end of the year essay prompts

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Teaching with Jennifer Findley

Upper Elementary Teaching Blog

Free End of Year Writing Prompts

By the time the end of the school year arrives, I am digging down deep in my bag of tricks and searching my resources for new ideas to engage my students. Often, we have used our best activities and resources well before the final month of school. This post will give you some fresh end of year writing prompts just for that final month of school (with ideas on how to make them more engaging for students who have checked out).

Using the End of Year Writing Prompts

These end of the year writing prompts can be used for:

• Writing centers or stations
• Early finisher activities
• Independent writing activities

Want to add in some instant engagement if your students are reluctant writers? Try these tips:

• Take them outside to write. Want prompts designed specifically for outdoor writing? Click here.
• Let the students write with partners.
• Allow the students to choose the prompts they want to write about.
• Make these a whole group (and silly) writing activity by choosing one prompt for all of the students to write. Give the students 3-5 minutes to start writing the essay/story. Then have them leave their papers on their desks and rotate to another desk. Give them a few minutes to read the story on the desk they are at now and then a few more minutes to add to it. Continue the activity for about 20-30 minutes. Then have the students return to their desks to read their original stories. This works really well with narrative or how-to prompts.
• Let the students write their essays/stories on dry-erase boards. You won’t be able to check them or save them, but your students will love the chance to actually write an essay on a dry-erase board.

Here are the writing prompts…free downloadable versions available at the end of this post.

Narrative Writing Prompts

• Thinking back on the school year, write a personal narrative describing your favorite memory and why it stood out amongst the other school days.
• Go back in time to the first day of school, and write a letter to yourself describing three of the things you will learn this year and why they’re important.
• It’s the last day of school and you get locked in after everyone leaves. Write about what happens next.
• Imagine that you’re an object in the classroom (i.e., desk, pencil sharpener, whiteboard, etc.), and write a story about the things that happened during the school year from the perspective of that object.
• Write a fictional narrative pretending that you switched places with a cafeteria worker for the day.
• You’re working as a school custodian. It’s the last day of school, and you enter the school gymnasium. Write a story about what you find and what happens next.
• The principal calls you to his or her office and explains that your teacher will be out for the rest of the school year. It’s up to you to teach the class for the rest of the year. Write a story explaining what happens next.
• Finish this story: I was walking by the art room on the last day of school when I suddenly saw…
• You’re helping your teacher pack up the classroom library when you find something unexpected behind the books. Write a story describing what you find and what happens next.
• Write a fictional narrative pretending that the school just announced that summer break has been canceled and that the new school year will start next week.

Persuasive/Opinion Writing Prompts

• Do you think schools should be year-round or follow a traditional school calendar with summers off? Write a persuasive essay supporting your opinion.
• In your opinion, should teachers give schoolwork over the summer vacation? Write an opinion piece that supports your stance.
• Many people believe that schools should have later start times to allow students to get enough sleep. Write a persuasive essay explaining your position on the issue.
• Students must turn in their tablets and computers at the end of each school year. Should they be allowed to take them home and use them during the summer instead? Write an opinion piece that clearly supports your position.
• In your opinion, which job is the most important at your school? Write an opinion piece that clearly supports your opinion.
• Write a letter to your principal persuading him or her to have field trips over the summer. Include the benefits of having summer field trips as well as possible locations in your letter.

Informational Writing Prompts

• Compare and contrast this school year and last school year.
• Write a letter to a student who is entering the grade you’re completing, and explain how to be successful next year.
• What is needed to have a fun summer? Write an informational essay explaining the things needed to have a fun and exciting summer. Include details about each thing and why it is important.
• Write an informational piece outlining a typical school day for a student in your grade.
• Write a how-to essay explaining how to have the best last day of school. In your essay, include the characteristics of an ideal last day of school.

Descriptive Prompts

• Describe the ideal summer day. Include details about the weather, the activities, and the people involved.
• Describe your school in detail. Include details about the activities offered, the mascot, the colors, and the academics.
• Describe the perfect day of school. In your description, include details about how the day would be, from beginning to end.

Digital End of Year Reflection Prompts

These free end of year writing prompts are now available in digital format with Google Slides. When you download the PDF (from the next section), you will find the links to access the digital end of year writing prompts on the first page.

Here are some ideas for using these free digital end of year writing prompts:

• Assign one prompt at a time.
• Assign several prompts at a time for completion within a specified time frame.
• Assign several prompts at a time but allow students to choose a specific number to complete from the total assigned.

Need help assigning Google Slides through Google Classroom? Click here!

Download the FREE End of Year Writing Prompts

Click here or on the image below to download the free end of year writing prompts in THREE formats – printable list, task card format, and digital format.

Want More End of the Year Activities for Literacy?

Interested in more end of the year activities for literacy? Click here or on the image below to see my End of the Year Literacy Activities for 4th and 5th grade. The resource contains over 20 no-/low-prep activities for reading and writing, with TWELVE of those in digital format!

Share the Knowledge!

Reader interactions.

April 27, 2020 at 1:37 pm

Jennifer, I am retiring at the end of this school year. I have taught for 32 years and I’m 66 years old–but a very young 66. I couldn’t have made it without your amazing contribution to education. The past two years I have stepped back into a 5th grade classroom, after four years as a district instructional coach. It was a huge change for me. I have used your products enough that I consider you a good friend. So, when I google something, and you pop up first, I totally say, “Hey, I know her. Her stuff is the best!!” I have also appreciated your distance learning ideas and activities, both free and paid. They have saved me the last six weeks or so. Thank you so much and good luck with your business.

May 7, 2020 at 12:30 am

Thank you so much. These look amazing.

June 3, 2020 at 4:49 pm

Thank you very much. These are very helpful. You are totally right, it has been a strange end to the 2019-20 school year.

July 19, 2020 at 1:05 pm

Do you employ the use of daily prompts to kickstart your journal writing?

https://dailyjournal.club/journal-prompts-2-step-process-for-success/

May 18, 2021 at 2:47 pm

Thank you so much for the EOY writing prompts–they are fantastic!! I focus on writing all year long, and toward the end of May, I always feel like I’m out of ideas!! Your prompts are engaging and fresh. Thank you so much for sharing freely!!

May 24, 2022 at 3:05 pm

Jennifer, Thank you so much for sharing these awesome end of the year writing ideas! It is greatly appreciated! Diana

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I’m Jennifer Findley: a teacher, mother, and avid reader. I believe that with the right resources, mindset, and strategies, all students can achieve at high levels and learn to love learning. My goal is to provide resources and strategies to inspire you and help make this belief a reality for your students.

70 End-of-the-Year Journal Prompts: Fun and Creative Writing Ideas to Reflect on the Past Year

By: Author Valerie Forgeard

Posted on Published: October 6, 2022  - Last updated: December 26, 2023

Categories Creativity , Inspiration , Writing

It’s that time of year again! The end of the year is a time for reflection, and what better way to reflect on the past year than by writing about it? This blog post will provide a list of fun and creative journal prompts to help you document your thoughts and memories from the past year. Whether you are looking to reminisce on all the good times you had or want to document some of your challenges, these prompts will help get you started!

70 End-of-the-Year Journal Prompts

These 70 journal writing prompts help and encourage you to record your experiences throughout the year. These year reflection questions are perfect for the year’s beginning, middle, or end.

Start With a Journal Prompt of Your Choice and See How It Goes!

Reflecting on a Year

• What was the best thing that happened to you this year?
• The best way to describe the past year would be…
• What did you accomplish this year?
• Did your goals change during the year? If so, why did they change, and how did that affect your life?
• What did you accomplish that you didn’t think was possible?
• What was your biggest accomplishment this year? Did it change your life or make it easier for you? In what way?
• What did you like best about this year?
• What were your highlights during each month of the year?
• How would you describe your mood during the year?
• How did your mindset evolve this year?
• Write about a time when you felt empowered.
• Describe a time when you felt like you made a difference in someone else’s life (e.g., a friend, family member, or student).
• Write about something that made you laugh this year – even if it was at yourself!
• Write about something that happened to you this year that made you feel like an era was ending, but not necessarily in a bad way!
• What was your biggest challenge? Why was it so difficult?
• Write about the biggest challenge you faced this year and how you overcame it (or didn’t).
• What do you wish for next year?
• How do your goals for next year differ from those of previous years?
• If something didn’t go as planned this year, what was it, and how did you feel about it?
• If something went particularly well this year, what was it, and how did you feel about it?
• What was an important lesson learned from the past year?
• How can you improve your daily routine in the coming year?
• Write down a positive memory from the year. What made it feel so great? How can you use that feeling in the future? Reflecting on Life’s Journey
• Review everything that happened this year and write down one thing you learned about yourself from each experience.
• What’s the best way to celebrate the end of a year? How can you make sure this party is memorable?
• What do you want to do before the next year begins? Can you do it now? If not, when will you be able to do it?
• What was your favorite part of your vacations this year?
• What do you regret most about this year?
• What would you like to forget from the past year?
• What was the most surprising thing that happened to you this year?
• In what ways were you different at the end of the year than you were at the beginning?
• What was the most surprising thing that happened to you this year? Why was it surprising?
• What do you want to remember from this year?
• What did you learn from your teachers this year?
• How did your first part of the school year go?
• What will you improve in school this coming year?
• Did you learn a new skill? Which one?
• Did you start a new hobby? Why or why not?
• Who did you spend the most time with this year?
• Write about your best experience this year.
• What was your favorite book this year? Why did it make a memorable impression on you?
• What was your favorite song this year?
• What was your favorite movie this year?
• Who were the most influential people in your life this year?
• What new foods have you discovered in the last 12 months?
• What do you wish you’d done more of this year?
• What do you wish you’d done less of this year?
• What was the most excellent compliment you received this year?
• What’s the most excellent thing you did for someone else this year?
• If you could turn back time, what advice would you give yourself at the beginning of this year?
• How has your relationship with your family changed over the years? How has it stayed the same?
• What do you need to improve about your relationships in the next year? Navigating Changes
• How has your relationship with your friends changed over the years? How has it stayed the same?
• Who made you angry or upset this year?
• Who’s helped you this year?
• How have you grown over the past year?
• What goals or resolutions did you set last year, and how did they make you who you are today?
• What are you looking forward to in the next year?
• How do you envision next year?
• What are your goals for next year?
• Who do you need to reach out to, or what do you need to do to make those goals a reality?
• How will you measure your progress?
• What do you want to change about yourself in the new year?
• What do you want to do differently in the next year?
• What do you want to stay the same in the next year?
• Do you need to set limits for yourself in the next year? If so, what are they and why?
• How would you describe your outlook on life right now?
• Do you still have goals from this year that you want to continue working on?
• What can you let go of to make room for something better?
• What do you hope for yourself in the next year?
• What do you want for the world in the next year?
• How to improve your creative writing skills when writing your journal

The end of the year is a time to reflect on your work, your life, and what you want to accomplish in the coming year. It’s also a time to reflect on your diary writing skills.

Tips for Enhancing Your Daily Practice

Writing a journal every day can be a challenge. Many people fall behind or skip days. This can cause stress and make writing the diary a chore.

Here are some tips on how to improve your writing skills:

• Use a timer for each writing prompt . Take 15 minutes for each journaling prompt and set an alarm if needed.
• Write about something different each day . Don’t repeat the same things repeatedly, or you’ll get bored with the topic and stop writing!
• Set goals for the topics you want to cover in your journal entries throughout the year (for example, one topic per month). Refer to these goals when you write your journal so you don’t stray too far from them!
• Make sure each entry has at least two paragraphs. This way, the reader will learn more about what’s going on in your life than if they only had a single paragraph!
• If possible, write your journal entries in the morning or evening when you’ve more energy. Writing after work or school is better if you’re in a hurry in the morning.

Related Posts

365 Journal Prompts to Help You Reflect, Grow, and Connect: A Year of Self-Discovery

90 End-Of-Year Journal Prompts for Reflection

• Pinterest 58

Table of Contents

90 end-of-year questions to help you reflect

Beware: the best end-of-year journal prompts ever !

As we near the end of the year, it’s the perfect time to look back and think about everything we’ve been through.

You know, sometimes it’s helpful to take a moment and reflect on our experiences. And guess what? Journaling can be a fantastic way to do just that!

In this blog post, I’ll share some cool end-of-year journal prompts. They’ll help you discover more about yourself, think about what you’ve achieved, and plan for the future.

These reflective journaling prompts are perfect, whether you’re already a pro at journaling or just starting out. They’ll inspire you to explore your inner thoughts and feelings.

This post may contain affiliate links. That means that if you click on a link and purchase something I recommend, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

30 good end-of-year reflection questions for the present moment

• What are three things you’re grateful for right now ?
• How have you grown as a person this year?
• What challenges have you overcome, and what have you learned from them?
• What moments brought you the most joy, and why?
• In what ways have you taken care of yourself this year?
• What new skills or hobbies have you developed ?
• How have your relationships evolved and strengthened?
• What have been your biggest accomplishments this year?
• How have you contributed to your community or helped others?
• What values have become more important to you?
• How have you embraced change and adapted to new situations?
• What are some positive habits you’ve developed ?
• How have you found balance in your life?
• What lessons have you learned from your mistakes?
• What experiences have challenged your perspective and led to personal growth?

• How have you practiced self-compassion and self-care?
• What are some moments of laughter and fun you’ve experienced?
• What risks have you taken that have paid off?
• How have you managed stress and maintained your well-being?
• What memorable trips or adventures have you had?
• How have you pursued your passions and interests?
• What books, movies, or music have inspired you?
• How have you nurtured your creativity?
• What positive changes have you made in your daily routines?
• How have you practiced mindfulness and being present in the moment?
• What acts of kindness have you shown to others?
• How have you maintained a positive mindset during challenging times ?
• What are some important life lessons you’ve learned?
• How have you celebrated your achievements and milestones?
• What are you most proud of yourself for right now?

30 end-of-year reflection writing prompts to reflect on the past year

• Describe your favorite memories from the past year.
• What were the major milestones you reached?
• Reflect on the biggest challenges you faced and how you overcame these obstacles .
• How have your relationships evolved throughout the year?
• What was the most valuable lesson you learned ?
• How did you step outside of your comfort zone ?
• Describe a moment when you felt the most alive and inspired.
• Reflect on the goals you achieved and the progress you made.
• What unexpected opportunities came your way?
• How did you handle setbacks or disappointments?
• Describe a time when you demonstrated resilience and perseverance.
• How did you prioritize self-care and well-being ?
• What new skills or knowledge did you acquire?
• Reflect on the times when you felt proud of yourself.
• What habits or behaviors did you let go of ?

• Describe an act of kindness you showed others.
• How did you contribute to your community or make a positive impact?
• Reflect on the times when you practiced gratitude and appreciation.
• What experiences pushed you out of your comfort zone?
• How did you practice self-reflection and self-awareness?
• Describe a moment when you faced and conquered a fear.
• Reflect on the ways in which you nurtured your personal growth .
• How did you prioritize your mental and emotional well-being?
• What important relationships did you cultivate or strengthen?
• Describe a time when you found inspiration in unexpected places.
• Reflect on the times when you made a difference in someone’s life.
• How did you embrace new opportunities for learning and growth?
• What memorable trips or adventures did you embark on?
• Describe a time when you made a positive change in your lifestyle .
• Reflect on the ways in which you took care of yourself throughout the year.

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30 end-of-year journal prompts to plan for the new year

• What are your top three goals for the upcoming year ?
• How will you prioritize self-care and well-being in the new year?
• What new habits or routines do you want to establish ?
• Reflect on the areas of your life that need more balance and how you’ll achieve it.
• Describe the steps you’ll take to pursue your passions and interests.
• How will you foster and nurture meaningful relationships?
• What steps will you take to improve your personal and professional growth?
• Reflect on the ways in which you’ll practice gratitude and appreciation every day.
• Describe the self-improvement projects or skills you want to focus on .
• How will you make time for relaxation, hobbies, and fun activities?
• What steps will you take to simplify your life and reduce stress ?
• Reflect on the ways you’ll practice mindfulness and be present in the moment.
• Describe how you’ll prioritize giving back and making a positive impact .
• What steps will you take to cultivate a positive mindset and resilience ?
• How will you incorporate more creativity into your daily life?

• Reflect on the ways in which you’ll foster a supportive and nurturing environment.
• Describe the steps you’ll take to overcome any fears or limiting beliefs.
• What actions will you take to expand your knowledge and skills?
• How will you create and maintain healthy boundaries in your relationships?
• Reflect on the ways in which you’ll prioritize self-reflection and self-awareness.
• Describe the steps you’ll take to maintain your physical well-being.
• What steps will you take to manage your time effectively and set priorities?
• How will you incorporate more adventure and exploration into your life?
• Reflect on the ways in which you’ll practice resilience in the face of challenges.
• Describe the steps you’ll take to foster a positive work-life balance.
• What actions will you take to manifest your dreams and aspirations?
• How will you surround yourself with positivity and uplifting influences?
• Reflect on the ways in which you’ll embrace change and adaptability.
• Describe the steps you’ll take to improve your communication skills .
• What actions will you take to prioritize your personal happiness and fulfillment?

FAQ: Why is it important to journal for reflection at the end of the year?

Journaling at the end of the year is like giving yourself a precious gift.

It’s a chance to pause, take a deep breath, and look back on all the ups and downs, triumphs, and challenges you’ve faced throughout the year .

Now, why is it important to journal for reflection? Well, think of it as taking a snapshot of your journey.

By putting pen to paper, you create a tangible record of your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. It’s like capturing a moment in time—a piece of your personal growth story.

When you reflect on your year through journaling, you gain a deeper understanding of yourself .

You start to see patterns, uncover hidden insights, and recognize the lessons learned along the way.

It’s a bit like putting together the pieces of a puzzle—every entry in your journal adds a valuable piece that contributes to the bigger picture of who you are and who you want to become.

Besides, journaling allows you to celebrate your accomplishments, big and small . It’s easy to forget all the little victories and milestones we’ve achieved throughout the year.

But when you write them down, they become tangible reminders of your progress and growth. And trust me, celebrating those wins is a wonderful boost to your self-confidence and motivation.

Now, let’s not forget about the future! Journaling at the end of the year also sets the stage for exciting possibilities and goals in the upcoming year.

By reflecting on what worked and what didn’t, you can make wiser choices and set more meaningful intentions for the future .

It’s like laying a strong foundation for personal growth and success.

FAQ: The best tips for working with these end-of-year writing prompts

Find a cozy and quiet space.

Creating the right atmosphere is key. Find a comfy spot where you can relax and focus. Maybe light a vanilla cupcake-scented candle or play some soothing music to set the mood.

This helps create a calm and inviting environment for your journaling session.

Set aside dedicated time

Life can get pretty busy, right? That’s why it’s important to carve out dedicated time for your journaling practice.

It could be in the morning with a cup of coffee, during a peaceful afternoon break, or just before bedtime. Find what works best for you and make it a regular part of your routine.

Embrace authenticity and honesty

When you’re answering these end-of-year reflection journal prompts, don’t hold back! Be your authentic self and let your true thoughts and emotions flow onto the pages.

This is your personal space to express yourself without judgment. Honesty is where the magic happens.

Don’t worry about grammar or spelling

Remember, this is a personal growth journey, not an English class. So, don’t stress over grammar or spelling mistakes.

Just focus on getting your thoughts out there. Your journal is a safe space where grammar police don’t exist!

Get creative with your responses

These end-of-year journal prompts are meant to spark your imagination, so have fun with them! Feel free to doodle, draw, or add little decorations to your journal pages.

Make it a colorful and visual representation of your reflections. It’s your personal masterpiece, after all.

Reflect on your growth and accomplishments

As you go through each prompt, take the time to acknowledge your growth and celebrate your accomplishments.

Be proud of how far you’ve come, and give yourself credit for the progress you’ve made. This boosts your self-confidence and fuels your motivation for the future.

Stay open-minded and curious

Journaling is a journey of self-discovery . Approach each prompt with an open mind and a sense of curiosity.

Explore new perspectives, ask yourself thought-provoking questions, and be receptive to unexpected insights. You never know what valuable discoveries you might make!

Now go back to my list of prompts, and let’s get started with your end-of-year journal entries.

Will you try any of these end-of-year journal prompts?

I’m a personal growth and self-care expert, as well as an avid motorcycle enthusiast and coffee and sweets lover. Through Lauraconteuse, I provide insightful and practical advice on topics such as self-care, self-love, personal growth, and productivity, drawing from my very own extensive experience and knowledge in the field. My blog has helped countless people achieve their goals and live more fulfilling lives, and my goal is to continue to inspire and empower others.

You might also like these related posts

1 thought on “90 End-Of-Year Journal Prompts for Reflection”

love all the journal prompts you shared! Its always important to be reflective and introspective.

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30 Journal Prompts for End of the Year Reflection

• By Catherine Beard
• December 23, 2020

At the end of every year, I like to reflect on everything that’s happened over the past twelve months. Though 2020 was memorable for unfortunate reasons, I’ve already forgotten some of the smaller things that happened over the course of the year.

Remember when Tiger King and whipped coffee were all we talked about for a while? That feels like a lifetime ago. Sometimes changes in our lives are so subtle that we barely notice they’re happening. You might not have recognized the wins you had or the ways you’ve grown because there were other things fighting for your attention.

If you’re like me, the goals you set in January may no longer feel relevant. You might have put them on the back-burner because other things took priority. And that’s okay. Give yourself some credit for dealing with something that none of us have ever experienced before.

Sidenote on my goals: I did pay off half of my credit card debt and built up my emergency fund.

Whether you achieved your goals or not, it’s helpful to take a moment to process your experience of the past year. That way, you can let go of anything that’s weighing you down.

To help you reflect on the year, I’ve put together a list of 30 end of year journal prompts to close out this chapter and move into the new year with a fresh mindset.

I recommend setting aside 30 minutes or so to let yourself journal and be in the moment. Create a comfy environment by making a cup of your favorite beverage, putting on a calming playlist, and lighting a candle. Savor this mindful ritual with yourself!

30 End of Year Journal Prompts for Self-Reflection

Click here to download the printable version

Challenges & Wins

• What were your biggest challenges from the year? What did you learn from them?
• What were your biggest wins from the year? What did you accomplish? What are you proud of yourself for?
• What helped you to get through this year? (e.g. routines, boundaries, relationships, resources)
• What were your favorite books, movies, shows, and songs from the past year?
• How would you describe the version of yourself from the past year? How have you changed since last year? In what ways have you grown this year?
• What kind of person do you want to become next year? How do you want to grow? How can you treat yourself with love, respect, and patience?
• How well did you take care of yourself this year? Did you prioritize exercise, sleep, and nutrition?
• How will you commit to taking even better care of yourself next year?
• What kind of boundaries did you set for yourself and others this year? How did you uphold those boundaries? Where did you let them slide? 
• What do you want your boundaries to look like for next year? How will you prioritize them?
• What did your typical daily routine look like this year? How did you start and end your days? 
• What do you want your routine to look like for next year? What would be your ideal morning and evening routines?
• What were your top three priorities this past year? (e.g. work, family, finances, self-care, mental health, etc)
• What are your top three priorities for next year? Why are they important to you?
• How satisfied were you with your work this year? What did you enjoy and not enjoy?
• What changes could you make next year will help you feel fulfilled with your work?

Environment

• What role did your environment play in your life this year? (Think of your living space, community, workspace, nature, etc)
• Do you want to make any changes to your environment next year? What would your ideal environment look and feel like?
• What emotions did you experience this past year? Did you allow yourself to feel or talk about them freely?
• What feelings do you want to embrace for next year? What intentions do you want to set?
• What was your mindset like this year? Did you overthink or overanalyze anything in particular?
• How can you improve your mindset in the next year? How will you commit to keeping a healthy mindset?

Connections

• Who did you connect with this year? Who made you feel the most supported?
• Who do you want to connect with next year? What kind of people do you want to surround yourself with?

Fun & Hobbies

• How did you relax and unwind this year? What were your favorite memories? Did you start any new hobbies or nurture old ones?
• What do you want to explore more of next year? What does fun look like to you?

Gratitude 

• Who are you most grateful for? What are you most grateful for? Write down why you are grateful for these people and things.
•  How can you express your gratitude more next year?

Goals & Growth

• What goals did you set for yourself at the beginning of the year? Did you achieve them? (Note: Remember to give yourself grace if you didn’t achieve your goals)
• What are your goals for next year? What do you want to learn or get better at? Think of work, health, finances, relationships, and home. What tools or resources will help you stay on track with your goals?

See you next year!

I hope these end of year journal prompts help you reflect on the past year and move into the new year with ease and intention. Feel free to leave a comment with some of your reflections from this list!

In the mood for some goal setting? Check out this post about how to create a vision plan for the future .

8 Responses

Replace ‘year’ with ‘day’ and you’re on.

Ooh that’s a good idea!

Catherine! You have inspired, encouraged, and enlightened me during a really tough year! You are such a blessing with an amazing gift to share & educate others.

Bless you 💕 and best wishes for the new year.

Oh wow thank you so much, Anne-Marie! I’m so glad I could help in some way. Happy New Year!

catherine thank you for this makes me happy love john

I’m glad to hear that, John!

Thank you so much for such a great question for journal ♥️. Thank you Catherine 🧿♥️

Thank you for sharing this Catherine. I used to write a lot in my diary growing up but over the last few years have not made it a priority. Subsequently I stopped purchasing dated diaries because it really felt like a commitment & bought plain journals. Decided to put some time aside today & google journal prompts as I have no idea what to write about & I’m so glad your page came up. Getting thoughts out on a page has always helped me & these questions are great for me to reflect on.

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30 End of the Year Writing Prompts

As the calendar pages flip closer to the year’s conclusion, introspection and reminiscence naturally follow. The end of the year writing prompts serve as a compass, guiding writers through the maze of memories, lessons, and emotions. Engaging with these prompts helps capture the essence of the past months, making sense of moments both grand and subtle.

Here are 30 writing prompts inspired by the closing of one chapter and the beginning of the next:

• Reflect on a moment this year that took your breath away.
• If this year were a book, what would its title be?
• Describe a challenge you overcame and what you learned from it.
• Write a letter to yourself at the start of the year. What would you say?
• Pen down a fictional story where New Year’s Eve holds magical properties.
• What are three things you’re grateful for this year?
• List the songs that defined your year and write about the memories they evoke.
• Create a dialogue between January and December of this year.
• Describe a place you visited for the first time this year and how it impacted you.
• If you could relive one day from this year, which would it be and why?
• Imagine a world where people make resolutions on the last day and they come true.
• Write a poem capturing the essence of the year’s changing seasons.
• Which unexpected person made the biggest impact on your year?
• Imagine an end-of-the-year gala where historical figures from the past attend.
• List the books you read and how they shaped or reflected your year.
• Pen a heartfelt letter to someone who made your year special.
• Describe a new tradition or habit you started.
• Write about the taste, scent, and feel of the year.
• If you could give the year a color, which one would it be and why?
• Detail an act of kindness, big or small, that you witnessed or received.
• Imagine the year as a person. What would they look like, and what would they say?
• Write about the most beautiful sunset or sunrise you experienced this year.
• Describe a moment of pure laughter.
• Detail a risk you took and its aftermath.
• What’s a lesson you’ll carry with you into the next year?
• Capture the year in a series of Haiku poems.
• Write a story based on the most unexpected photo in your camera roll from the year.
• Describe how the end of the year feels in five sensory descriptions.
• Pen down a conversation between you and the upcoming year.
• Write a short story where characters celebrate the end of the year in a fantastical land.

Conclusion:

The journey through the end of the year writing prompts illuminates the milestones and minute details that made the year unique. By translating our experiences onto paper, we not only preserve memories but also pave the path for the upcoming year with newfound wisdom and anticipation. Here’s to encapsulating the year in words and looking forward to the tales yet to be written.

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100 End of the Year Journal Prompts for 2023 Reflection

Last Updated on December 5, 2023

Hold tight – another year’s wrapping up! Wondering about how you really did? These end of the year journal prompts spill the tea on your transformation!

Reflect on highs, lows, and everything in between. Figure out what worked, what didn’t, and where you want to level up in 2024.

If this year threw you curveballs, no sweat! Not every year will be your best, and that’s okay. This is just how our journeys go! Follow that mindset and you will make the progress you wish to see in due time.

Quick Tips to Get Started

• Make the mood on point – set the mood so that your journaling can be most effective for you. This means scheduling quiet time, cozying up into your favorite corner of the house, and settling into that introspective mindset.
• Mix and match prompts – feel free to jump around the journal prompts in this post. Ask yourself what you need most as you enter the next year of your life. Choose the prompts that best support your intentions for the year ahead.
• Start small – no need to overwhelm yourself with 3-page long journal entries! While this list includes 100 end of the year reflection questions, you do not need to do them all. Brief and to-the-point responses are also totally fair!

Table of Contents

100 personal prompts for end of year reflection

Don’t simply let the year pass you by! Use these journal prompts to reflect and assess your year on a deeper level. You’ll thank yourself for the insights you gain. Use them as fuel for stepping into the new year with confidence and stronger self-awareness!

Don’t forget about these end of the year reflection questions! Pin ’em to come back!

Your Personal Growth

• Overall, how did you grow this year?
• Describe what you learned from your hardest challenge of the year.
• What did you learn from your biggest win of the year?
• What was your favorite thing you learned?
• What’s the thing you’re most grateful for?
• What did you waste your time on the most?
•  Did you feel spiritually connected to your beliefs? ( spiritual journal prompts to help you here !)
•  What was your biggest regret?
•  Discuss a time you stood up for yourself.
• Did you notice any particular turning points in your personal development? When and what?
•  How did you grow emotionally this year?
•  How did you grow spiritually this year?
•  How did you grow socially this year? (Boundaries, putting yourself out there, etc.)
•  Did you read any good motivating personal development books ?
• In what ways did your life change the most this year?
•  If you could change anything about the past year, what would it be?
•  What major life lesson(s) did you learn?

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• How much “alone time” did you spend with yourself?
• When was a time where you stepped out of your comfort zone?
•  Were there any opportunities you felt you missed out on?
• Have your thoughts, opinions, or interests in anything changed?
• What is something you “warmed up to” that you didn’t think you would?
•  What is one thing you could have done (within your control) to make the year better?
• If you could travel back in time to the beginning of the year, what advice would you give yourself?
•  What opportunity are you happy you didn’t say “no” to?
• What did you discover that you need?
•  Is there anything you can let go of that didn’t serve you?
•  What will you remember most about this year?
•  What was the thing you were most proud of?
•  What’s something outside of your control that you really struggled with?
•  What was the hardest thing for you to accept?
• Are you happy with the person you’ve grown into over the last year?
•  In what ways did you improve the most from the previous year vs. this year?
• Do you feel like you lived your life to the fullest?
• Did you grow more ambitious this year? (I sure hope you did! 😉)
•  What was the #1 most insightful thing you learned about yourself or your personality?

Wellness & Self Care

• How did your overall mental health go?
•  Was your mental health more stable this year than last year?
•  Did you go to therapy ? In what ways did it help you most?
• How was your physical health and wellness?
• On average, how was your sleep? Often have trouble sleeping?
• Which month did you feel the best? Why?
•  Which month did you feel the worst? Why?
•  Did you improve your self care and coping habits ? How?
• How did you practice self care ?
• Which changes in your life did you adapt best to?
•  Which changes in your life did you adapt the worst to?
•  Did you feel like your needs were met?
• In what ways, no matter how small, did you accomplish self love?

Work Life & Education

• Did you achieve anything in your career?
• Are you satisfied with where your career is headed?
• Did you get a promotion/raise or complete a degree? Any feelings about it?
• In what ways have you educated yourself this year?
• Do you feel like you’re on the right track with your education/career?
• Did you start or take on a new business, side hustle, or career path?

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Emotional Challenges

• What was the biggest high and the biggest low of the year?
• In what ways were you most overwhelmed this year?
•  Did you struggle with self doubt? In which areas?
•  Which season did you struggle in the most? 
•  Was social media a source of stress for you this year? Or did you not pay it much attention?
• What was your number one source of stress?
•  What was your biggest disappointment?
•  Did you engage in any unhealthy thought patterns?
•  What did you want to do, but didn’t?
• Was there a recurring theme or pattern of something you struggled with?
•  Was there a recurring theme or pattern of something that made you happy?
•  Did it feel like there was something missing this past year?

Relationships & Social Life

•  What did your friend circle look like this year? Are you satisfied with it?
• Describe how your love life or romantic relationship(s) went.
•  Are you satisfied with your current relationship (or relationship status?)
• What was the nicest thing you did for someone?
•  What was the nicest thing someone did for you?
• Who were the top most influential people in your life?
•  Was any person or environment toxic for you?
•  Were you happy with how much time you spent with friends and family?

Fun & Hobbies

•  What was your best or most FUN memory of the year?
• Did you travel anywhere you enjoyed? 
•  Did you accomplish anything on your bucket list?
• What was your favorite adventure you had this year?
•  What was the most creative thing you did this year?
•  What’s something you did this year that you’ll remember for the rest of your life?
•  What was the most exciting/happy/special holiday for you?

RELATED: Hobbies for Women in Their 20s: 100 Fun and Interesting Ideas

Goals, Habits, & Productivity

• Which bad habits would you like to let go of?
• Which good habits would you like to perform regularly?
• Did you set personal goals for yourself?
•  Do your daily, weekly, or monthly habits align with your goals?
• Do you feel content with the way your life went this year?
•  What is the #1 way in which you could improve your life next year compared to this year?
•  What was the most important goal or accomplishment you achieved?
•  Did you acquire any skills?
• Which season was your most productive?
• Did you create a budget and stick to it?
•  What did you waste too much money on?
•  Are you satisfied with the way your finances have been going?
•  Did you regularly contribute to savings or retirement?
• How good were you at time management?
• Do you think your life is headed in a direction you’re happy with?
•  Did you feel like you had good self-discipline?
• What was your #1 priority this year?
•  How would you rate this year on a scale of 1-10? Why?

Why Reflecting on Your Year Matters

Do you ever feel like the year just passes you by…without really getting the chance to process it? This is how I was for so long, and it really stunted my personal growth.

But the thing is, you deserve to give yourself that space to explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Without this, there is no self-discovery. No growth. No new realizations that can propel you forward.

It is so important to assess the challenges you navigated this year ! See what you can learn from them. Celebrate your wins, and acknowledge all the highs and lows. This is honestly so instrumental in helping you become the best version of yourself!

Which Areas of My Life Should I Reflect On in My Journal Prompts?

Your life is complex to say the least. So, where to begin? What should you cover as you reflect on your end of the year writing prompts? These are the most crucial areas you’ll want to think about:

• Your wellness in different areas (social wellness, emotional wellness, physical wellness, spiritual wellness)
• Career growth
• Education – whether or not you’re a student, how did you educate yourself this year?
• Mental health – your progress and challenges emotionally & mentally
• Discipline, habits, and routines
• Friendships and relationships
• Overall life satisfaction – how do you feel about the place you’re in right now?

Reflecting on these different areas will prime your brain for the ultimate end of the year life audit! I know that for myself, having some end of the year review examples to look at is a huge help.

YOU MIGHT LIKE…

Wanna feel refreshed each month? Hit the “ reset ” button on your life with this checklist for the monthly routine  you didn’t even know you needed ! Helps you check off monthly tasks crucial to your wellbeing + space to set monthly intentions!

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Looking at Your Year in Review

Now let’s get reflecting! Now, I know these were A LOT of year in review journal prompts that cover many areas of your life.

Choose your favorite prompts, crack open your journal, and assess how the past year has treated you!

This activity will give you SO much insight when looking at how you can improve next year. Maybe you did better than you thought! Or maybe you have a long way to go. Either way, you have the “data” to approach the next year in a way that will serve you best.

LET ME KNOW: Which end of the year journal prompts were your favorites?

Click to learn and try the best goal setting strategy that will turn your goals into real success!

More Journal Prompts and Goals You’ll Love

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35 January Journal Prompts for a Clean Slate

40 Monthly Reflection Questions to Identify Your Needs

LIKE THESE END OF THE YEAR JOURNAL PROMPTS? PIN THEM FOR LATER!

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Hey there! I'm Alexa, and I'm a self-care enthusiast and mental health advocate. At Ambitiously Alexa, I'm here to support women like you who are on a mission to achieve allll the things they're passionate about and make time for self care. I make this balance possible through journal prompts, positive affirmations, and self care ideas you'll love! Here's more about me, including my B.A in Psychology...

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Nice post 🙂

Love these questions! It is soooo important to reflect and lets be real the end of the year and beginning of the year are the most popular times! I will defs be asking myself a few of these questions 🙂

This is such a great list, I can’t wait to get some of these answered!

I love journaling prompts/questions. Thanks for this list.

Gosh! Some of those questions have made me feel “a little uncomfortable” – because if we’re brutally honest with ourselves – here we are, another year down and ooops (!) accidentally didn’t do The_Thing – AGAIN! 🤭

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45 End of Year Writing Prompts

We raced down the hill on our bikes, going faster with each passing second. The wind whipped through my hair, and even though I knew I should be afraid, I felt like I was flying.

When you write a story, don’t just show tell your reader—show them.

You can take a story about a bike ride and turn it into an adventure by adding creative descriptors and imagery. In fact, you can turn just about any event into something exciting like this.

Whether you love writing and want to keep your storytelling skills fresh over the summer or improve your writing abilities, keep reading!

Below, you’ll find a list of writing prompts and few clever ways to use them.

How to Use This Writing Guide

The cool thing about this guide is that there is no right or wrong way to use it—as long as you’re writing, that’s all that matters.

But if you’re unsure of just how to get started, here is a list of creative ways that you can use this guide:

• Pick a random number each day, and write using that prompt.
• Create a writing challenge, and see how many prompts you can use in one week.
• Choose a different style of writing for each day of the week (Example: Mondays are for fiction, Tuesdays are for poetry, etc).

The most important part is to remember that this is for fun!

If you find yourself stuck on a prompt, skip it and try one that interests you. This guide is yours to change and explore in whatever way feels right for you.

Writing Prompts to Get You Started

• What is your favorite smell? Tell a story about a memory connected to it.
• Write a short story or poem using the following words: warm, grass, sweet, tree, wonder
• Write a letter to yourself ten years from now.
• Who is your hero?
• Write about a time when you felt afraid.
• If you could design your dream house, what would it look like? What are the different rooms you’d like to have?
• Would you rather be a bird or a fish? Why?
• Describe your favorite place.
• What does it mean to be a good friend?
• Write a story from the point of view of your pet.
• If you could invent something to make your life easier, what would it be?
• Write a review for the last book that your read.
• What is your favorite movie? Why?
• If you were suddenly teleported into the Minecraft world, what is the first thing you would do?
• What are some ways that you can help the environment?
• Describe your ideal ice cream sundae.
• Free-write for ten minutes. Don’t stop until your time is up, just keep going with an idea and see where it takes you.
• What do you want to be when you grow up? Why?
• Write about a time when you were excited.
• If you could create a cartoon character, what would they look like? What kind of world would they live in?
• What does “kindness” mean to you?
• Write a short story or poem using the following words: water, climb, thrill, friend
• What was the last dream you remember?
• Write a poem where the first letter of each line spells out a secret message.
• Describe your favorite color, using all of your senses.
• Write a story from the point of view of a giraffe.
• Write a letter thanking someone who helped you recently.
• What inspires you to write?
• Would you rather be a mind-reader or be invisible?
• Rewrite the ending of your favorite book.
• Pick an inspirational woman in history and write about her.
• How can you conquer your fears?
• What does it mean to be part of a community?
• What is your favorite way to relax?
• If you could play any instrument, what would it be?
• Write a story about a storm.
• If you could live in the world of any Disney movie, which would you choose? Why?
• When do you feel most loved?
• Who is your favorite teacher?
• Write about a time when you were proud of yourself.
• Describe what you would do if you were famous for one day.
• You come to a door in an empty hallway. Do you open it? What do you find?
• Do you think homework should be banned? Explain why you agree or disagree.
• If I found buried treasure, I hope I would find…
• Write a story about something ordinary (like sharpening a pencil or tying your shoes), but turn it into an epic adventure.

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If you’re looking for new and creative ways to make writing fun, we have many free resources on our site!

From students to parents and teachers, there’s something for everyone!

And if you have any wonderful, wacky, or just plain awesome ideas, click here to get in touch with us. We’d love to hear from you!

End-of-Year Journal Prompts for Reflection + Tips for Reviewing the Past and Moving Forward

By Mena Joseph | Published on: 21 November 2023 | last Updated: 21 November 2023

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🙏🏾 Life is unpredictable and reflecting on the past is how we prepare for what’s ahead.

Have you ever lived the same year twice?

I have, and it’s one of the most profound wake-up calls you can ever experience.

Over the years, I realised the immense value of using my journal to look back on the highs and the lows of the previous year, before rushing into the next one.

And so, it’s that time of year for one of my favourite journaling rituals: the end-of-year reflection. It’s like hitting the reset button in preparation for a fresh start.

Taking time to review the past 12 months with intention brings so much clarity and direction when it comes to planning the year ahead. Not only does this exercise help you learn and grow, but it also helps you connect with yourself and your relationships on a deeper level.

If a yearly review is not something you do already, take this as your cue to start.

In this post, I’m going to share my process, and show you how to make the most out of this ‘you-time’ and set the stage for the upcoming year. I’ll also give you tips on how to prepare your reflection, along with end-of-year journal prompts.

I hope you find some insights and inspiration that help you step confidently into the New Year.

Preparing Your Year-End Reflection

I like to do my end-of-year reflection in that quiet period after Christmas – when the festivities are over, the relatives have left, and I have that little window of time when I’m not working.

I have one rule. I need to have gone through my yearly review and completed my planning before the 1st January.

It might be different for you. You may prefer to start your review process earlier. Or, I know people who prefer to do it in the first week of January.

Either way, aim to set up a tranquil environment that will be free from distractions for at least 2-3 hours.

Ask your family members to give you some space, so you’re not disturbed, and put your phone in airplane mode so you can be fully present.

Set the scene for a relaxed journaling atmosphere – light some candles, and/or incense sticks. And, if you’re into it, play soft instrumental music to create a peaceful ambiance as you reflect.

Action Steps

Gather your journaling tools, as well as mementos that will help you remember and reminisce about your year. That could be:

• A new journal or paper to write on, a pen or pencil, timer if need be
• Old journal entries, texts to friends, social media posts
• Sentimental photos from milestone events, vacations, time with loved ones
• Movie ticket stubs, pressed flowers, shells from beach trips
• Arts, crafts, or other memorabilia collected throughout your year

Use your paper or digital calendar from last year to make a list of all the personal and professional events that took place, and projects you were involved with.

Spend time reliving those memories – it’s a great way to inspire a sense of gratitude .

Reviewing Your Year as a Whole

I like to look back on the year in a couple of different ways.

First, I take the big picture view of all the major successes, failures, and challenges over the past 12 months.

This helps me see what I’ve accomplished (and what I didn’t), pinpoint where I spent my time and energy, what I learned, and what projects and goals I’d like to aim for next year.

After this I start to zero in on specific areas of my life – assessing what’s working well, what I need to allocate more time to, and where I need to make changes.

It sounds like a lot, but it’s actually a pretty straightforward and enjoyable process once you get started.

The following end-of-year journal prompts will help guide you through.

Big Picture End-of-Year Journal Prompts

Reflect on your top 5 achievements of the past year.

Think back on the moments from the last 12 months that filled you with pride, growth and joy.

Journal Prompts:

• Describe 5 highlights or successes, briefly in 1-2 sentences each.
• Pick 2-3 achievements and write more about what made them meaningful to you.
• In what ways did these experiences enhance your life professionally, personally or emotionally?
• What capabilities, skills or resources did you draw on the most to reach your goals?
• How did aspects like your outlook, routines or actions help support your efforts?
• Which individuals (friends, family, mentors) were especially helpful to you and how so?
• Considering all you’ve achieved, how has this shaped your vision for future aspirations?

Reflect on Your Most Challenging Moments

Think back to the toughest times you faced over the last year.

• List 1-3 of the biggest challenges, setbacks or obstacles you faced.
• What made those struggles extra hard to push through?
• Who or what helped pull you through?
• What lessons have you learned from those experiences?
• How might those experiences influence how you approach future struggles?

Reflect on What You Need to Forgive and Let Go

Think back to any mistakes or regrets you’d like to acknowledge and release.

Journal Prompt s:

• What past hurts, mistakes or regrets have been playing on your mind?
• What behaviours, attitudes or self-perceptions do you feel ready to leave behind?
• How might forgiveness enhance your well-being or future potential?
• What can you do to consciously release painful emotions or resentments?
• What lessons have you learned from past mistakes that will help you in the future?

Yearly Reflections: 7 Key Areas

A big part of end-of-year reflection is taking a step back to assess how you showed up across all areas of your life.

Wellness expert Dr. Bill Hettler identified six key areas to consider reflecting on – physical, emotional, intellectual, occupational, social and spiritual well-being. 1 , 2

I’ve included a 7th area which is also important to our well-being, and that’s financial health.

Just like nature has its seasons, our own wellness dimensions move through cycles across the year. Sometimes we’re thriving and everything feels in bloom.

Other times we’re feeling stagnant or off-balance.

Review and reflect on each of the following areas in your life.

By all means examine the big events of your year, but don’t neglect the smaller things too. Like daily routines, how you spent your time, and who you spent your time with.

Think about the highs and lows, accomplishments and tribulations, insights and emotions that defined your days, weeks and months.

Here are some guiding prompt questions:

Physical wellness – How well did you care for your physical body through nutrition, exercise, sleep, etc? What challenges or highlights come to mind?

Emotional wellness – What emotions defined your year? How did you process stress, heartache, joy? What coping strategies helped in difficult times?

Intellectual wellness – How did you expand your mind through learning, reading, problem-solving? What knowledge did you gain?

Occupational wellness – Were you fulfilled in work/school? How did it provide meaning, outlet for strengths? How would you describe your experience in integrating your work with other aspects of your daily life?

Social wellness – Who was there to support you when you needed it? Who did you share your most meaningful experiences with? How did you connect, contribute, and feel seen?

Spiritual wellness – What practices nurtured your spirit i.e, meditation, nature, rituals? How did you cultivate purpose and meaning through those practices?

Financial wellness – Did you manage money and plan for your future wisely? What financial lessons, successes or skills did you develop?

Final Year End Prompts: Reflection & Gratitude

As the year winds down, take a few minutes to think back one last time.

Journal Prompts :

• What unsaid words or unfinished business do you need to tie up? How can you wrap that up before starting your new year?
• What was the biggest risk you took? Would you take the same risk again? What was the biggest lesson you learned?
• What was the best decision you made this year and why?
• Which people inspired you the most this year?
• Did you inspire anyone this year? If yes, who were they?
• What are you most thankful for from the past 12 months?
• If you could give your future self some advice, what would it be?
• What would you like to celebrate about this past year, and how will you celebrate it?

Now choose 1-3 words that best describe this past year.

Journal Reflections: Plan for Next Year

You’ve reflected on last year—that gives you a great foundation to kick off plans for the new year. So continue to build on those experiences and lessons because you’re already one step ahead.

Check for patterns. Find what sparked joy, what fuelled growth, and which supportive behaviours or habits resulted in positive changes in your life.

Don’t overlook the things that drained your energy. All these observations are like gold —they’ll guide you on what to allow more of, and what to minimise in the coming year.

With these insights in your pocket, grab a fresh page in your journal (or open a new digital document if that’s your thing), and start visualising your next year.

List your aims and aspirations, however big or small. Make it yours.

• National Wellness Institute. (2020).  Six dimensions of wellness . National Wellness Institute. https://nationalwellness.org/resources/six-dimensions-of-wellness/ Retrieved on 14 Nov 2023. This model promotes a holistic perspective of wellness across six dimensions: emotional, physical, intellectual, occupational, spiritual, and social wellness. Developed by Dr. Bill Hettler in the 1970s, it explains how addressing each of these interconnected dimensions can help individuals achieve their full potential.
• In this guide, when I talk about wellness, I simply mean your overall sense of health, happiness and balance in life. It’s not just about physical fitness – wellness is multidimensional. It’s about how nourished and aligned you feel across the key aspects of who you are. Such as your mindset, relationships, spirit and more. Reflecting on wellness holistically will give you a full picture of where you’re exceling, and where some fine-tuning may do you good.

As a big nerd of human nature, Mena holds two degrees in psychology. One of which is a master's in health psychology from City, University of London. Mena also has a certificate in counselling skills and was on track to becoming a psychotherapist before embracing her passion for creating journaling tools and resources. Mena lives in the UK, and is an avid journaler, meditator, researcher, and lifelong learner. She's also a social dancer who enjoys weightlifting.

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