Neha Bansal

Building my dream life with a 9-to-5

Make 2025 Your Best Year: 60-Day Self-Improvement Challenge

Neha Bansal

This your cozy corner of the internet where productivity meets minimalism, and chaos turns into calm. If you’ve ever Googled “how to adult without losing your mind” or spent hours trying to turn your desk into an aesthetic Pinterest board, you’re in the right place.

Hi, I’m Neha! By day, I’m a 9-to-5 desk warrior, and by night, I’m on a mission to simplify life while keeping it fun. My blog is all about helping you build a productive, organized lifestyle without sacrificing your sanity or personality. Think: practical tips, relatable stories, and curated finds to level up your space, your time, and your vibe.

Here’s the kicker: this isn’t just another blog. It’s a space for dreamers like you and me who want more than the usual hustle. Whether you’re looking to streamline your day, discover cool products that actually work, or find inspiration to create your dream life, I’ve got your back.

So, grab a chai, stay a while, and let’s figure out how to make adulting a little less overwhelming and a lot more fun. Spoiler alert: it’s easier than you think when we’re in this together.

How many of you have written down elaborate New Year’s resolutions only to have them fail even before January ends? Let’s be real—2025 is right around the corner, wouldn’t it be amazing to actually stick to your goals and make a change for real this time? Imagine a fresh start where your goals aren’t just wishful thinking but actual milestones. If you’ve been telling yourself, ‘Next year, I’ll be better,’ well, guess what? Next year starts now! I am taking this 60-Day Self-Improvement Challenge—a realistic, no-bullsh*t journey where you’ll actually want to keep going, even when Netflix and your cozy bed try to convince you otherwise.

This isn’t just another list of things to give up or impossible routines to follow. Nope, this is about taking charge, building habits that fit your life, and creating a version of yourself who’s ready to crush it in 2025. So, are you in? If the idea of a new year that’s actually different sounds good to you, then this challenge is meant for you girl!

Before diving headfirst into this challenge, let’s get clear on a few things:

1. Define Your ‘Why’

Why do you want to make this change? This is the reason why you are reading this.

Is it to feel more confident, to build a healthier lifestyle, to gain your financial freedom or maybe just to prove to yourself that you can stick to something? This will give your a reason to go on when your motivation runs low and you start slipping into your old habits. So, take a moment to reflect and pen it down. Trust me, this will be your secret weapon.

Pro tip: If you wanna go a step ahead, you can even write this and paste is somewhere you will see regularly (like your mirror) or make it your phone/laptop wallpaper. This why should be so strong that it becomes your driving force, this why will be the reason you do anything over the next 60 days.

2. Set Clear Goals

Let’s talk goals. Set SMART goals – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound.

We’re not looking for vague ideas like ‘be healthier’ or ‘save money’; we’re talking about setting specific, achievable targets that make progress feel real – save $500 by the end of the challenge? Perfect. Looking to walk 10,000 steps daily? Write it down. Small, clear goals add up to big wins and keep you on track.

3. Gather Your Essentials

  • Grab a journal (or an app if that’s more your style) to write goals, track your progress, reflect on journey
  • A space to work out or meditate, yoga mat, gym clothes, if you have fitness related goals
  • A vision board or a Pinterest board: to visualize and manifest your goals
  • Consider downloading a Habit tracker app or sticking a calendar to make sure you stay on track
  • Make time: This the the graveyard where all goals go to die, do this part write and you can have the world. Set out a very specific time each day to work on these goals.

Ready to crush it? Bookmark this post to keep referring back to it throughout the challenge—you’ll want it handy as you go through each day!

Days 1-5: Foundation & Mindset Shift

Day 1: Write down your ‘why’. Set three specific, measurable goals (e.g., “Exercise for 15 minutes daily,” “Save $200 by end of challenge”) and visualize the version of yourself you want to become. Make a vision board which clearly shows the life you want to have, you can make a digital one on Canva/PPT and make it your wallpaper or make a physical one that you will see everyday.

Day 2: Write a daily affirmation. Repeat it each morning to build a positive mindset. These should be in present tense and should be things you want to manifest in your life. You can also break your goals into weekly milestones, keep them achievable- don’t keep a goal of looking 5 kgs in 1 week.

Day 3: Decide on a 5-10 min movement (stretching, yoga, a Youtube follow along video, or a short walk) that you will do each morning, start your day by doing this and continue to do each day for the next 60 days. You can try switching up activities, location, go outdoors to keep this interesting, and even if this does not sound fun, it’s just 10 mins.

Day 4: Make a list of all the pending tasks that you have on your plate (extra points if you can rank them in order of priority) and block time in calendar to make sure that each of these long pending and pressing things are taken care of before you hit the new year, nothing feels better than leaving the last year’s baggage in last year.

Day 5: Let’s talk numbers. Take a stalk of your financials. How much do you have? Do you have enough emergency funds? Do you have any big spends coming up? What is the progress on saving for that big vacation or new house or a new car? Are you satisfied with where you are investing? Create a budget.

Days 6-10: Building New Habits

Day 6: Catch up with a friend or a family member. You can even hit two birds with a stone and meet a love one for a morning walk or go to a restaurant in the area where you bank is.

Day 7: Reflect on the last week, Journal about one thing that went well and one area to improve. Spend 10 minutes planning the week ahead—list key tasks to align with your goals.

Day 8: Swap one unhealthy snack for a healthier option in your pantry/fridge (give away those chips and get yourself some nuts)

Day 9: Try a deep work focus session. Wondering what that is? Set out 3-4 hours of uninterrupted time, turn off or keep your phone in other room, sit at a place where there are zero distractions and work on the most important work that will get you ahead. Study for that interview, work on your resume, write that business plan.

Day 10: Self care. You have earned it! Take a day to unwind and do things that nourish your body and get your rested, go to a spa or go swimming. If that sounds too extravagant, then simply lie down in the sun for half an hr in the early morning hours to get some vitamin D, take a nice long shower, oil your hair and paint those nails (do not use this as an excuse to go on a binge eating spree if your goal is to lose weight, or do not go to a mall if your goal is to save money). The idea is to focus on activities that make you look and feel better.

Days 11-20: A Journey to Rediscover Yourself

Day 11: Set up a 5-minute daily for gratitude journaling at the end of your day. Write down three things you’re grateful for today. This is your mood-boosting ritual, and it doesn’t have to be profound—think hot coffee, a cozy bed, and a content smile. Initially you might struggle with this, but over a period of time you will start taking note of all the good things that happen to you during the day.

Day 12: Try a new recipe for a healthy meal. The idea isn’t to become a master chef overnight but to explore healthier choices. Look up a simple, delicious recipe that is easy to make and doesn’t take much time. This will come in handy on the days when you are low on energy or when eating out simply feels like the only option.

Day 13: Track your water intake and calorie consumption on an average day. You can use an app like MyFitnessPal for this. Reflect on your macros and eating habit, see what is working well and what needs to improve, try to make a plan to sway the scales in your favor.

Day 14: Do a digital detox. Organize your desktop or delete old, unused apps and files from your phone. Start with 10 minutes, and you’ll feel lighter by the end of it!

Day 15: It has been 10 days since you set your budget. Check in on your finances again. Look at your budget—are you staying on track? Adjust if needed. Pat yourself on the back for every small victory.

Day 16: Start or update your daily journal entry. Write down any challenges you’re facing and brainstorm ways to tackle them. Sometimes putting it on paper is the first step to solutions. Try morning pages where you brain dump any thoughts on paper as soon as you wake up.

Day 17: Plan something fun for the weekend. Whether it’s a movie night, a coffee date, a concert or a creative hobby, have something to look forward to as a reward for your progress. Call a friend you haven’t caught up in a long time and catch up.

Day 18: Try 10 minutes of deep breathing or a guided meditation. Use a free app or a Youtube video (my fav) if you need to; it’s amazing how these few minutes can help reset your mind.

Day 19: Identify one new habit to work on for the next 10 days. It could be drinking a glass of water every hour, walking after meals, or setting aside time to read each night.

Day 20: Reflect on the past three weeks. What’s been the biggest change for you so far? Write down one way you’ll continue to support yourself in the coming weeks.

Days 21-30: Gaining Momentum

Day 21: Focus on an organization project today. Clean out a drawer, tidy your workspace, or declutter your closet. Just one small area will make a big difference.

Day 22: Dedicate today to hydration and movement. Track your water intake and steps and aim for at least 8 glasses and 6000 steps. Hydration is key to mental clarity and overall energy.

Day 23: Connect with a mentor, friend, or someone you admire. Share your goals, ask for advice. Support from others can make your journey feel lighter. Ask about their goals, this is a great way to connect with someone on a deeper level.

Day 24: Try a 10-minute strength exercise. Push-ups, squats, planks—whatever works for you. No equipment needed, just a commitment to strength.

Day 25: Make a vision board for 2025. Focus on areas you’re excited about, like career, personal growth, fitness, etc.

Day 26: Remember the list of pending tasks we make on day 4? It’s time to go back to that list and check how many of these we have ticked off, track the progress, see if you need to add or delete any tasks from the list, adjust your calendar basis any change in tasks and plans for the coming weeks.

Day 27: Look at your budget again. Are you on right track? What’s one thing you could adjust or improve? Small tweaks can lead to big gains over time. Also check your progress on the 5 min morning walk, water intake, gratitude journal etc

Day 28: Try something creative: doodle, write a poem, paint, or even cook a new dish. Creativity can be a powerful stress relief.

Day 29: Journal about your relationships. Who in your life inspires you? Who brings you peace? What quality about them makes them so special to you. List 3 people, things and places that make you feel safe.

Day 30: Celebrate reaching Day 30! Treat yourself to something simple but meaningful—a good book, a favorite meal, or time spent on a hobby.

Days 31-40: Strengthening Consistency

Day 31: Plan a “no-spend” day. Focus on enjoying what you already have or doing free activities. It’s a little financial reset that also builds discipline. The only spend allowed is basic commute and groceries (does not include eating out).

Day 32: Write down 10 things you love about yourself. Self-affirmation builds resilience and reminds you of your strengths.

Day 33: Clean up your inbox and unsubscribe from emails you don’t read. Less digital clutter = more peace of mind. Delete any extra screenshots in your phone. Delete unused apps. If you are trying to avoid doom scrolling, you might wanna consider deleting a few apps.

Day 34: Make today about learning. Watch a documentary, listen to a podcast, or read something educational.

Day 35: Spend time in nature. Go for a hike, sit in a park, or simply have coffee outside. Connect with the outdoors for a mental refresh. Spend time in sun, get some vitamin D (did you know it is a huge mood booster!)

Day 36: Do a deep focus session like on Day 9. Pick one big task and give it your all for a few hours.

Day 37: Meal Prep Day – Spend the day prepping healthy meals for the week ahead. This can save time and ensure you have nutritious options ready.

Day 38: Create a playlist – Make a playlist of songs that motivate and inspire you. Use it for workouts, relaxation, or when you need a mood boost.

Day 39: Start a page on Instagram where you post about one of your hobbies. If you are not sure what to post about share your self-improvement journey. Documenting your experiences can motivate you to stay accountable.

Day 40: Host a game night – Invite friends for a fun game night, whether it’s board games, card games, or video games. If you are not into games, you can replace this with a movie night or a hair makeup session with your girls.


Days 41-50: Overcoming Challenges

Day 41: Switch up your movement routine. Try a new activity, like dancing, cycling, or a workout video you’ve never tried.

Day 42: Reconnect with your goals. Have any evolved? Write down any adjustments you’d like to make for the final stretch. Revisit your vision board, your daily trackers and your budget sheets. Take this day to reflect and take note of any changes you need to make for the last few days.

Day 43: Practice gratitude by reaching out to someone who’s supported you. Tell them how much you appreciate them.

Day 44: Reach out to a mentor for a coffee or virtual chat. Discuss your growth and ask for guidance moving forward. If you do not have one, find one and try reaching out to them, tell them your goals and ask them for time for monthly connect if possible.

Day 45: Take out time to work on your resume, apply to better job opportunities, identify new opportunities in your business.

Day 46: Plant a seed – Start a small garden or tend to a houseplant. Watching something grow can be a fulfilling and therapeutic process.

Day 47: Create a Bucket list – Write down 10 things you want to do or achieve in your lifetime. This can inspire future goals.

Day 48: Do a social media audit: Review your accounts, unfollow or mute accounts that don’t bring positivity, and curate your online space. Follow accounts that inspire you. Mine is linked here in case you want to give me a follow.

Day 49: Look for local clubs or online communities that align with your interests or goals, and get involved. If you cannot find one, you can look for a couple of friends or family members who share your goals and check in with each other regularly or you can look for a facebook/online community.

Day 50: Celebrate the 50-day mark! Reflect on your journey and give yourself some well-deserved praise. Treat yourself to a spa day at home with DIY masks, a bubble bath, and relaxation.


Days 51-60: Wrapping Up & Moving Forward

Day 51: Create a self-care plan you can sustain beyond this challenge. Think of it as a toolkit for everyday wellness.

Day 52: Revamp your physical space, move things around, change the bed linens. Light some candles and make your space cozier and more welcoming. Romanticize your life.

Day 53: Identify a charity or cause that means a lot to you, and consider giving a small donation or volunteering.

Day 54: Challenge yourself to a physical activity, 1 km run, 10k steps, swimming, whatever sounds fun and doable to you.

Day 55: Set intentions for 2025. Think about how you want to continue building on the progress you’ve made. Revisit your vision board and adjust as needed. Update it with any new insights or goals. Review your financial plan. Take stock of where you are, and set a 3-month savings or budgeting goal to stay on track.

Day 56: Sign up for a local fitness class you’ve never tried, like kickboxing, dance, or yoga. This not only boosts your fitness but also connects you with new people. By now you should have built up some stamina, think of a 30 day fitness challenge you can take up once this challenge is done to make movement a part of your life.

Day 57: Pick a DIY project for your home or workspace, such as creating a gallery wall, repurposing furniture, or organizing a cluttered area.

Day 58: Enroll in a one-day workshop that interests you, like cooking, photography, or a craft class. You can also take online workshops on video editing, interior designing etc. Engage with others while expanding your skills.

Day 59: Look back at your journal entries. What themes or patterns emerge? Reflect on what you’ve learned about yourself. Identify one new habit or goal to carry with you into the next month. Take some time for quiet reflection. Acknowledge how far you’ve come, even if everything isn’t perfect. Dedicate time to brainstorming what you want to focus on after this challenge ends.

Day 60: Celebrate! You made it! Look at your progress, recognize your hard work, and start thinking about what’s next. Go to an amusement park or bowling or go shopping or partying.

Ready to take a step closer to your dreams with this 60-Day Self-Improvement Challenge? I know most of these tasks might seem random on the first look, but trust me this has changed my life. Give this a try and let me know how it goes for you, let me know the goals you are trying to achieve in the comments below.

Bookmark this post for future reference. Here’s to making 2025 your best year yet!


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