The start of a brand new year doesn’t just have to mean making a long list of all the things you need to give up in January, instead why not see it as a time to look to the year ahead and set yourself some personal challenges – anything from learning a new skill to spending more time outdoors.
All too often our goals and focus start to dwindle post-January as our lives start to get busier with work and family commitments, so setting yourself achievable challenges spread out across the year, rather than cramming them all into January, might just mean you stick to them.
If you’re not sure where to start, why not use the following 12 challenges to inspire and guide you.
January – Get to know your own city again
Why not experience your own city like a tourist would? Fall in love (again) with the place you call home, from walking tours to hop-on-hop-off buses – you might just discover something new and see your city in a whole new light.
February – Read more than one book
Perhaps you’re counting down the days until your next holiday and you’re looking for something to take your mind off the daily grind until your departure date arrives. From fictional stories about other worlds to non-fictional books about real-life adventure, turn off Netflix and use literature to escape to a new world. If you’re already an avid reader, why not really challenge yourself, and try to read one book a week? Go on, we know you can do it!
March – Get more at one with nature
Nothing is better for the soul than a trip into the wilderness to experience ‘Mother Nature’ in all her glory. One place that is perfect for doing just that, is Wild Taiga in Northern Finland. Marvel at the untouched natural beauty of this outstanding place and keep an eye out for the elusive Finnish wildlife.
April – Go on a ‘real’ adventure
Leave the comfort of your daily life and head out to unknown lands on a good ole’ fashioned adventure. We all have different definitions of adventure, so if stepping out of your comfort zone is ice climbing in Iceland, why not do that? Or perhaps you want to go to a place where no one speaks your language, like Japan! Whatever adventure means to you, go find it, and embrace it!
May – Explore a city you’ve never been to
With Europe so close, this challenge is much easier than you might think. Simply choose a city that you’d love to explore, whether it be Paris or Ljubljana, and with our help we’ll make sure you make the most out of your time, with our wide range of activities for a whole host of vibrant cities.
June – Don’t buy anything new
With summer just around the corner, why not challenge yourself to not buy anything new for a whole month (except from food and fuel – we’re not that cruel), that way the extra money you save from curbing your spending can be spent on tons of fun activities next month.
July – Go for a hike
Summer is finally here, so what better way to enjoy every drop of sunshine (a bit of positivity never hurt anyone) than with a weekend spent in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. Breathe in that fresh country air as you make your way over endless rolling hills and through stunning river valleys. A challenge never looked so enticing!
August – Learn a new a skill
There’s no time like the present to learn a new skill, whether that be learning how to knock up a tasty new dish on a cooking course or picking up your camera and really learning how to use it. You might just surprise yourself at what you can achieve in one month!
September – Take a photograph everyday
You don’t have to be a professional photographer to take a great photo. Capture your life every day for one month and feel the creativity start to rub off on other aspects of your life too. You can even join a photography walking tour to help keep the momentum going throughout the month.
October – Go and see a theatre show
As the winter months close in on you, perhaps it’s time to go and see that show you’ve always wanted to, from The Lion King to Book of Mormon and The Phantom of the Opera – there’s a show for everyone.
November – Get a new perspective
Whether it’s your own city or a place you’re visiting, get a different perspective. From helicopter flights to paragliding, discover a new way of exploring. Nothing beats a bird’s eye view, are we right?
December – Find your own winter wonderland
Always dreamt of a white Christmas? Well, why not make that dream a reality with a trip up north to see the cold stuff in all its glistening glory. Try snowshoeing through the epic Swiss Alps or explore the dreamlike landscapes of Finland’s frozen waterfalls.
If you want some help and guidance on how to stick to your 12 monthly challenges why not book a ticket to our first ever Klook Explores event, where we will be joined by an award-winning life coach, Denise Mortimer. Through applied positive psychology interventions, Denise will help to set you up for success and happiness for 2020.
