5 Journal Prompts to Identify Your Strengths

Dust off That Cape

It may not be obvious to you, but you possess superpowers— otherwise known as personal strengths. Everyone has them but not everyone can identify them. In the daily hustle and bustle of life, it can be challenging to recognize how we shine if we become too focused on problems, failures, and shortcomings. In spite of that, you have all the internal resources you need to thrive and flourish. It all starts with a pen and paper. If you allow it, the pen can be the instrument of your heart, gently releasing the guidance and wisdom that resides within. 

At Mongata, we use journaling in our groups, one-on-one sessions, and self-guided courses as a powerful tool to tap our inner resources, learn about ourselves, and ignite well-being and healing. Grab a pen and some paper, carve out some uninterrupted quiet time, and answer the following prompts. 

Prompt 1

If you’re stuck trying to cope with a current problem, it helps to reflect on past successes. Think of a life challenge you went through that you faced and defeated successfully. 

What inner resources did you use to help you do this? 

What were your takeaways from this experience?

Prompt 2

Sometimes it is much easier for others to see in us what we fail to see in ourselves. 

What would the people you’re closest to say you’re totally awesome at? 

What are some recurring compliments you receive from them? 

Prompt 3

What are you able to accomplish today that you couldn’t have pulled off 5 years ago? 

What changes happened within you to achieve this? 

Prompt 4

Write about a time when you stepped outside your comfort zone and surprised yourself in a wonderful way. 

What happened and what did you learn? 

Prompt 5 

Connecting with your inner child can be a great way to rediscover strengths and interests that may have fallen to the wayside. Think back to when you were a child and answer the following prompts.

When you were in school, what subjects and activities were you most enthusiastic about or came the easiest for you? 

What did you hunger to learn more about? 

Pause and Reflect

Once you’ve finished, take a moment to pause and reflect on your answers. It’s time to make an honest assessment about your strengths and how much time you’re spending nurturing them. When you notice you’re out of balance, you can reread what you wrote to reset and start again. Never forget that you have the power within you to create your own reality.