# Daily Questions method Traditional [[Journaling prompts]] often focus on outcomes: "What did I learn today?" or "What did I accomplish?" The problem is that on bad days, these create guilt and resistance. If you didn't read, exercise, or create anything meaningful, facing those prompts feels like confronting failure. The Daily Questions method (popularized by Marshall Goldsmith) shifts focus from outcomes to intentions and effort. Instead of asking "Did I exercise?", ask "Did I do my best to exercise?" This reframe acknowledges that effort matters even when results don't materialize. You answer on a scale rather than yes/no, which captures nuance and maintains engagement even during difficult periods. This approach makes journaling sustainable because it eliminates the shame spiral that derails consistency. Your journal becomes a record of intentions honored rather than achievements unlocked. Over time, the compound effect of consistent effort—tracked through Daily Questions—naturally produces the outcomes that outcome-focused prompts demand upfront. It pairs well with [[The Gap vs The Gain]] mindset. ## Related - [[Benefits of journaling]] - [[Journaling prompts]] - [[How to get started with journaling]] - [[The Gap vs The Gain]] - [[Tiny Habits]]