There are millions of articles, if not billions of articles out there on how to be more productive, how to have a happier life, how to be more successful, how to create a life you love, etc. But out of all of the countless articles, you've read, how many times have you actually followed the advice given? Sometimes, there is just so much advice out there, that it can be very overwhelming to try and figure out what you should do first.
Side Note - This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you buy something from one of these links, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. For more information, you can read my privacy policy. Thank you for supporting my blog. :)
Updated for 2026
Should you start journaling or should you exercise regularly? Should you meditate daily or should you read a personal development book? Maybe you should do all of these things at once?!?
It can be extremely challenging to decide what to start with on your journey to improve your life, so I've decided to make it easier for you by creating this 31 days to a happier and more productive life challenge. Each day will have a simple task that you complete during the day to help you improve your life. Each task should only take at the most around 20 minutes, so it will be easy to incorporate into your day.
Along with each task, I give tips for completing the task, but you can do it however you want!
Then at the end of the thirty-one days, you can decide which of the tasks you liked doing (the ones that helped you improve your life the most), and you can turn those tasks into habits that you do every day.
Recommended Post - 7 Ways to Effectively Create Habits
Another way to complete this challenge is to have each day build upon the one before. On the first day you do the first task, the second day you do the first task and the second task, the third day you do the first task, the second task, and the third task. But be aware that at the end of the thirty-one days, you will have thirty-one tasks to do so it will be a large time commitment.
And one more thing... it's a good idea to look at your commitment for the day early in the morning or the night before just so you know what you are getting yourself into the next day. You may want to bookmark this page and set a reminder on your phone so you don't forget!
If you want to improve your life one small step at a time, then you are in the right place! Let's dive right in!
31 Days to a Happer + More Productive Life Challenge
1. Write in a Journal
It's the first day! Are you ready to improve your life bit by bit for the next thirty-one days? I hope you are at least a little bit excited!
Here's your first assignment: grab a piece of paper or a cute journal, and write a journal entry. You can write about how you hope to improve your life in the next thirty-one days or you can write about how your day went. If you want, you can rip up your journal entry after you write it, and throw it away if you don't want anyone else to see it. If you do choose to rip out the page, I sincerely hope you didn't write in a really cute journal! 😂
Journaling is an amazing tool because you can be creative with your writing, and it allows you to get your thoughts out on paper.
2. Write What You are Grateful For
So you came back for day two... I'm really glad that you did! Today, you are going to be listing what you are grateful for. You can do this when you wake up in the morning. I mean who doesn't want an excuse to lie in bed for a few more minutes?
You don't necessarily need to write down what you are grateful for, but if you do, this task should still only take a few minutes of your day!
3. Spend Time in Nature Unplugged
When was the last time you left the house without your phone? Okay, I hear you. That might be inconvenient, and unsafe. But here is an option for you. Walk outside. Take your phone and put it on "do not disturb".
Now spend around 15-20 minutes, just walking around enjoying nature. This is a great way to relax as well. Do you need to know that [insert name of someone who you haven't spoken to in 5 years] just posted?
If you feel that it is a necessity in your life, at least it can wait 15-20 minutes. You have your own life to live. Stop monitoring theirs.
4. Skip Social Media Today
Yeah, we are doing a detox this week as you can see because today, we are going to skip using social media. Well, I might still be on mine because I have to keep posting so people like you can find this post, but I will be with you in spirit.
The easiest way to do this is to have a fun-packed adventure-filled day planned. If you are staying in, you can still fill up your schedule with activities so you don't feel the need for social media. This way, you won't have time to scroll on social media, and no, you do not need to post a story about what you are doing on social media.
5. Watch a TED Talk
Am I giving you permission to use YouTube today? Yes, I am. Feel free to use your social media again. You have two ways to do this task.
1. Find a TED Talk on YouTube by searching for TED Talk and picking one out to watch.
2. Go to ted.com, and create an account to receive personalized recommendations.
I personally like the second option, because I watch a TED Talk almost every day, and the TED website has recommendations for you, a list of the trending videos, and you can make a list of TED talks that you want to watch. Along with each talk, there is also a list of links and resources to further your education about the topic. If you only plan on doing this once though, then finding a TED Talk on YouTube is probably the way to go.
6. Listen to a Podcast
Going along with #5, it's time to get inspired! If you aren't a podcast listener, or if you aren't a big fan of podcasts, don't worry, you can listen to a podcast that is only five minutes long, and you can do something else at the same time!
To get started, all you have to do is go to a podcast app or website. I recommend Google podcasts because the entire app is free and there is a web version as well, but if you already have Spotify or another podcast app, you are good to go.
Here are a few I've been enjoying recently...
- Before Breakfast
- The School of Greatness
- Where There's Smoke
I'll be making a longer list of inspirational podcasts that I find helpful soon, so stay tuned for that!
7. Read an Inspirational Article Online
Continuing our inspirational education, today you are going to read an inspirational/productivity tips/life tips article online. Now is not the time to read your favorite news or celebrity gossip site. Bonus points if you read one of the articles on my site. Just kidding! But maybe I'm not... 😂
- Secret Sneaky Ways You Can Actually Multi-Task
- Why You Need to Start a Night Routine + How to Create One
- How to Find Time to Exercise More + Stay Motivated
- How to Increase Your Productivity When You are Online
This one will only take a few minutes of your day!
8. Read a Chapter in a Personal Development Book
Today, you are going to get your hands on a personal development book and you are going to read a chapter or you can always read more if you have time. If you can't possibly attain a personal development book, then you can read another inspirational article.
Here are a few I recommend:
- Better than Before by Gretchen Rubin
- The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod
- Atomic Habits by James Clear
- 168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think by Laura Vanderkam
9. Write Your To-Do List for Today or Tomorrow
If you already use a planner or a bullet journal to plan out your days, then awesome! If you don't, then now is the time to get started. Take a few minutes this morning to write out your entire to-do list. Check your to-do list throughout the day, and add and cross off items as needed.
If it is already late in your day, you can make your to-do list for tomorrow.
10. Track Your Time
This task is a bit more of a challenge, not going to lie. Today, you are going to be tracking your time to see exactly how you spend your time. If you never feel like you have enough time to do what you want, then you are in the perfect place. You can read The Simple Strategy to Discover Where Your Time Goes to get started on today's task.
It can be real eye-opening to see how you actually spend your time!
11. Track Your Mood
Similar to yesterday's task, it's time to look into your mood. Notice your mood throughout the day. Notice when you are stressed, angry, overwhelmed, anxious, calm, happy, sad, etc. Write down or just think about what caused you to feel the emotions you did during the day.
12. Go to Bed at Least 15 Minutes Earlier
If you never get enough sleep, now is the time to do so. Getting enough sleep or not getting enough sleep will impact your entire day. Choose wisely and make sure you get enough sleep tonight. You might want to go to bed even earlier than that if you need to get more sleep because the day afterwards you are going to wake up at least fifteen minutes earlier!
13. Wake Up at Least 15 Minutes Earlier
Whenever I wake up at 5:30, I have a more productive day. I'm usually more productive early in the morning, so it makes sense for me to wake up earlier. Since you went to bed at least fifteen minutes earlier yesterday, you can wake up at least fifteen minutes earlier today, and still get the same amount of sleep.
Now, you have fifteen minutes in the morning to start a new hobby that will improve your life. It's a double win!
14. Try a New Hobby
It's time to step out of your comfort zone. Do you think you aren't artistic? Maybe you should try painting, or knitting, or calligraphy. It doesn't matter what activity you pick to do, as long as it is something you haven't done before.
Have fun with whatever activity you choose to try!
15. Plan + Prep One or More of Your Meals for Tomorrow
Planning ahead is a big step to being more productive. When you plan for tomorrow today, you are helping yourself to have a better, more successful, more productive day.
Decide what you are going to be eating tomorrow. If it is going to be homemade, you can check to make sure you have all the ingredients. If you are able, you can even prep some of the meal for tomorrow. Plus, when you plan ahead, you will most likely pick healthier options!
16. Pick Out Your Outfit for Tomorrow + Put All of These Items in One Spot
Well, it looks like we are doing a crash course in planning ahead because today, you are picking out your outfit(s) for tomorrow. Decide what you are going to wear, and then if you can, put all of these items into the same spot.
Now, you won't have to spend time in the morning deciding what to wear because you already have it all planned out!
17. Recite Affirmations in the Morning
Reciting positive affirmations to yourself in the morning can be a great way to start out your day! All you have to do is say the affirmation you choose out loud to yourself, and you are done with your task for today! Here are a few you might choose to say.
- Today is going to be a great day!
- I am beautiful and loved.
- I am smart and successful.
Starting off your day on a positive note can make a big difference to your day. :)
18. Clean a Room in Your House for 15-20 Minutes
Do you feel overwhelmed? A cluttered, disorganized house can contribute to you feeling overwhelmed. Pick a room in your house. Ideally, a room that you walk through or are in often, and clean it for 15-20 minutes.
You might be surprised at how much you can get done in 15-20 minutes, and at how much more productive you can be when you have a clean environment.
19. Set a Goal or Re-evaluate Your Goals for the Year
I'm a big fan of setting goals at the beginning of the year and then try to follow through with those goals. You can't reach your goals if you don't know what you are trying to reach. So even if you don't like setting goals, try to write out what you want in life. What are you trying to achieve?
If you already have goals set for this year, then good for you! You can read How to Re-Evaluate Your Yearly Goals for guidelines on how to see if you are making progress on your goals.
20. Try Meditating
I listen to podcasts a LOT. Like every single day. In some of the podcasts, I listen to the host will interview people who have found success in life. Many of these people will mention that they meditate regularly. I haven't tried meditation myself, but because many successful people do it, it is something worth considering trying.
All you need to do is download a meditation app, (there are a lot of free ones) and do a quick five-minute or less practice to get started.
21. Change up Your Look
It's time to freshen up your look! Whether that's simply changing up your hairstyle or wearing a new shirt, changing up your look can help you be more motivated. And it's always fun to have an excuse to go shopping!
22. Do Service
Sometimes, it can be easy to dwell on yourself, and everything that is happening in your life. Whether your experiences are bad or good, it is always a good idea to regularly get out of your own bubble, and do something for someone else.
It might even make their day! Something you do for them might be small for you, but it could be big for them.
23. Write a Kind Note to Yourself
How often do you have negative self-talk in your head? You know, when you blame yourself for not doing "so and so" or for not doing something "good" enough. Write yourself a letter today. It doesn't need to be long. Just take a few minutes, and write about the positive uplifting things you do. Tell yourself what you like about yourself. Now is also the time to tell yourself to keep going and to keep up the good work. :)
24. Make a Vision Board
What do you want to do with your life? Be creative today, and make a vision board. You can draw on it, write beautiful calligraphy, print out pictures from the internet, or cut out pictures from a magazine. Once you are done, you should put it somewhere where you can look at it often to remind you of your life goals.
25. Take a Break
You are almost through this thirty-one day challenge so today your job is to take a break, an intentional, planned break.
Maybe this is going for a walk in the park or sipping hot chocolate while watching your favorite show. whatever you pick to do, you deserve it. :)
26. Declutter Your Phone or Laptop
Most of us use technology every day, and we often have this technology at our fingertips 24/7. This means that if you don't have organized technology, your technology will be slowing you down.
You have time to scroll on social media for fifteen minutes, so you have fifteen minutes to declutter your phone too. Go through your apps, and see if you can delete any. Go through your photos and files as well.
27. Change Up Your Eating Habits
Whether you eat healthy food or unhealthy food can make a big difference to your day. See if you can switch out one of your less healthy meals today with healthier options. You might also decide to exclude some of your favorite unhealthy staples from your day.
You can skip eating a brownie for one day, right?
28. Exercise
I couldn't make a list of how to lead a happier more productive life, without including exercise. Exercise is sooo important, and it is great for your physical and mental health.
Whenever I exercise, I am in a better mood and I feel more productive. Even just 30 minutes can improve your day!
29. Avoid Distractions
How much of your day do you spend getting distracted? The world is full of distractions. Notifications on your phone, new emails, notifications on your watch, someone asking you to do something while you are doing something else, a noise outside your window, etc. The list goes on and on.
Today, whenever you switch tasks, when you are in the middle of a task, or when you are about to start a task, notice the distraction. What distracts you? Are you just procrastinating?
30. Identify a Bad Habit You are Going to Remove From Your Life
At first glance, you might be like, "Nah, I don't have any bad habits". Pause for a moment and think again. Are you eating the healthiest you can be? Do you exercise daily? Do you get enough sleep? Do you get out of bed right when your alarm goes off?
These might not be bad bad habits, but these are habits that are holding you back from reaching your full potential.
31. Identify a New Positive Habit You are Going to Implement Into Your Life
It's the last day of the challenge. I want to congratulate you for making it this far. You made the commitment to doing this challenge and that says something about who you are as a person. You aren't a quitter. You are a high achiever. Congratulations. Now, I want you to take this a step further. Pick one or more of the tasks that are on this list and add them to your life. Make your life better by creating a new habit!
31 Days to a Happier + More Productive Life
I would love to know if you complete the challenge, so make sure you leave a comment down below if you do, and let me know how it went!
If you liked this post, you can read these ones too!
- Secret Sneaky Ways You Can Actually Multi-Task
- How to Increase Your Productivity When You are Online
- Tips for Creating a Productive Morning Routine
- How to Stop Procrastinating + Be More Productive
Thank you so much for reading this article and supporting my blog! I hope you have a wonderful week!
Share this post, and have your friends do the challenge with you!
August 28, 2021
No comments
