There are plenty of ways to make small but meaningful improvements to your life, starting in January
Andrew Nuttall U35 Lifestyle Writer
05:00, 01 Jan 2026
There are no rules when it comes to setting your own January challenge(Image: Tatiana Sviridova via Getty Images)
As the clock chimes midnight on December 31, most people dive headfirst into their New Year’s resolutions, eager to kick off the year with a sense of achievement. However, if traditional resolutions have always fizzled out before February in the past, it might be time to consider an alternative approach.
Rather than committing to a massive goal that may be abandoned in a matter of weeks, some people are opting for shorter challenges that last up to a month. While this may not seem like a significant period, maintaining a new habit for several weeks can lay the groundwork for a healthier routine that could continue throughout the year.
If traditional challenges such as quitting alcohol or going vegetarian don’t align with your long-term goals, they may not be worth pursuing. These restrictions can become difficult to maintain, especially without a foundational belief and motivation to adhere to them.
Setting goals based on external pressures from friends, family, or prevalent social media trends, rather than a genuine desire for change, can often lead to frustration and the temptation to give up. Instead, personalise the typical January challenges to align with your own objectives.
After an expensive Christmas season, initiating a money-saving challenge could be a timely decision. Whether you’re aiming to improve your fitness, broaden your knowledge, or engage in creative pursuits, we’ve compiled some inspiration below for those seeking a January challenge, reports the Mirror.
There are no rules when it comes to setting your own January challenge(Image: Getty)
Kickstart your savings with a straightforward £500 challenge
Brits typically spend generously on Christmas, with expenses on presents, food, and experiences potentially reaching hundreds of pounds. Millennials, those aged between 29 and 44, are forecast to be the biggest spenders, with an average bill of £1,011 each according to Finder.
As such, they may find a cash challenge in the New Year particularly beneficial. January, with its 31 days, offers an opportunity for a gradual daily savings plan. Starting with a £1 deposit on January 1, increasing to £2 on January 2, and so on, until a final £31 deposit on January 31, could result in nearly £500 saved by the end of the month. The traditional approach involves placing the daily amount in physical cash into a jar or using an envelope system.
Alternatively, the daily amount can be transferred to a separate savings account via online banking. The flexibility of these savings strategies allows them to be customised to suit individual budgets and goals.
Find your fitness passion – it might not be as simple as joining the gym(Image: Getty)
Embrace a passion for fitness
Fitness is often a popular New Year’s resolution, especially following the indulgences of Christmas. There are many different ways to enhance physical and mental wellbeing over 31 days that don’t mean braving the gym crowds on New Year’s Day.
Simple habits become easier to sustain the more frequently they’re practised. Habits that are genuinely enjoyable and rewarding tend to form more quickly than those perceived as obligatory.
Choose a form of exercise that you genuinely enjoy and won’t view as a burden. Set yourself a goal to run a specific distance in January, or explore new routes each day by walking or cycling.
Branch out when cooking and try making something new(Image: Getty)
Focus on improving your diet and hydration
After eating and drinking to excess over the festive period, many people may feel the need to cut back on certain foods and drinks. Instead of restricting yourself, why not use this opportunity to experiment with 31 new recipes?
Make an effort to prepare a different breakfast each day or try a new type of cuisine for dinner. Make an effort to search up new recipes online that use some old favourites or add completely new flavours into your life. Staying hydrated is also crucial. The NHS recommends that most adults in the UK should aim to drink 6 to 8 cups of fluid a day, which equates to roughly two litres.
To help establish a healthy hydration habit, create a chart to monitor your daily progress. This could be done as part of a group, turning it into a friendly competition that encourages everyone to stay accountable and on track.
There are lots of hobbies that help creative people find an outlet, from painting to crafting(Image: Getty)
Develop a new hobby
The chilly weather in January provides the perfect excuse to start a new hobby or revisit an old one. For avid readers, consider setting a goal to read 31 different books throughout the month, delving into a variety of genres and authors.
Channel your newfound inspiration into a creative pursuit, be it painting, drawing, scrapbooking, journaling, knitting, crocheting, jewellery making, and more. Rather than sticking to one activity, why not experiment with different ones throughout January until you discover what truly gives your passion?
For those keen on broadening their horizons, consider learning a new language this January using apps like Duolingo, Rosetta Stone or Babbel. With daily practice, you could develop a useful skill that lasts a lifetime.
