Motivational Journal Prompts for Students

July 1, 2022 byAllison Brubaker

3 min to read

A teenage girl taking notes during online class

Creating a journaling schedule for your child early in their education can make a positive impact on the development of their writing skills. But journaling isn’t just for aspiring writers—it’s an exercise that helps all students gain confidence in their writing skills without the fear of messing up. Journaling also provides students with benefits like motivation, inspiration, help with envisioning the future, and even stress relief.

Journaling for High School Students

It can be tough for students of any age to journal regularly. Sometimes, it may feel like there isn’t anything to write about. To many students, finding a topic may just seem too daunting. But it doesn’t have to be difficult!

Below, you will find some resources to get your student journaling, including a list of motivational and inspirational journal prompts. The best part of journaling is that there are no rules! Students can journal for motivation, inspiration, and even stress relief. Journaling is a fantastic creative outlet that lets your student express themselves and their ideas—without the pressure of being graded.

To begin, print the motivational journal pockets template to help your student create their own journal for motivation and personal expression.

Download Motivational Journal Template

How to Jump-Start Your Journaling

Choose any of the motivational journaling prompts from the list below and feel free to add your own ideas as well!

Before your student is ready to start journaling, write or print each prompt on individual slips of paper and place them in a jar or container. Your student should schedule 30-minute increments on one or two days each week for journaling. A new prompt may be chosen out of the jar for each new journaling session.

The length of journal entries for high school students can range anywhere from one page to several pages of writing. Don’t feel limited by the 30-minute time increment. Feel free to extend the time of journaling sessions until your student has completed writing down their thoughts.

A student using motivational journal prompts to start writing.

Inspirational Journal Prompts

My hero is …
When I think ahead to one year into the future, I see ...
When I think five years ahead into the future, I see ...
When I accomplish a goal, I feel ...
My perfect day looks like ...
My happy place is _______, because …
I was proud when I …
My dream vacation is …
My family is …
The thing I wish people understood about me is …

Motivational Writing Prompts for Acknowledging and Establishing New Goals

What excites me?
I wish I could learn _______, because …
Something I put off doing last year that I want to do this year is …
Is there a difference between dreams and goals?
Do I like to take risks? Why or why not?
What am I looking forward to the most?
What do I consider my greatest accomplishment?
One goal I’d like to accomplish this year is _______, because …
Even though I really want to _______, I am afraid to because …
My bucket list includes _______, because …

These writing prompts are intended to be a helpful starting point, but feel free to add your own ideas to the list and enjoy the benefits of journaling!

For more resources and learning tools on topics like pursuing your passions and more, take a look at our Resource Hub.