 happiness goals this year?
61. This year will be amazing because _______________________________?

There’s your 61 January writing prompts.

Whether you are continuing to work on your goals, going through personal growth or wanting a fresh start this year, journal writing is an easy way to start. I love to look back at my old journals and see what changes I have made.

Never underestimate the simple power of writing.

In case you missed it above, this post contains affiliate links. What this simply means is if you click on a product or service, and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Read our full disclaimer here.

New for 2024, bonus prompts for the young writer in your home who might be working on their writing skills. 

January Journal Prompts For Elementary

1. What is the best thing to do on a snow day?
2. January 5th is national bird day. Write a short story involving your favorite bird. Make it as silly as you like!
3. How to build a reindeer using things you find in the garden?
4. How can you make the days of January more exciting?
5. January 21st is opposite day. Can you write about a day where everything would be opposite? Would your socks be on your hands and would you eat breakfast for dinner?
6. When it’s chilly outside I love to __________________________?
7. January 29th is national puzzle day. Can you create your own word search or puzzle to solve?

I hope these creative writing prompts and sentence starters help to make creative writing a little more fun for the young writers in your house. 

How are you going to use your January Journal Prompts?

You have your creative writing prompts to start the new year off on the right foot. Why not have a look at my top pick of journals on Amazon right now?

I love the Settini Hardcover Journals. There’s a choice of 6 different simple styles. The navy whale is my favorite and they are a small business seller, so another big plus point to shop there.

If you like something a little more sparkly for your daily writing practice, this Falling Blossom Journal is beautiful. Don’t forget your journaling pen. I recently found a beautiful rose quartz pen to add a little magic to my journal writing.

Some other posts that I think might help you;

How to make your Goal Setting Vision Board for 2022.

159 Affirmations for Letting Go and Moving Forward.

Do you have any journal prompts that you have found useful? Please share them in the comments below. Sharing is caring.

Do you love to decorate your journal covers? I have seen some beautiful designs lately. If you are happy to, drop me an image or your 2024 journal cover below. I would love to see how they look.

Happy journalling and a very happy new year.

Amanda x

You can get excited about the future. The past won’t mind.

Hilary DePiano

So you got the end of the post and you still think you don’t have time to journal?

After writing this post, I came across the 5 Second Journal by Mel Robbins.

I love that it’s date free (I forget some days) and the energy level compass and the one small daily step you will take. If you find picking a journal prompt too much, then I suggest trying this out.

The video below explains the science of this journal style.

Whether you use my Journal Writing Prompts or go for the goal focused 5 second journal, I know you are ready to make this year your year.

Frequently Asked Questions About January Journal Prompts

How do you start a New Year’s Journal?

• Pick the journaling style that suits you: written, dot grid journal or digital version
• Find a time in the day that you can routinely spend a few calm moments writing in your journal
• Spend some time in quiet thought or meditation to find a pressing question or your new year’s resolutions
• Use your journal prompts to start a new daily habit
• Stick to your journal writing most days and enjoy the benefits