Journal Prompts: Back to School Energy

Many of us have our own relationship with the Back to School time of year, even if we have not been in school for years. The new school year can bring feelings of excitement, anxiety, and even grief. How do these feelings of new beginnings, the ever-changing goal post, and evolving expectations still manifest in us today? A new year or a new start can feel like a great time to set or revive some goals. Goal setting can feel difficult because of the potential to “fail” or fall short. Is it possible to set goals that don’t leave you feeling overextended and anxious? 

The journal prompts below can help you get started and harness the back to school vibes! Before you get started, find a comfortable place to sit, grab your pen and paper, and take a few deep breaths. 

Journal Prompts

• What feelings do you experience when you think about a new “school” year? Where do you think those come from?

• What is something that you have been looking into starting or restarting? 

• How do you feel about setting goals? 

• Are most of your goals internally or externally motivated? Can you identify the difference between the two?

• Do you feel like “goals” and “intentions” are the same? Where do they overlap and where do they differ?

• How do you celebrate or acknowledge accomplishing your goals? Is this the way you want to celebrate them? 

• How can you find more balance when it comes to starting something new? How can you find more balance in general?