As the first month of 2024 closes, it’s time to pause and reflect on the resolutions we set for ourselves in the optimistic glow of our New Year’s celebrations. Just four weeks ago, we were putting fingers to keyboard and making plans to grow and change in 2024. But now, that initial enthusiasm has had time to settle, and it’s the perfect time to check in with ourselves and our progress.
Let’s dive into some journaling prompts that can guide you through a meaningful assessment of your resolutions and help you realign with your goals.
1. Celebrate Achievements
Begin by celebrating yourself! Go back to those resolutions you set, and take some time to celebrate your progress. Reflect on the goals you’ve already achieved or the progress you’ve made. Recognizing your successes, no matter how minor, can boost your motivation.
Here are some prompts to get you started:
- Have I made any progress towards any of my resolutions? How so?
- What are some victories, big or small, that I’ve experienced in January?
- How have these successes contributed to my overall wellbeing?
2. Identify Challenges
Obstacles are part of life. Whether your goal to walk 10,000 steps a day was sidelined by a snowstorm, or your resolution to journal thirty minutes a day took a nosedive when you were assigned a major work project that cut into your journaling time, take a moment to acknowledge any hurdles that may have arisen in pursuit of your resolutions. Understanding these challenges is a crucial step towards overcoming them — and adjusting your approach if needed.
- What barriers did I encounter in working towards my resolutions?
- How did I respond to these challenges, and what have I learned from them?
- How might I have dealt with these challenges differently?
3. Reassess Goals
Now it’s time to revisit your initial resolutions. This doesn’t mean we’re abandoning them — we’re just making sure they are still meaningful and relevant. It’s okay to adjust or refine your goals based on new insights or changed priorities. You also might find that your goals weren’t as specific as they could be; now is a great time to make those goals SMART, if you didn’t initially.
- Do my resolutions still align with my current values and aspirations?
- Are there any adjustments or modifications I want to make to my initial goals?
4. Establish Actions Plans
Outline specific actions you can take to move closer to your goals. Break down your resolutions into manageable steps to create a roadmap for the upcoming months.
- What concrete actions can I take to progress towards my resolutions?
- How can I integrate these actions into my daily or weekly routine?
Remember, the purpose of this exercise is not to judge yourself. Whether you’re way ahead on your resolutions, or falling behind a little bit, it’s okay: the key here is practicing non-judgmental self-awareness. January is just the beginning of the year, and there’s plenty of time to recalibrate your course and continue the journey towards personal improvement.
As you close the chapter on January, let your journal be a space for reflection, gratitude, and renewed determination. Embrace the opportunity to check in on your resolutions, adjust your sails if necessary, and set a positive tone for the months ahead. Happy reevaluating!
Download the Day One Journal App Today
The Day One journaling app makes it easy to build and maintain a daily journaling habit. Daily writing prompts and journal streaks are designed to help keep you motivated and consistently journaling. Add photos, videos, and audio to your journal, anytime, anywhere.
About the Author
Phoebe Kranefuss is a freelance writer and marketer based in Madison, Wisconsin. She’s a lifelong journaler and (almost) daily writer. She studied English Literature at Bowdoin College, is currently pursuing her MFA in fiction at University of Wisconsin–Madison, and has written for and worked with healthtechs including Monument, NOCD, and more.
