25 Achievable 30-Day Challenge Ideas to Become a Better You
One of the best ways to motivate yourself to become a better version of you is to take a challenge! Self improvement challenges help you to set clear goals, track your progress and hold yourself accountable. I’ve tried TONS of great challenges in my life and I wanted to share my 25 favorite 30-day challenge ideas with you today.
Each of these challenges will push you to become the best version of yourself and transform your life in just 30 days!
Why 30-days?
30-day challenges are a great place to start if you’re new to self-improvement. These challenges are long enough to see a difference and short enough to keep you interested.
Whether you want to boost your productivity, self-care routine, or just add a bit of fun to your days, these challenges are a fantastic way to shake things up. So grab your calendar, and let’s dive into 25 achievable 30-day challenges that’ll help you become a better you!
1. Social Media Detox Challenge
This is one of my favourite 30-day challenges that makes a HUGE difference to your mental health.
The 30-day Social Media Detox challenge is simple. Take a break from all social media platforms for 30 days. No Instagram scrolls, Facebook updates, or TikTok dances.
Reckon you can do it?
This challenge is perfect for anyone feeling overwhelmed or distracted by social media. It’s also great if you want to reclaim some of your precious time and mental space.
By the end of the 30 days, you will experience less stress and more focus. You might find yourself with extra time for hobbies or meaningful conversations that have been sidelined.
Plus, you might just rediscover how fun life can be without a screen between you and the world!
2. No-Spend Challenge
This one is for my readers who want to save more money!
You might also like: 5 budgeting methods to save money in 2024
For a month, spend money only on necessities like food, bills, and essential services. No extra purchases, no impulse buys.
This challenge is ideal for anyone looking to improve their financial habits or save up for a specific goal. It’s also a great way to identify and cut down on unnecessary spending.
You’ll likely save a significant amount of money, and you’ll gain insight into your spending habits. It’s also an eye-opener for realizing what you truly need versus what you think you need.
3. 1 Book a Day Reading Challenge
This 30-day challenge might sound like a lot at first! However, the 1-book-a-day reading challenge is totally achievable if you choose short books or audio books.
Read (or listen to) one book each day for 30 days. Yes, you heard that right—one book every single day!
This challenge is perfect for book lovers and those looking to boost their reading habits. If you’ve got a long reading list, this is a fun way to tackle it.
By the end of the 30 days, you will have stack of finished books and a wealth of new knowledge. You’ll enhance your reading speed and comprehension while indulging in a literary adventure every day.
Ready to start? Check out my list of 100 self improvement books.
4. Daily Comfort Zone Challenge
I tried this one to improve my confidence and it worked wonders!
Each day, push yourself to do something that takes you out of your comfort zone. It could be as simple as speaking up in a meeting or trying a new activity.
This is ideal for anyone looking to build confidence and overcome fears. If you’re feeling stagnant or want to grow personally, this challenge is for you.
Expect increased self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment. You’ll also discover new interests and capabilities you didn’t know you had!
Don’t forget to download my FREE challenge tracker (above) to track your progress!
5. 30 Minutes of Movement a Day Challenge
I personally don’t like exhausting fitness challenges. I find that they take the fun out of moving - which is something that I usually love to do!
If you’re a bit like me, but want to improve your fitness, try this one instead.
Commit to moving your body for at least 30 minutes every day. It can be anything from a brisk walk to a full workout.
This challenge gives you the freedom to decide how and when to move your body. So you can make it fun!
This is perfect for anyone wanting to boost their fitness level or incorporate more physical activity into their daily routine.
After 30-days, you will have improved physical health, increased energy levels, and a great mood boost.
Plus, you’ll form a healthy habit that can stick around long after the challenge ends.
6. Learn Something New Every Day Challenge
Pick a new topic or skill to learn each day. It could be anything from a fun fact to a new language phrase or cooking technique.
When I took this challenge I decided to download Duolingo and learn Mandarin! I’m not exactly a native speaker (yet) but I definitely saw improvements after the 30 day period.
This one is for anyone eager to expand their knowledge and keep their brain active. It’s a fun way to add a little curiosity and excitement to your days.
By learning something new each day, you will get a broadened horizon and a variety of new skills and knowledge. Plus, you’ll keep your brain engaged and curious, which is always a win!
7. 30-Day Self-Care Challenge
This one is great for anyone who is looking to add a bit of self-love into their daily routine.
Dedicate time each day to self-care activities. This could include anything from a relaxing bath to journaling or practicing mindfulness.
This 30-day challenge is fantastic for anyone needing to prioritize their well-being and build a self-care routine. If you’re feeling stressed or burnt out, this challenge is your ticket to rejuvenation.
If you stick to the challenge, you will become a more balanced and less stressed you. You’ll likely notice improved mood and energy levels, and you’ll have developed a consistent self-care practice that benefits your overall well-being.
8. Daily Affirmations Challenge
If you are looking for something relatively simple (but still effective) to try, this one’s for you!
Create and repeat positive affirmations each day, for 30-days. Focus on statements that uplift and encourage you.
I have a few helpful affirmations lists that you can use to get started:
Great for anyone looking to boost self-esteem and foster a more positive mindset. If negative self-talk is something you struggle with, this challenge can be transformative.
Enhanced self-confidence and a more positive outlook. Repeating affirmations helps rewire your brain to focus on the positives, which can lead to significant improvements in your mental health.
9. Daily Meditation Challenge
We all know that mediation comes with LOADs of benefits. However, it’s not the easiest habit to pick up!
So, why not throw yourself in the deep end and commit to daily meditation for 30 days?
By the end, meditation will become a habit that you can do with ease - which will be very beneficial for your mind!
Adding meditation into your daily routine is perfect for those looking to reduce stress, improve focus, and cultivate mindfulness. If you’ve been wanting to try meditation but haven’t found the time, this is your chance.
By meditating daily, you will get a more centered and calm mind. Regular meditation helps manage stress, enhances emotional health, and can improve your overall quality of life.
10. 30-Day Habit Tracking Challenge
Track a specific habit you want to develop or break over 30 days. Use a habit tracker app or a journal to monitor your progress.
Habit tracking is perfect for anyone trying to establish a new habit or break an old one. It’s a great way to stay motivated and accountable.
By tracking your habits, you get a clear view of your progress and the satisfaction of seeing your efforts pay off. Tracking habits also provides motivation and helps you stay committed to your goals.
11. Cook at Home for 30 Days
This 30-day challenge is a good way to eat healthier and save money at the same time!
Prepare all your meals at home for a month. Avoid eating out or ordering takeout.
This is great for anyone looking to improve their cooking skills, save money, or eat healthier. It’s also an excellent way to take control of your diet and nutrition.
By the end you will have healthier eating habits, potential cost savings, and improved cooking skills. Plus, you’ll likely find cooking to be a fun and rewarding activity!
12. 30 Days of No Screens
Go without screens for a set period each day. This means no phones, tablets, or computers—just pure offline time.
I started with 1 hour each day and then increased it to 3 hours on my second challenge attempt. It’s actually a lot harder than you might think!
The no screens challenge is ideal for those feeling overwhelmed by digital distractions or needing a break from screen time. It’s a refreshing way to reconnect with the real world.
By the end, you will feel less stressed and more intune with reality. You would be surprised at the impact screens have on your life!
13. One Good Deed a Day Challenge
Perform one good deed each day. It could be as simple as holding the door open for someone or volunteering your time.
This habit makes you feel better about yourself and is perfect for anyone wanting to spread kindness and improve their community. If you’re looking to make a positive impact, this challenge is a wonderful way to do it.
Afterwards, you will get a sense of fulfillment and the joy of making a difference. You’ll also likely find that acts of kindness boost your own mood and well-being.
14. Sleep Challenge
Sleep plays a big role in your mental and physical well-being. However, a lot of people struggle to get enough sleep each night.
If this sounds like you, commit to getting a specific amount of quality sleep each night for 30 days. Focus on creating a bedtime routine that ensures restful sleep and helps you to achieve your goal.
Taking this challenge is a brilliant way to create good sleep habits. Ideal for anyone struggling with sleep issues or wanting to improve their overall health. Good sleep is crucial for physical and mental well-being.
By getting enough sleep each night, you will see improved energy levels, better mood, and enhanced cognitive function. You’ll also develop healthy sleep habits that can benefit you long-term.
15. Write Every Day
Where are my fellow creative girlies?
This 30-day challenge is a great way to unleash your inner creativity and hone your writing skills.
Set aside time each day to write. This could be journaling, creative writing, or even drafting blog posts.
This is great for aspiring writers or anyone looking to explore their creativity. It’s also beneficial for those who want to process their thoughts and feelings through writing.
By the end, you will have improved writing skills and the cathartic benefits of self-expression. You might also find that writing becomes a valuable tool for reflection and creativity.
16. Couch to 5K Running Challenge
I know I said that I didn’t like fitness challenges. However, this one can be pretty fun!
Follow a structured program designed to take you from a non-runner to running 5 kilometers in 30 days.
This is an excellent challenge for beginners who want to start running or those looking to get back into fitness. It’s a great way to build endurance and incorporate exercise into your routine.
You will get enhanced fitness and a sense of accomplishment. You’ll also develop a new, healthy habit that can lead to long-term benefits for your physical health.
17. Morning Routine Challenge
To become the best version of yourself in 2024, establish and stick to a new morning routine. Include activities that set a positive tone for your day, like exercise, meditation, or a healthy breakfast.
This challenge is great for anyone wanting to start their day on a productive and positive note. A solid morning routine can improve overall daily effectiveness and mood.
By creating the perfect morning routine, you will get a more organized and uplifting start to your day. You’ll likely notice increased productivity and a more focused mindset as you go about your daily tasks.
18. 30-Day Savings Challenge
Want to improve your finances?
Save a specific amount of money each day or week, gradually increasing your savings over the 30 days.
For example, start by saving £1 on ay 1, £2 on day 2, and so on…
This is ideal for those wanting to build up their savings or improve their financial habits. It’s also a great way to work towards a financial goal.
If you manage to complete the 30 days, you will get increased savings and improved financial discipline. You’ll also gain insights into your spending habits and learn to prioritize saving.
19. Daily Budget Challenge
Another one for my readers who want to save!
Create and stick to a daily budget for 30 days. Track all your expenses and ensure you stay within your budgeted amount.
This is great for anyone wanting to improve their budgeting skills or manage their finances better. It’s also useful for those trying to save money or reduce debt.
Start your journey today by downloading our FREE budget worksheet below!
By sticking to a budget for 30 days, you will be able to save more money and improve your spending habits!
20. Spend 30 Minutes a Day Working on a Business or Side Hustle
Okay, this one might be my favourite!
If you really want to change your life in 30 days, challenge yourself to spending 30 minutes each day working on a small business or side hustle.
Here are 39 online business ideas to get you started.
After 30 days, you will have made a LOT of progress towards your end goal. This is perfect for budding entrepreneurs or anyone who is looking to make more money.
By spending 30-minutes every day, you can be sure to see results and move forward. 30 minutes is better than nothing at all!
21. Daily Steps Challenge
Set a daily step goal and aim to reach it each day. It could be 6000 or 10,000 steps or whatever goal fits your fitness level.
You can even earn money for your steps with apps that pay you to walk!
Ideal for anyone wanting to increase their daily physical activity and improve their overall health. It’s a simple way to get moving more.
At the end, you will have better physical fitness and a healthier lifestyle. You’ll also enjoy the benefits of increased activity, such as improved mood and energy levels.
22. Make £1000 in 30 Days Challenge
This one is one of the toughest challenges on the list!
If you feel like pushing yourself over the next month, take the 30-day challenge to make £1000 in 30-days.
You could reach this goal through side jobs, freelance work, or other income-generating activities within a month.
This is perfect for anyone looking to boost their income or achieve a financial goal. It’s also a great challenge if you have a specific project or expense in mind.
See: 10 ways to make £1000 a month
I took this challenge over lockdown and used reselling, freelance writing and online tutoring to reach my goal.
23. Compliment a Stranger Every Day
Ready to become your kindest self? Give a genuine compliment to a stranger each day. It could be about their outfit, smile, or any positive observation.
This challenge is great for anyone wanting to spread positivity and brighten others’ days. It’s also a simple way to practice kindness and connect with others.
By doing this every day, you will feel increased positivity and a boost in mood. Compliments can create a ripple effect of kindness and make you feel good about contributing positively to others’ lives.
24. Practice Gratitude Every Day for 30 Days
If you want to use your 30-day challenge to improve your mood, each day, write down or reflect on things you’re grateful for. It could be big or small, personal or universal.
Daily gratitude is ideal for anyone who wants to feel happier and cultivate a more optimistic outlook.
By the end of the challenge, you will have more positive outlook and improved emotional health. Regular gratitude practices can enhance your overall well-being and help you appreciate life’s little joys.
25. Spend Time in Nature Every Day
This one is perfect for the summer!
Make a point to spend time outdoors each day, whether it’s a walk in the park, hiking, or simply sitting outside.
Spending more time in nature has been proven to reduce stress, improve your mood and clear your mind. It’s perfect for improving overall wellbeing!
How to Stick to a 30-Day Challenge
Now that you’ve got an idea of 30-day challenges to complete, let’s take a look at how you can go about achieving them!
As I mentioned earlier, make sure to download our FREE 30-challenge tracker (below) to hold yourself accountable.
1. Use a Tracker
Keeping track of your progress is crucial. Use a journal, app, or printable tracker to record daily achievements and stay motivated.
2. Have an Accountability Partner
Find a friend or family member to join you in the challenge.
Having someone to share the experience with can provide support and motivation.
3. Reward Yourself
Celebrate your successes!
Treat yourself to a small reward once you complete the challenge. It’s a great way to stay motivated and acknowledge your hard work.
Embarking on a 30-day challenge is a fantastic way to introduce positive changes into your life, learn new skills, and develop healthier habits.
Whether you choose to detox from social media, improve your financial situation, or simply enjoy more time outdoors, each challenge offers unique benefits that can lead to a more fulfilling and balanced life.
So pick a challenge that excites you, and get ready to see how a month of focused effort can make a big difference.
Cheers to becoming a better you!
