January Bucket List – Self Development and Fun Ideas for the Start of the Year

January is the time of year when many of us like a fresh start. So why not use this month’s bucket list to set yourself up for a successful and productive year. This January Bucket List is full of self development and goal based suggestions but also some fun and indulgent ideas.

For many of us the New Year feels like a fresh slate but it is also at the beginning of Winter. Take this time to enjoy little luxuries and work on ideas, goals and targets that matter to you so that you can leave the depth of Winter with a good start and progress. 

January is also a good time to develop good habits. Whether you want to start getting up earlier, save more money or work on your mind set, why not use this time to come up with a plan or attempt a 30 day challenge. 

Set Goals for the Year

We couldn’t have a January Bucket List without this task. Instead of New Year’s Resolutions why not have goals for the new year that you can work towards?

Buy a Diary/Bullet Journal

I love the feeling of starting a new bullet journal. There are so many beautiful ones out there and I find if I like the style of the journal I am more likely to keep using it. There are loads of ideas on Pinterest if you are new to Bullet Journalling. 

Make Soup

For many of us January is a very cold, dark and bleak month. Warm it up by trying out some new soup recipes. 

Pick a Theme Word for the Year

What do you want the new year to represent? What is your main focus? Pick it, write it out and place it somewhere you can see frequently .

Indulge in Fancy Bubble Baths

The depth of winter is a great time to fill up that tub, pour in the bubble bath and relax.

Blitz the House

Some may wait until spring to blitz the house but I like to do it at the beginning of the year so that everything feels fresh and clean. Anything you no longer want, sell or give to charity.

Do Veganuary

Wanted to try vegan food or just want to cut down on your meat intake? Veganuary has grown over the past few years and there is a wealth of information and recipes online to keep you on track. You may even find you want to make it part of your life even after January. This is one I have wanted to try for a few years now so I will be adding it to my January Bucket List.

Embrace Hygge

This is a word for the mood of wellness, coziness and contentment used in Denmark and Norway. From comfy clothing, cosy blankets and soft candlelight, hygge is simple to enjoy.

Take Part in Dry January

Had a little bit of over indulgence over the Christmas period? Why not take part in Dry January and detox for the month. 

Sort Through Your Wardrobe

As a general rule if you haven’t worn it in over 6 months and it isn’t specifically seasonal, then get rid of it. If it is in good condition then sell it or give it to charity. If it isn’t, don’t throw it away. Drop it off in a textiles recycling bin to avoid it ending up in landfill. 

Do a Jigsaw Puzzle 

There might not be an awful lot of things to do in the evenings after Chstimas and many of us are saving the pennies but a jigsaw puzzle can be a great source of entertainment for a couple of days. 

Create and Start a Reading List

Do you want to read more this year? Why not start with one book a month. Choose a variety of genres and authors and delve into another world. 

Sort Out Your Finances

Christmas can be hard on the bank balance. And if like me you also have multiple December birthdays to celebrate it can be even worse. January is a great time to brush up on your finances, make sure you are getting the best out of your accounts and make some savings goals. Why not try a 30 day no spend challenge too?

Make a Door Wreath

We’ve had the Christmas wreaths but you can have a wreath for any time of year. Use some in season foliage and add some colour. Make it completely unique to your taste and style and that will make you smile each time you walk to your front door. 

Get a New Hair Cut/Style

Who doesn’t like a fresh look for a new year? You don’t have to go for anything dramatic but any change can make you feel good as new and is uplifting.

Visit a Museum or Gallery

Wonderful for an afternoon activity. Have a wander around a museum and learn something new and get inspired. 

Do a 30 day Challenge

If you want to create a new habit why not start by turning it into a 30 day challenge. This could be getting up earlier, saving money, working out etc. If you manage to complete a 30 day challenge you are well on your way to create a long standing habit.

Take Up a New Sport or Hobby

Ever fancied trying out table tennis? Or learning how to swim? Having a go at a variety of different activities will give you a sense of what you really enjoy.

Go for a Beach Walk

The beach in winter can be really refreshing. Dress up appropriately, take a warm drink and go for a long, exhilarating stroll to clear away the cobwebs from the last year. 

Learn a New Craft or Skill

Just like trying a new sport, have a good go at different crafts and see what you enjoy and connect with the most. I find making a pinterest board of different skills I fancy trying out really helpful and that way I have a list of things to do on a rainy day to keep me occupied. 

Make Eco Switches

Do you want to live a more sustainable and eco friendly life? Making small switches is the best way to go. From buying an eco brand of washing detergent to switching to a metal razor or bamboo toothbrush, every little helps. There is so much information available online, see if you can make a switch per month.

Read a Self Help/Self Development Book

Over recent years I have become a fan of a self help or self development book. There are so many out there to choose from. This can be anything from helping you distress, becoming more organised to getting better with your finances. 

So with the New Year on its way what are you hoping to try and what will you add to your January Bucket List?