31 Journal Prompts for July: Journaling to Prepare for a New Journey

Anyone who has applied to graduate or medical school knows how important reflection is in the application process. In addition to writing the personal statement, I must have written at least 30+ essays and reflective pieces as a part of my medical school application. Truthfully speaking, I did not find it fun writing about so many of my personal and intimate thoughts for strangers on admissions committees to read and use as a determining factor of my worthiness for medical school. Well, fun or not, I did it anyway, and things turned out better than I’d imagine. 

But, I do like writing, and I’ve always had. The thing is I like writing for myself. Many years ago I started journaling as a creative and reflective outlet. It’s really nice because I have something completely personal that is for me only (unless I willingly decide to share). Yet, for the longest time, I wasn’t the most consistent with it.

Table of Contents

• Setting Journaling Goals
• Who Should Use the Prompts
• Benefits of Journaling During a Time of Transition
• Tips for Staying Consistent with Journaling
• 31 Journal Prompts to Use for July

Setting Journaling Goals

At the start of 2019, I made a goal to write a journal entry at least once a week. Well, that didn’t happen, and I ended up being inconsistent with my journaling goals. This year, a lot was going on in my life, and the best way for me to process it has been to write. Towards the end of May of 2020, I’ve gained better consistency with writing. In fact, since the end of May, I’ve been journaling every. single. day. During this time I also discovered and joined this supportive online journaling community started by Jo Franco, an amazing content creator and entrepreneur I admire. 

Because I want to hold myself more accountable with my writing goals, I’ve come up with 31 prompts to complete and share with you all during the month of July! This July, I will be starting my first month of medical school. And like other incoming first years, I’m in for a huge and important transition. I want to use these journal prompts during the month of July as a means to gain a bit of clarity surrounding the next stages to come into my life. In this post, I’m going to discuss some of the benefits of journaling, ways to stay consistent, and 31 journal prompts for the month of July to get you thinking about the next transition to come. 

Who Should Use the Journal Prompts

While many of the journal prompts are written for incoming medical students, they can be easily be used for anyone entering a new transition in their life by replacing “medical school” with a phrase that suits you. And for my readers who are looking for some bonus journal prompts, I have collaborated with the wonderful and inspirational Jayla Moody, creator of Joy by Jayla, to provide 31 alternative journal prompts for the entire month of July. Head over to Joy by Jayla for more ideas to get you started in your journaling journey. 

Benefits of Journaling during a Time of Transition

1. Journaling allows you to get out of your head.

If you are like me, you tend to overthink. For me, journaling lets me get out of my head. It’s a great way to transform your thoughts and energy into something concrete that exists outside of your own mental space.

2. Journaling is great for reflecting.

Journals are great to look back on later for advice from yourself or to revive an old memory. Transitions are all about where you are and where you want to go. Journaling can provide insight for your oncoming transformation and how you got there.

3. Journaling can help provide a sense of clarity.

Embarking on a new journey comes with many fears, doubts, questions, but also a lot of excitement, opportunities, and learning. Documenting this can help you examine your sentiments.

4. Journaling is a creative outlet

Journaling provides a space where you can let your imaginations soar and explore your ideas, passions, and goals without a ceiling. The sky is your limit! 

Tips for Staying Consistent with Journaling

• Think of different ways to journal. Write in a notebook. Type in a document. Record voice notes. Create a video journal. Make a photo journal. Draw in your journal. There are many different ways to express yourself. What works best for you?
• Pick a time of the day you want to dedicate to journaling. I always set time aside for myself in the morning to write.
• Add journaling to your routine
• Don’t worry if you skip a day. Just keep going.
• Set reminders for yourself in your phone.
• Bring your journal with you on the go.
• Use the prewritten journal prompts when you can’t think of anything to write.
• Save this page so that you have easy access to the journal prompts!

31 Journal Prompts to Use for July

Day 1: What are you most excited about for medical school?

Day 2: What do you think you need most right now, so that you can succeed in your new journey?

Day 3: Write about something that brings you peace.

Day 4: What is on your mind right now?

Day 5: Who do you think needs your help and what do you have to offer them?

Day 6: What do you know now that you wish you had known during your pre-med journey?

Day 7: Are there any skills you would like to cultivate during medical school?

Day 8: What are your fears about the next transition in your life? How will you face them?

Day 9: Share a time when you were patient with yourself and gave yourself grace.

Day 10: Talk about some of your favorite qualities of yourself. How do you think those qualities will help you in your path?

Day 11: Did you think you would be where you are today?

Day 12: What is something that you would like to let go of?

Day 13: Write about something or someone that inspires you.

Day 14: What was your most memorable experience during interview season?

Day 15: Write about a time when things didn’t go as planned.

Day 16: What is something you are struggling to become more consistent with? How can you build better habits?

Day 17: If you could get one “redo” to use on the past, would you use it?

Day 18: Are there any words you live by? 

Day 19: Write about an embarrassing moment.

Day 20: Who is your biggest supporter? Write a letter to them (bonus points if you send it)

Day 21: When was the last time you took a big risk? How did it go?

Day 22: If you could solve any of the world’s problems, which one would it be?

Day 23: What has piqued your curiosity this week?

Day 24: Write a letter to your future self to read once you graduate from your program.

Day 25: What have you done lately that you are proud of?

Day 26: What are some ways that you are planning to get involved in your new or current community? 

Day 27: When was the last time you had a good laugh? Write about that moment.

Day 28: How are you planning to prioritize your wellness during medical school?

Day 29: What was the last big decision you made? Did you feel confident about it?

Day 30: Finish this sentence: I wish I could… 

Day 31: What are you looking forward to next month?

If you make it to day 31 that is something to be proud of! I hope these journal prompts can serve as a tool for those embarking on a new journey or those looking for ways to express themselves. Let me know in the comments below if you’re planning to join me in journaling this July!