Journaling Prompts to Overcome Self-Doubt for Teens

Imagine if self-doubt sent you text messages. “Hey, just checking in to remind you that you’re going to fail today.” Would you believe it? Probably not—you’d leave it on read or block the number. But when those thoughts come from your own mind, they hit differently. It’s time to start shutting them down, and writing is a solid way to do that.

1. What’s Your Self-Doubt’s Favorite Lie?

Self-doubt has its greatest hits—those same old negative thoughts that play on repeat. Time to call them out.

• What’s the most common thing I tell myself when I start doubting?
• If I heard someone say this about my best friend, how would I react?
• What’s one time I proved this thought wrong?

2. What’s Actually Cool About You? (Yes, You Have to Answer)

You know that part where people say, “Believe in yourself!” and you’re like, Cool, how? Here’s how: recognize what makes you, you.

• What’s something I’m naturally good at?
• What’s something small I’ve done that actually took a lot of courage?
• If someone had to describe me in three words, what would I want them to say?

3. Rewrite the Worst-Case Scenario

Doubt loves to make everything feel like the end of the world. But is it, though?

• Think of something I’m nervous about—what’s the absolute worst thing that could happen?
• Now, what’s the most realistic outcome?
• What could I do if things don’t go perfectly?

(Guess what? You’ll probably survive it.)

4. The “If I Were a Main Character” Test

You ever watch a movie where the main character struggles but then figures things out? What if you looked at yourself the same way?

• If my life were a movie, what kind of character would I want to be?
• What advice would I give that character if they were going through what I am now?
• What’s something small I can do today to make that character’s story better?

Here’s the Thing...

You don’t have to listen to every doubtful thought that pops into your head. The more you write, reflect, and remind yourself of what you’re capable of, the stronger you’ll feel. And the next time self-doubt shows up? You’ll know exactly what to do with it.

Now go handle it. 💪