Approachable self-esteem journal prompts to get your confidence back

We can change how we see ourselves and our lives through the simple act of journaling.

“In the journal, I am at ease.” — Anaïs Nin

Journaling is a safe and exploratory way to increase self-esteem, self-love, and confidence. Such introspective practices build self-awareness, which is the foundation from which we can grow. While journaling does not need to be a lengthy or extensive practice, it should be done regularly. 

A daily practice of journaling leads to new perspectives on the same old thoughts. This was true for me. In my younger years, when I was suffering from debilitating panic attacks, I learned to explore the stories I was telling myself on the page. It took some time to develop the habit of journaling, but it paid off.

I learned to appreciate my life and build self-esteem in a natural way, which led to many healthy changes in my life. The positive influence of a daily journaling practice did more than build my self-esteem. It also helped to shape my life. Since I found writing as an outlet, I have worked with many people who have also found solace and encouragement through a simple daily writing practice.

“I write entirely to find out what I’m thinking, what I’m looking at, what I see, and what it means. What I want and what I fear.” — Joan Didion

Journal prompts are often used as part of therapy and can be a way of self-coaching. According to the National Institute for Health, journaling can help create an overall sense of well-being. While it can be hard to get started, the payoffs are great.

Below are 30 simple prompts to kickstart your self-esteem-building journaling practice. Some are incredibly simple, whereas others might feel impossible. Pick one that resonates and slowly work your way through the entire list. If you can do one a day, you'll have a month of journaling under your belt in no time. Set an initial goal to write for at least 5 minutes. You can always write more if a prompt moves you to do so.

1. Write about the hobbies or activities that make you feel good.
2. What does self-care mean to you? Make a list of all the ways you could practice self-care.
3. Write about a time you spoke up for yourself or were assertive, even if you were afraid.
4. Write about what makes you unique.
5. Come up with 10 compliments to yourself.
6. Define what high self-esteem means to you and what it looks like in your life.
7. Write a post that explores all you are grateful for today.
8. Write about people, places, and things that make you feel good about yourself.
9. Write about a time you felt confident and strong.
10. What does self-love mean to you? What does it feel like?
11. If you had unlimited confidence, how would that look in your life?
12. Describe a moment you are particularly proud of and what that felt like.
13. Describe a time you overcame a great obstacle.
14. Write yourself 10 self-love affirmations.
15. Write some of the negative thoughts that arise and match each one with a positive thought.
16. Write about what self-acceptance means to you.
17. Write about a time you overcame self-doubt.
18. Write about someone you admire who has high self-esteem.
19. Write about what it would be like to live your dream life.
20. List your strengths and accomplishments.
21. Write about what courage means to you.
22. Rewrite a scene in which you felt you had low self-esteem.
23. Reflect on a time when you displayed inner strength, even without knowing it.
24. Remind yourself of the best advice you ever gave a friend. Now, what's the best advice you could give yourself?
25. Write about a time you felt inspired. Get as specific as you can, recounting all the sensory details of that day and time.
26. Boost your self-image by writing an ode to your body. Write about all the things you love about your body.
27. Write about a time you displayed self-confidence that you didn't know you had.
28. Write about what you loved most as a child.
29. Describe the feeling after a good workout.
30. Do one nice thing for yourself today, then write about what it felt like.

With simple journal prompts, you can change the way you see yourself. This is not only about positive self-talk on the page either. If negative thoughts arise, you can combat them on the page by exploring them candidly and working to describe where and how they come up.

To feel good about yourself means looking at yourself squarely and understanding that self-love means total acceptance. Good thoughts will come and so will unhealthy thoughts, but acknowledging everything is at the root of self-esteem.

“Having the courage to reckon with our emotions and to rumble with our stories is the path to writing our brave new ending.” — Brené Brown

To begin a new habit of journaling, remember to set realistic goals, and it always helps to have a community. Buy yourself a nice journal that you will enjoy writing in, or remember to save your journal in a place you'll see it. If you need additional support, you can connect with me for journaling prompts, coaching, and meditations that support your self-esteem journey at the holistic wellness app Aura.