50 Engaging Writing Prompts #5: What Matters Most to Me
Looking for free writing prompts for students? "What Matters Most to Me?" is a printable journal activity designed to help students reflect on their values, discover what is most important to them, strengthen their writing skills, and build confidence through meaningful self-reflection. Perfect for homeschool families, classrooms, and independent writers.
Every question is a journey.
Reading Time: 5 minutes
Estimated Writing Time: 10-15 minutes
Let’s stop to think about what is most important to you. Is it family, friends, learning new things, helping others, your faith, or spending time outdoors, just to name a few?
The things that matter most to us are called our values. They help shape the choices we make, the goals we set, and the kind of person we want to become.
Everyone has different values— and that is ok! There is no right answer! The important thing is to think about what truly matters to you and explain why. Being able to do that will help you to live with more direction and purpose.
What is most important to you?
Journal Prompt
What matters most to you in life, and why is it important to you? Describe the people, places, experiences, or beliefs that are most meaningful to you. Share stories or examples that help explain why they matter.
Strengths help up in all areas of life.
Reflection Questions
Remember, these questions are to help you if you are stuck or want to reflect more deeply. You can answer some, all, or none.
What are three things you value the most?
Who has helped shape what is important to you?
When do you feel happiest or most at peace?
What would you never want to lose?
What lessons have you learned that changed your priorities?
How do your values affect the choices you make?
Have your values changed as you have gotten older?
How do you show others what matters to you?
Is there something you want to value more in the future?
If someone only watched your actions, what would they think matters most to you?
Why Does This Matter?
When you understand what matters the most, you can live a purpose-driven life. You will be able to make decisions with confidence and become the person you want to be.
Knowing what matters can give us direction in life.
Vocabulary Word
Priority (noun)
Definition: Something that is more important than other things.
Example: Spending time with my family is one of my biggest priorities.
Challenge: Try using the word priority somewhere in your journal entry.
Variety is the spice of life!
Writing Challenge: Sentence Variety
When every sentence starts the same way or has the same length, writing can sound repetitive and boring.
Instead, try mixing your sentence length!
Example:
I care about my family. I care about my friends. I care about learning. I care about helping people.
This is not very engaging.
Instead try:
My family means everything to me. They help me when life is difficult. Friends are also important to me because they make me realize I am never alone. Above all, I want to be known as a person who helps others whenever I can.
Challenge yourself to include the following in your journal today:
a short sentence
two longer sentences
every sentence begins with different words
one sentence that asks a thoughtful question
Inspirational Quote
What does it mean to “matter the least?” Does this quote make you think about things that matter the most and the least? Share some thoughts on this in your journal.
What is important now builds bridges to the future.
Bonus Writing Challenge
Imagine someone reads your journal 20 years from now.
Would they clearly understand what matters most to you today?
Add one more paragraph describing how you hope your values will guide your future.
Keep Writing!
The things that matter most to you today help tell the story of who you are becoming. As you continue writing, you will discover that your words have the power to capture your beliefs, dreams, and moments that shape your life.
Every sentence you write is another stone in the bridge you are building toward your future. Keep writing, keep growing, and keep building— one stone at a time.
