Journal Like Bruce Lee – Supercharge your morning routine with journal prompts for self discovery

We all know Bruce Lee as a martial arts legend, but did you know he was also an avid journaler? He carried a pocket-sized notebook where he recorded his rigorous workout routine, philosophical reflections, and daily affirmations in the most dexterous handwriting. Many of Lee’s famous quotes and philosophies such as “be like water” started in his tiny journal. 

In this post, I study Bruce Lee’s journal practice to create the ultimate bullet journal template with journal prompts for self discovery.

A journal is simply a place where you can be honest with yourself. There is a deep connection between journaling and well-being. When you write about who you are, who you want to be, or events that have taken place in your life, you start developing a narrative that helps you understand yourself. You are the author of your story. You can edit, create new chapters, or change perspectives anytime you please.

Bruce Lee took his 2”x3” notebook everywhere. He took notes, made observations, and reflected on his performance religiously. My favorite method to get my thoughts flowing is writing morning pages. It’s simply writing anything and everything that comes to mind in a stream of consciousness. This process can help you with idea generation, pinpoint what’s on your mind, and solidify your thoughts. More importantly, when you write what’s bothering you, you realize how minuscule the issue this, and gain the confidence to move on.

Take the time to understand your values and life goals. Lee wrote Napoleon Hill’s daily success and self-discipline creed to improve his mindset. Our mindset determines how we handle what’s going on and determines what we should do. It shapes your habits, behaviors, and controls your thoughts.  World-renowned Stanford University psychologist Carol Dweck, popularized the concept in her book, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success: How We Can Learn To Fulfill Our Potential. Do you remember that poster from elementary school that read “Your attitude determines your altitude”? Dweck concurs and believes there are two mindsets:

In a fixed mindset, people believe their basic qualities, like their intelligence or talent, are simply fixed traits. They spend their time documenting their intelligence or talent instead of developing them. They also believe that talent alone creates success—without effort. They’re wrong.

In a growth mindset, people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—brains and talent are just the starting point. This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment. Virtually all great people have had these qualities.

Change your mindset, change your life. It’s that simple. Sometimes we have to retrain our brains, hit reset, or press pause to make sure we’re moving in the right direction.  

Journaling prompts are great for keeping you on track and helping you get out of your head.

Personal growth journal prompts

• Handwrite Napoleon Hill’s daily success creed or create your own.
• Handwrite Napoleon Hill’s creed for self-discipline.
• Dream about your perfect day. Describe what you would do, who you would be with, and what it would feel like.
• Think of a recent challenge you were faced with and how you persisted despite the outcome.
• What changes do you want to see in your life in the next five years?
• What habits, memories, relationships, etc. are you holding onto that are keeping you from improving yourself?
• Write down ten positive affirmations that you can recite when you’re overwhelmed by your insecurities.
• List five opportunities you’ve been given. Then list five opportunities you hope to get in the upcoming weeks.
• Write down the positive ways you’ve changed over the past five or ten years.
• What am I holding onto that I need to forgive myself for?
• Reflect on a recent success or win.
• Reflect on people in your life who truly matter. Think about the relationship you have with them and why it is meaningful. Write about how they have impacted you as well as how you have affected them.

Journal Prompts for self discovery 

• What gets you out of bed in the morning? Are you pursuing that daily?
• What past experiences am I still healing from that I need to give myself grace for?
• What do you want to be remembered for, and how can you work toward that?
• Where would you be if all of your goals were accomplished?
• When do you feel most confident in yourself, and when do you feel the least confident in yourself?
• What traits do you admire in someone that you would like to have?
• What was the happiest time of your life? Why?
• What negative beliefs do I have about myself? Are they true?
• What activities, habits, or people make me feel unhappy? Can I let them go?
• What habits do I have that keep me comparing myself to others? How can I let these habits go?
• What are five things that you currently accept about yourself?

Journal Prompts for anxiety

• What boundaries do you need to set with others and yourself to prioritize your goals and self-care?
• I am certain that my life is going in the right direction because…
• I am taking action to reach my goals by
• What would your highest self say to your current self?
• I’m acknowledging my small wins by…

Manifestation Journal

After reviewing Bruce Lee’s journal practice, I believe the most important takeaway is a consistent practice of writing your thoughts, developing a clear vision of your life, while having an unwavering desire to improve yourself. Hence, this month’s bullet journal setup is all about manifestation and self-improvement.

This digital download features a monthly planner and collection of journaling prompts that will help you: start unraveling who you are, create an amazing vision, and manifest the life you’ve always desired. Try journaling like Bruce Lee with me. 

This is a dated hyperlinked planner for June 2021. Review the video below to learn how it works.

Digital Stickers 

I used the following digital stickers and graphics from Creative Market to decorate my digital bullet journal. Learn how to use digital stickers here.

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I will be posting my daily journal entries on my scrapbook page. Your welcome to follow along.

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