Five Mid Year Journal Prompts for Clarity and Confidence

July 11, 2023

I love the month of July - and not just because of hiking season or dinners on the patio.

July is like a special milestone during the half way point of the year. It’s an opportunity to go inward and gain clarity about how you want to approach the second half of the year.

At the beginning of the year, you may have set intentions for what you wanted to focus on. Maybe you’re on track with your original plans, or maybe some of your priorities shifted and you needed to change course.

Checking in part way through the year reduces your chances of going through the motions and feeling regret at the end of the year if you didn’t have the year you were hoping for.

So this month, you’re invited to carve out 15 minutes to complete the following journal prompts. Put a block on your calendar, and make sure it’s uninterrupted time without your phone or other distractions.

Here are five journal prompts to help you gain confidence and clarity for how you navigate the second half of the year:

1 - Reflect on the first six months of the year. What do you feel proud of? Write down all celebrations or wins, large or small.

2 - What was your best day so far this year? What were you doing, who were you with, and why did it bring you so much joy? What could you do to recreate more of those “best days” later this year?

3 - What do you feel grateful for right now? Set a timer for 3 minutes and write down anything you can think of.

4 - Set a timer for 3 minutes and write down anything that is giving you energy. Then set a timer for 3 minutes and write down anything that is draining you of your energy. Then look at your two lists. What are two things you want to do continue or do more of, and two things you want to eliminate or do less of?

5 - Imagine waking up on January 1 of next year. You have taken action on three things that have made you feel really proud or brought you peace (ex: “I have developed a consistent sleep routine and am feeling less stressed.”) Write down the three things, and the under each item, write down one small step you can take today to move you in the right direction.

. . .

Of course, the goal of the mid year check-in is to not get perfectionistic about your plans, or beat yourself up because the year hasn’t gone the way you wanted it to.

Rather, it’s an opportunity to become more aware of how you’re spending your time, what’s getting in the way, and what is the most important to you right now. It’s about getting more aligned with your values and living the life you want to lead.

Wishing you a fantastic second half of the year, as you become a more confident and empowered you.