10 journal prompts for when you’re scared to do something new
Raise your hand if you’ve ever procrastinated or completely stopped yourself from doing something that you really wanted to do because you were too nervous, anxious or afraid?! Stepping into something new can feel both exciting and terrifying at the same time. And btw–it’s not your fault! Your brain is literally wired to avoid danger… and to your mind, new=danger!
The problem is, if you want to start a new project, pursue a big dream, or make a significant change in your life, that fear of the unknown can often hold you back. Enter journaling. Journaling is a powerful tool that can help you work through those fears, uncover what’s beneath them and rediscover your inner strength.
By reflecting on your thoughts and emotions, you can reframe your mindset and find the courage you need to move forward. Below are 10 journal prompts designed to help you navigate uncertainty and embrace the unknown so that you can jump into new opportunities with confidence. (Or at least make them feel a little less scary!) Feel free to use one or two, or all of the prompts to help you reframe the situation in your mind!
Journal prompts to move through fear
- Imagine yourself in the future, already having taken the step or opportunity that you’re nervous about, and everything worked out perfectly. What advice would you give yourself looking back?
- What’s the best outcome I can imagine from taking this step? Describe exactly what that could look like.
- What’s the worst outcome that could realistically happen if I try this new thing? How would I handle it, and is there anything I can do to help prevent it from happening?
- What small step could I take that would make me feel more prepared or less intimidated?
- Who can I reach out to for support or guidance as I take this leap?
- What’s another “scary” thing that I tried or succeeded at, and what did I learn from those experiences?
- What strengths do I bring to this new experience?
- What am I hoping to achieve, learn, or experience by doing this?
- What is scarier to me: trying this and potentially failing, or not trying and missing the opportunity? How would my future self feel if I didn’t take this chance?
- What advice or comforting thoughts would I tell a friend if they were in my position?
I hope you found these prompts helpful! For more prompts or to learn more about journaling, check out this page.
