New Year Reset Challenge: 31 Days to a Fresh Start
January always carries so many promises.
Not the pressure of becoming someone new overnight — but the opportunity to pause, reset, and realign with the life we actually want to build.
After the rush of the holidays, many of us crave clarity, structure, and a sense of direction… without the overwhelm of unrealistic resolutions.
If you want to do a New Year reset and make a fresh start in 2026, this 31-day challenge is exactly what you need.
Instead of big, all-or-nothing goals, this challenge invites you to focus on one simple, intentional activity every day.
These activities are small enough to fit into your busy schedule while being powerful enough to create the momentum you need to turn your life around.
With this new year reset challenge, you’ll reset your routines, reconnect with your goals, boost your confidence, and slowly step into a lifestyle that feels more aligned, calm, and intentional.
There’s no need to try to overhaul your life in one day to make lasting changes and start a new life.
Just show up — one day at a time, and watch these activities transform your life.
Let this January be less about pressure… and more about direction.
Ready for a new year reset challenge?
Let’s get started!
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WEEK 1 — The Clean Slate Reset (Days 1–7)
A productive and organized start to the year.
Day 1 — Get a New Journal (or Start a Fresh Digital One)
There’s something deeply symbolic about opening a blank page at the start of a new year.
A new journal creates a sense of renewal and intention, even before you write a single word.
Use it as a space to think, plan, reflect, complete the activities below that require taking notes, and reset throughout the month.
Prefer guided, step-by-step workbooks?
Check out The New Year Planning Bundle.
This bundle includes four guided workbooks to help you do your new year reset, set goals and actually achieve them in 2026.
From life audit sheets, self-discovery prompts, goal-setting templates and trackers, this 375-page bundle includes everything you need to make 2026 the year you finally change your life.
Day 2 — Do a 20-Minute Life Review
Set a timer and reflect on the past year:
- What worked?
- What didn’t?
- What felt misaligned?
- What do you want more of this year?
- And less?
You’re not judging, you’re just noticing patterns.
Awareness is always the first step toward change.
So if you’re wondering how to give your life a new direction, this is how you start.
Day 3 — Choose Your 2026 Word of the Year
Your word of the year acts as an anchor for your decisions and energy.
Choose something that reflects how you want to feel and show up — not what you think you should choose.
Write it down and let this word guide your choices moving forward.
Day 4 — Set 3 Simple Goals for 2026
Instead of overwhelming yourself with never-ending lists of goals, focus on just three meaningful ones.
These should feel aligned with your values and where you currently stand in life.
Simplicity creates clarity.
Day 5 — Break Down One Goal Into Micro Steps
Choose one of your goals and break it into steps so small they feel almost effortless.
This removes resistance and builds confidence through action.
Progress becomes inevitable when things feel doable.
If you have been struggling with consistency, this is a game-changer.
Related read: How to make discipline effortless
Day 6 — Download a New Productivity or Habit App
Another way to make discipline and consistency easier is to try a new tool.
Whether it’s a habit tracker, planner, or focus app, choose something simple and visually pleasing.
The goal isn’t perfection — it’s structure and direction.
And if you’re still looking for the app that will make 2026 your most productive year, you need to give TickTick a try.
This app is my absolute favorite when it comes to tracking habits and routines and defining priorities.
Day 7 — Plan Your Ideal Weekly Schedule
Sketch out what an ideal week looks like for you — including rest, movement, work, and personal time.
This isn’t about strict scheduling, but about intention.
Structure gives you a clear direction and creates calm when it supports your life.
WEEK 2 — Productivity & Organization Reset (Days 8–14)
Building routines that support your goals.
Day 8 — Create a January Aesthetic Pinterest Board
Creating a visual representation of your goals helps you turn them into something tangible.
Create a new Pinterest board and save images that reflect how you want your life to feel this year — calm mornings, healthy habits, organized spaces.
Let your vision guide your actions.
Day 9 — Organize Your Finances for the Month
Take a moment to look at your numbers: expenses, income, savings goals.
Financial clarity reduces anxiety and helps you make more intentional choices.
Even a simple overview is powerful.
Ideally, you should aim to have a financial plan for your entire year but a month is enough to get you started and help you understand your spending habits.
Day 10 — Try a Low-Dopamine Morning
Delay checking your phone for the first 30–60 minutes of the day.
Stop scrolling while in bed and instead, stretch, journal, make tea, or simply sit in silence.
This small shift will dramatically improve your focus and mood.
Day 11 — Create a Morning Routine Moodboard
Rather than forcing a routine, visualize one that feels realistic and nourishing.
Think slow mornings, movement, journaling, or quiet moments.
Let it inspire you instead of pressure you.
Because you don’t need a 5 AM morning routine to reset your life.
You just need a routine that works for you.
Related read: How to create your ideal morning routine based on your goals
Day 12 — Refresh Your Workspace
A clean, intentional workspace will make you so much more productive.
Tidy your desk, remove clutter, and add one small element that makes the space feel good.
It can be anything from a plant, to a picture you like or a scented candle.
Your environment shapes your energy more than you realize so keep it clean and tidy and make it feel like it’s truly yours.
Day 13 — Declutter Your Phone (Apps, Photos, Notes)
Just like your physical environment, your digital space affects how you feel and act.
Delete unused apps, clean up your camera roll, and organize your notes.
Less clutter often leads to a lighter mind.
Day 14 — Create a “New Life” Playlist
Music has the power to shift your mood instantly.
Create a playlist that matches the energy you want to embody this year — calm, focused, confident, or joyful.
Let it guide you in your new year reset.
WEEK 3 — The Glow-Up Week (Days 15–21)
This week is all about trends, aesthetics, and self-confidence.
Day 15 — Start a New Skincare Reset Routine
Focus on consistency, not complexity.
Choose three basics you’ll actually use every day.
All you need is a mild face wash, toner, and a moisturizer with sufficient SPF.
Caring for your skin is a small daily ritual that reinforces self-respect.
Day 16 — Try a New Workout Trend
Movement should never feel like punishment.
If you struggle with consistency when it comes to working out because you don’t like exercising, explore something new.
Try pilates, yoga, barre, or a long walk, and notice how your body responds.
The goal is to find what works for you so you can stay consistent — not intensity you can only commit to once or twice a month.
Day 17 — Swap One Guilty Pleasure for a Healthier Alternative
This isn’t about restriction, but conscious upgrading.
Pick something unhealthy you really enjoy and make one small healthy swap that feels supportive rather than depriving.
Tiny changes, repeated often, shape your lifestyle.
Day 18 — Do a Closet Refresh
Remove the items that no longer fit your style or energy.
Keeping only what you love makes getting dressed easier and more intentional.
Because your wardrobe should support the person you’re becoming, not the one you’ve outgrown.
Day 19 — Have a Self-Care Night
Slow down and create a small ritual just for you.
Think warm showers, body care, candles, or an early night.
Rest is productive when it restores you.
Day 20 — Create a Vision Board
Creating a new year vision board is a great way to visualize your goals and give your year a clear direction.
No matter the goals you set for the new year, adding them to a vision board and using it as your phone wallpaper is a simple but very effective way to stay laser-focused.
Related read: How to create a vision board that manifests
Day 21 — Choose a New Signature Scent or Body Care Routine
Scent is deeply connected to memory and confidence.
Choosing a fragrance or body care routine you love can subtly elevate your daily life.
It’s a simple way to feel more put-together while taking care of yourself.
WEEK 4 — Self-Love & Confidence Week (Days 22–28)
This week is all about soft confidence, inner alignment, and self-trust.
Day 22 — Wear an Outfit That Makes You Feel Amazing
Choose clothes that make you feel confident, comfortable, and like yourself.
How you present yourself influences how you move through the day.
Let your outfit support your energy.
Day 23 — Do a Mini Photoshoot
Take a few intentional photos of yourself — for your online profiles or just for you.
Seeing yourself through a kind lens builds confidence.
Again, this is about self-appreciation, not taking Insta-perfect pictures.
Day 24 — Write a List of Things You’re Proud Of
Reflect on what you’ve accomplished, survived, and learned so far.
Most people focus on what’s missing — this exercise shifts the focus to growth.
Confidence grows when you acknowledge your progress.
Day 25 — Plan a Solo Date
Spend intentional time alone doing something you enjoy.
Solo dates strengthen self-connection and independence. Learning to enjoy your own company is a powerful form of self-love.
Plus, it will also help you understand yourself better.
Day 26 — Do a Social Media Detox for Half a Day
It’s time to step away from comparison and noise.
Notice how your thoughts and emotions shift when you’re not constantly consuming content.
Being more present will also help you increase productivity which is necessary to stay focused on your goals.
Day 27 — Upgrade One Area of Your Life
Choose one small upgrade — better sleep habits, more water, a cleaner space, or a supportive routine.
Tiny improvements compound over time.
You deserve an environment and habits that support you.
Day 28 — Do One Task You’ve Been Avoiding
Ready to eat that frog?
Pick one lingering task and complete it today.
Putting things off drains energy, while completion restores it.
Relief is often just one action away.
WEEK 5 — Vision, Alignment & Becoming “Her” (Days 29–31)
Track, explore and reflect.
Day 29 — Track Your Progress
You’ve been working on your new year reset for 4 weeks already.
It’s now time to track your progress and reassess your plans if needed.
Create a simple progress tracker or grab yours in The New Year Reset Bundle to ensure you stay on track to achieving your goals.
Day 30 — Try a New Creative Activity for Fun
Find one activity that allows you to express your creativity and feels playful and light.
Write, paint, draw or dance.
Find one creative hobby you enjoy and commit to it at least once a week.
This is a great way to free your mind, gain new perspective and lower stress.
Day 31 — Set Your February Intentions
We’ve reached the end of this 31-Day New Year Reset challenge!
It’s now time to reflect on what you learned this month and choose three intentions for February.
Monthly planning keeps you grounded and flexible.
This is how lasting change is built, one month at a time.
What to Do Before January Momentum Fades
This 31-day challenge is designed to help you reset your mindset and routines while motivation is still high.
As the weeks go on, motivation naturally decreases — and that’s when structure becomes important.
If you find yourself wanting more clarity, direction, or consistency once the challenge ends, the New Year Planning Bundle was created as the next step.
It helps you:
- turn what you learned during the reset into a clear plan
- define goals that extend beyond January
- build habits and routines that don’t depend on motivation
The challenge helps you reset.
The bundle helps you stay consistent past January to change your life for good.
