5 EFFECTIVE Personal Growth Challenges (Part 2)

Welcome back! If you’ve been following along, you should be well on your way with the first set of challenges.

You can also read it on my website.

How’s it going? Making progress?

Remember, the goal is to build these habits into your daily routine and create lasting change.

If you’re ready for more, I’ve got five new challenges that will push you even further. Just like before, these are designed to be simple yet powerful. Let’s go!

Track your progress

It’s important to track what/when you’ve done each day.

It’s motivating to see how much you’ve accomplished!

To do this, just print out a sheet of paper with 30 (or 90) circles on it. Every day when you’ve accomplished a challenge, colour 1 circle.

1. 30-Day Reading Challenge

We all know the benefits of reading:

  • Expands your knowledge
  • Improves focus
  • Reduces stress

But how often do we make time for it?

This challenge is about making reading a daily habit, no matter how busy life gets.

The Goal

Read for at least 15 minutes every day for 30 days. That’s it! If you can do more, great, but the key is consistency.

How to Do It

  • Set a time: Pick a specific time each day when you’ll read. Maybe it’s first thing in the morning, during lunch, or before bed. Stick to it. I prefer to read in bed, right before going to sleep. It allows my mind to relax and distracts me from my phone.
  • Choose your read: It can be anything — books, articles, blogs, whatever interests you. The goal is to engage your mind, so choose something you’ll enjoy. At the moment I’m reading a detective-thriller-roman. Or something like that.

Tips

  • If you struggle with finding time, start with audiobooks or podcasts on your commute.
  • Create a reading place— a cozy spot with good lighting and your favorite chair.
  • Read a book together with a friend and talk about it. This helps to keep each other accountable.

You’ll be amazed at how much you can learn in just 30 days. And who knows, you might even find yourself hooked on reading.

2. 30-Day No-Sugar Challenge

I’ve written about it countless times in the past.

Sugar is everywhere, and it’s SO EASY to eat too much of it.

This is why it’s important to cut down on sugar. This has INCREDIBLE benefits:

  • Better energy levels
  • Improved skin health
  • Weight loss
  • Better focus & concentration
  • Generally feeling better & healthier.

This challenge is about being mindful of your sugar intake and making healthier choices.

The Goal

Eliminate added sugars from your diet for 30 days. That means no sweets, sugary drinks, or processed foods with hidden sugars.

Note: I realize this one might be quite hard, do if you’re having trouble with it, then start small. Below you can find some tips.

How to Do It

  • Read labels: Start by checking food labels for hidden sugars. Look out for ingredients like corn syrup, fructose, and sucrose.
  • Plan your meals: Focus on whole foods — fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. These will keep you full and satisfied.
  • Find alternatives: Craving something sweet? Try fresh fruit, a small handful of nuts, or a piece of dark chocolate (with minimal added sugar).

More Tips

  • Drink plenty of water. Sometimes, thirst is mistaken for hunger, leading to sugar cravings.
  • If you’re used to sweetened beverages, transition to herbal teas or infusing water with slices of lemon or cucumber.
  • Don’t be too hard on yourself! If you slip up, just get back on track the next day.

I know this challenge is tough, but the rewards are really worth it:

You’ll likely feel more energetic, have clearer skin, and even notice your taste buds adjusting to enjoy the natural sweetness of whole foods.

Don’t you want to profit of all these benefits? I know I do!

3. 30-Day Learning a New Skill Challenge

Ever wanted to learn a new language, play an instrument, or master a software program?

This challenge is about dedicating a bit of time each day to developing a new skill. It’s a great way to keep your mind sharp and add something new to your repertoire.

The Goal
Spend at least 20 minutes each day learning a new skill for 30 days. The focus is on consistency, not perfection.

How to Do It

  • Pick your skill: Choose something that excites you! It could be anything from learning Spanish to playing the guitar, coding, or even baking.
  • Break it down: Set small, manageable goals for each day. For example, if you’re learning a language, focus on a few new words or phrases daily.
  • Use resources: Leverage online courses, YouTube tutorials, apps, or books that can guide you.

Tips

  • Do it with a friend or even join a community related to your skill. It’s more fun to do it with others and it helps to keep you motivated!
  • Practice during a set time each day to build it into your routine.
  • Celebrate your milestones, no matter how small — they’re all steps forward!

By the end of 30 days, you’ll be surprised at how much progress you’ve made.

Photo by Igor Omilaev on Unsplash

Remember, just like with all the other challenges; it’s not about being perfect; it’s about making steady progress.

4. 30-Day Digital Detox Challenge

Let’s be honest — most of us spend too much time on our phones.

Way too much.

Whether it’s scrolling through social media, binge-watching shows, or constantly checking emails, it can take a toll on our mental health.

This challenge is about reducing screen time and reconnecting with the real world.

The Goal
Limit your non-essential screen time to a maximum of 1–2 hours per day for 30 days. Use the extra time to engage in offline activities.

You can maybe even link it to 1 of the challenges above!

How to Do It

  • Identify your triggers: What apps or websites do you waste the most time on? Limit or delete them for 30 days. Apps like Instagram & TikTok have alerts that you can set, if you’re spending too much time on them.
  • Create boundaries: Set specific times when you’ll use your phone or computer. Outside of these hours, just put that phone away. For example, no screens during meals or after 8 PM.
  • Engage in offline activities: Read a book, take a walk, spend time with loved ones, or pick up a hobby.

I want to add a small anecdote here: I used to be ALWAYS online. ALWAYS available, always responding to my friends as quickly as I could. I felt obligated, because I thought that this would make them like me or respect me more.

It’s not the case.

It’s not about how quickly you answer, it’s about the quality of your answer and the time you spend together. It’s much better to meet up with your friends offline, face-to-face and give all your attention to them.

Just imagine the following: You’re having a drink with your friend and he/she is constantly looking at their phone, texting, reading… how does that make you feel? Unimportant, right? Why are you even there? Does that person even want you there, if they’re not paying attention to you anyway?

I have friends who don’t even have social media, and if I need them, I give them a call, or I visit them. Human, personal connection is so much more important than staring at screens all the time. Enjoy each others company, not your phone.

Tips

  • Turn off notifications for non-essential apps to reduce distractions.
  • Use apps that track your screen time to hold yourself accountable.
  • Find a “detox buddy” to do this challenge with — it’s easier with support.

This challenge might feel tough at first, but you’ll quickly notice how much more time and mental space you have.

You might even find yourself feeling more present and less stressed.

5. 30-Day Gratitude Journal Challenge

Gratitude is powerful, really powerful.

It shifts your focus from what’s wrong in your life to what’s right, fostering a positive mindset.

This challenge is about making gratitude a daily practice.

The Goal

Write down three things you’re grateful for each day for 30 days. It can be anything, big or small.

How to Do It

  • Keep a journal: Dedicate a notebook specifically for this challenge. Each day, write down three things you’re thankful for.
  • Reflect: Take a few moments to reflect on why you’re grateful for these things. How do they impact your life?
  • Be consistent: Try to write in your journal at the same time each day — maybe as part of your morning or evening routine.

Tips

  • If you’re having a tough day, focus on the small things — a hot cup of coffee, a kind word from a friend, or a beautiful sunset.
  • Use prompts if you’re stuck. Ask yourself questions like, “What made me smile today?” or “What’s something I often take for granted?”
  • Reread your entries at the end of the 30 days to see how your perspective has shifted.

This simple habit can have a HUGE impact on your life, helping you create a more positive mindset.

Thank you!

Alright, that wraps up Part 2 of our 10 Effective Personal Growth Challenges.

I hope you’re feeling inspired to try one (or more!) of these new challenges.

Remember, the key is consistency and making these habits a regular part of your life. Also, use a paper as a tracker like I suggested. Trust me, it helps!

Which challenge will you be tackling next? Let me know in the comments!

P.S. Don’t forget to expand 30 days into 60, and then into 90! That’s how real, lasting change happens. Your future self will thank you!

Thanks for reading!

If you’ve got questions or thoughts, drop them in the comments and I’ll get back to you! Follow or 👏 if you’d like to see more content like this. Or buy me a coffee, this stuff is magical 😉

Did you know? I also write about different passive income streams like Print on DemandYouTube Automationinvesting tipshealthy habits and just keeping yourself motivated to keep going every day!

P.S. did you claim your copy of my Income/Expense Tracker or FREE E-Book yet?

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Michiel Schuer

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Enthusiastic about learning new things, side-hustles, and translating my personal experiences into motivational stories.

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