31 JOURNALING PROMPTS TO BRING YOU CLOSER TO YOUR IDEAL CAREER
For as long as I can remember, I’ve kept a journal. These journaling prompts helped me so much in figuring out the nitty gritty details of what I desired in my career. There’s 31 prompts – so one for each day of the month. Happy journaling!! ✍🏽
Do you ever find yourself stuck in decision paralysis, trying to figuring out what to do next in life? With so many possible roads to go down and career paths to choose from, it’s enough to make anyone’s head spin.
But seriously, how on earth are we meant to know which of these countless paths is the right one for us? 🤔
I used to spend hours on end trying to figure out the “perfect job” for me, asking questions like:
🔹What are the daily responsibilities of this role and will I enjoy them?
🔹What salary and benefits will I receive?
🔹Are there any additional perks, like flexible hours or gym memberships?
I eventually realized that questions like these were short-sighted. They addressed my well-being in the here and now but they didn’t steer me towards the bigger picture of the life I wanted to create.
Yes, I agree… It IS important to factor in what’s going to keep food on the table… but, all I’m saying is that when you’re super clear on your long-term vision, the not-so-great aspects of that boring desk job won’t hit quite as hard. Instead, they’ll feel more like small sacrifices on your way to building your ideal life! 😎
In this blog post, I’m excited to share 31 questions to help you visualize your ideal future. Then, once you have a crystal clear picture of where you want to go, it’ll be far easier to map backwards and identify the short-term career moves necessary to get you there!
Alright, let’s get it going! I recommend carving out some serious “me time” to dive deep on these questions. Without even realizing it, I guarantee you’ll find yourself inching closer and closer to a career path that brings you fulfillment rather than dread. The reason? You’re now focused on building something bigger—your dream life! So, ladies, let’s make it happen! 💪🏽✨✍🏽
31 QUESTIONS TO GAIN CLARITY ON YOUR CAREER PATH
Okay, grab your journals! I personally like the convenience and privacy of using an online password-protected journal like Penzu.com (not sponsored) because I can write freely about my dreams and aspirations without the worry of any prying eyes 👀😉 – plus, it’s free!
Alright, let’s get started!…
🔹1) What is your ideal working environment? Do you see yourself working indoors, outdoors, or remotely?
🔹2) What is your definition of success? What would it take for you to feel successful?
🔹3) Do you have any limiting beliefs about your potential? How is this holding you back in your career?
🔹4) What is your ideal lifestyle and living environment? Would you say you want a lavish or more modest lifestyle?
🔹5) What does an ideal day look like for you? Consider your ideal work-life balance.
🔹6) What does an ideal year look like for you? Do you want to work all year round? Would you like to travel? How often do you want to travel?
🔹7) What activities make you lose track of time? When was the last time you got into a state of flow?
🔹8) What do you wish you could educate others on? If you were to write a book, what would it be about?
🔹9) What would you like to devote the majority of your time to in the future?
🔹10) What would your dream life look or feel like?
A book that really helped me figure out my dream life was Bill Burnett and Dave Evans’, Designing Your Life. The authors use design thinking principles like brainstorming, iteration, and prototyping to design a life that aligns with your values, interests, and aspirations. It’s a great read at any stage of your career journey!
🔹11) Do you equate success with money? Is it more important for you to love what you do or make good income?
🔹12) Are you more introverted or extroverted? Do you prefer to lead or follow?
🔹13) What luxuries do you think you will need (if any) to feel successful in the future?
🔹14) What will you do for fun in the future?
🔹15) What are your core values? Is it important to you that your future career is aligned with your core values?
🔹16) Do you want to have a family? Is it important for you to build your career before having children or will you continue your career after having children?
You’re halfway there! As you continue through these questions, if you’re eager to get started with your professional growth, find some ideas of where to start in my blog post: 5 Creative Ways to Build Skills for a Resume from Home.
🔹17) What comes easily to you? When people come to you for help, what is it usually for?
🔹18) What do you want people to remember you for? How would you like to leave your mark?
🔹19) What do you think is your life’s mission? Why were you put on Earth?
🔹20) What are you afraid of not accomplishing before you die?
🔹21) Do you want to build or participate in the development of something in the future?
🔹22) Until what age do you want to continue working professionally?
🔹23) What would you do if you were less afraid or if money weren’t an issue?
🔹24) Which parts of your current job do you find meaningful? What do you dislike?
🔹25) Who inspires you, and why? Do you have any mentors?
Another great read for finding one’s calling is the book, Mastery, by Robert Greene. The book outlines key strategies for mastering your chosen pursuits, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, resilience, and consistent practice. It helped me understand that the path towards mastery in any endeavor is roughly the same for everyone (irrespective of intrinsic ability) and gave me the confidence I needed to push forward in my career.
🔹26) What are you most passionate about? Would you dedicate your life to this?
🔹27) What is something you constantly dream about for your future?
🔹28) If you ever started your own business, what do you think it would be for?
🔹29) Do you know where you want to live in the future? Would you relocate for work? How about for a romantic partner?
🔹30) What are you good at but worry you won’t be able to make a living from it in the future?
🔹31) Is it important for you to find meaning in the work that you do? If so, what would give your work meaning?
Did you stick around till the end?! I sure hope so because these 31 journaling prompts helped me gain so much clarity when figuring out my own path!
While we’re still young, I know it can be difficult to imagine what the future could possibly look like but I’m telling you, that ever-so-elusive future will sneak up on us in no time. So, why not plan for it now? 😉
I hope these questions left you with a much clearer idea of what you hope to achieve in your life because once you have a strong vision and a solid understanding of your goals, I promise you, the journey ahead will become infinitely more enjoyable! ✨