We start each new year with certain goals and dreams, a lot of which are quickly forgotten as the realities and challenges of the year begin.
May be you already feel that way right now.
Perhaps, you’re struggling to follow through on the goals and habits you planned out for 2025.
Rather than agonizing over this, can I encourage you to pick one of these goals and just do it. Don’t just talk about what you want to do but do it. That’s how you build momentum.
Do you need help coming up with ideas of things to do this year?
Say no more!
Today, I will be sharing 25 incredible ideas and activities you can take on this year. Many of them are things you can do throughout the course of the year.
Yes, you can commit to try 2-3 things each month.
Secondly, most of these activities will help you grow holistically (physically, mentally, spiritually, relationally, and financially).
Many of these are simple ideas you can implement in a day or even just an afternoon, while a few will require more time and resource investment such as travel, learning something new and volunteering.
Without further ado, here’s a list of 25 things you should try this year.
25 Ideas to Try Out this Year
1. Travel to a New City/State/Country
2025 is a great time to explore new places and cultures. Take some time to think about the one place you would like to visit this year and how to make it happen.
This is particularly important if you will be celebrating a landmark birthday are like me.
2. Do a 24-hour Intermittent Fast.
Okay, this seems quite hardcore, but I imagine it will be an unforgettable experience.
You have probably heard about intermittent fasting and all its benefits. The reality is our body does its best work when it’s not overloaded with food. Trying this out will be a great way to allow your body to heal itself. For more on intermittent fasting check out this post, and of course you should do your research to ensure there are no adverse effects.
3. Attend an Art Show.
Attending an art show has some obvious benefits; it broadens your tastes, hopefully gets your creative juices flowing, and is an opportunity to network and socialise.
4. Start a Blog or YouTube Channel
Find a way to document shareable moments or things you’ve learned. It can be about your area of interest or just life’s moments (vlogs). Committing to this could also be another way to explore your creativity and earn money.
5. Read One Book a Month and make a note of your learnings.
Books are a treasure trove of life tips and experiences. They expand our world views and enrich our lives. I know that committing to reading regularly will have a profound effect on your character and your work ethic. A win-win.
6. Learn to Play an Instrument
Learn something, and why not start with a musical instrument. You get to improve your skills and also entertain yourself and others.
7. Volunteer within Your City
A ‘life of service is a life well lived.’
Find opportunities to serve in your community. It could be a one-off or more structured service. You decide.
8. Start a Pet Project
We all have goals and dreams, and for some of us, there is often that big, scary goal we have been meaning to do.
What is yours?
Perhaps, 2025 is the year to finally give it your all.
9. Go offline for 48hours/Take Monthly Retreats
Ah! You’re probably shaking your head at this one, but I promise the world will not come to an end when you turn off your electronic devices. Monthly retreats will provide an opportunity for you to detach and rest. It can be for a day or a few days.
These retreats give us a chance to reflect, re-strategize, and rejuvenate.
You can start with a 24-hour social media detox and take it up from there.
10. Write a Thank You Note to 5 people who have Impacted Your Life.
I always say gratitude makes room for growth.
Our ability to remember and express our thanks deepens our humility and our graciousness. Write that note and you will be surprised by what it will do for you and for the people who receive them.
11. Buy an Unexpected Gift for a Family Member
Show some love. Don’t just say it but do it!
It could be something small (like their favourite meal), or something bigger, like a trip to go watch their favourite band perform.
12. Offer to Babysit for a Friend or a Loved One with Kids.
Be available to those who may need your help. You can choose to do this occasionally or have a standard arrangement with them.
13. Read an Autobiography of Someone in Your Area of Interest.
Reading is one of the most important practices for our generation. You can tell I love reading as this is the second time it’s showing up on this list.
Reading about a person’s life can give you insights into their motivations and decision making, something I believe to be invaluable.
These days, we have audio options in addition to the books. So, find something by an author in your area of interest. It will shed new light on how they got to where they are.
14. Go Hiking
Hiking may seem like a weird option, but it gives you a chance to explore and see things from an elevated angle (this can improve your appreciation and perception of the world). For those in Nigeria, there are quite a few hiking spots in southern and Northern Nigeria.
15. Try out a New Sport
Do something different. Trying out a new sport is a good way to socialise and get your body in shape. Who knows, you may enjoy it so much that it becomes a part of your routine.
16. Go on a Solo Movie and Dinner Date.
Take time to enjoy your own company.
Consider self-date ideas you can try out. As the name suggests, these dates will give you chance to get to know yourself better. Look for places you can go to and spend quality time with yourself. I recently started a bi-weekly Friday lunch self-date and it’s been amazing.
17. Buy Yourself a Special and Memorable Gift.
Terms: it should be within budget, pretty, and something you can have or use for more than a year.
18. Start Journaling.
Document your life and experiences. I have been journaling since 2019, and it is still one of my best decisions till date. It is a game changer. I share more here.
19. Pay for Someone’s Meal
This is a simple act of kindness that can go a long way, especially if it’s for a stranger. You will certainly make their day, and they are more likely to pay it forward. Be kind always.
20. Visit an Orphanage and or Senior home.
Spend some time with people who may not always have someone. You would be surprised what a difference it will make to your life and theirs.
21. Offer to Run Errands for Someone who is Swamped.
Be that friend in deed. We all have moments where we are juggling conflicting tasks and having someone offer to help can be a godsend. Be that for someone.
22. Learn to Cook a Signature dish.
It doesn’t have to be anything complicated, find a dish you like and learn how to make it – or all the different ways to make it.
23. Host a Sleepover
Be intentional about your friendships this year.
A sleepover gives you a chance to spend an extended amount of time with those who matter to you. Eat, talk, dance, play…do all the things that make your soul happy.
24. Learn a New Language
Communication is one of the most important skills for growth and advancement. More so, being able to speak other languages helps you connect with more people and understand life from their perspective.
Perhaps this is the year you finally learn French (I plan to this year.)
25. Create a Life Vision
What are those things you believe about yourself that have fuelled your choices and decisions? Do you have this clearly articulated?
If not, then you should take some time to craft a life vision for yourself. You may think it is superfluous but as someone who created one recently, I believe it is anything but. A life vision provides a snapshot of the things you value and believe, which improves your decision making. When we know who we are and what we want, we can use this to filter opportunities that come our way.
Start today
That’s it! 25 awesome things that will add some spice, context, and meaning to your year. Hope you enjoyed the list. Are there other things you are looking to do?
Please share in the comments.
I also hope to create these annual lists going forward.
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