The One Simple Journal Prompt That Will Give You Direction in 2025
So, you’ve got a goal for 2025. Maybe you’re already working toward it, but you’re not really sure if you’re making progress. Or maybe you feel like you’re moving in several different directions, wasting time and energy, and getting nowhere fast. It’s frustrating, right?
This is where a simple but powerful journal prompt comes in. It will give you clarity, help you focus on what truly matters, and let go of everything that doesn’t.
The Only Question You Need to Ask Yourself
Will it make the boat go faster?
That’s it. Write that down in your journal. And right underneath it, write down your goal. Because when it comes to making real progress, everything you do should be evaluated by this one simple question: Is this action actually moving me closer to my goal?
Now, let’s talk about three different ways you can use this as a journal prompt to get laser-focused on what matters.
1. Look Back at Your Week
If you’ve been tracking what you do each day (or if you just have a solid memory), write down everything you’ve been working on this past week. Then go through each item and ask yourself:
Did this make the boat go faster?
In other words, did it help you make meaningful progress toward your goal? If not, it might be time to reconsider how you’re spending your time.
2. Stream-of-Consciousness Journaling
Another way to use this prompt is to simply write it down at the top of a blank page and then let your thoughts flow. No overthinking—just write whatever comes to mind.
What does this phrase bring up for you? How does it apply to your current situation? What do you really need to focus on right now?
I’ve personally made some big decisions using this method, and I highly recommend it. It’s a great way to tap into your intuition and get unstuck.
3. Use It as a Daily Check-In
If you use a bullet journal or any kind of daily planning system, start integrating this question into your routine.
As you write down your tasks, events, or to-dos, ask yourself: Will this make the boat go faster?
If the answer is no, maybe it’s not worth your time. Of course, some tasks are unavoidable—but a lot of the things we spend energy on are just distractions. Identifying and eliminating these can be a game-changer.
Where This Idea Comes From
Will It Make the Boat Go Faster? is actually the title of a book by Harriet Beveridge (I think I’m saying that right?). You can find it at most bookstores or on Amazon if you want to dig deeper.
That said, I’ve been using this metaphor for a long time, and it’s one of the most effective ways I’ve found to cut through the noise and focus on what actually moves the needle.
So, give it a try. Write it down. See what comes up. And if you want more journal prompts and self-development insights, let me know—I’d love to share more.
