Challenges

366 challenges to push your boundaries this year.

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366 challenges

The Authentic Day

Growth/Self23 pts

Describe your perfect day given no outside obligations and then do it.

Days

Growth/Self23 pts

Write your top 10 values and make one small ongoing life change to better align with your values. https://www.motivationalinterviewing.org/sites/default/files/valuescardsort_0.pdf

Hours

The Reconnection

Message three friends you haven't contacted in 1+ year with personalized messages referencing specific memories

Hours

The Protected Call

SocialGrowth/Self22 pts

Schedule a recurring monthly call with someone important and complete 3 consecutive months

IDEK

Letter to the Living

Write a letter to a living person expressing everything you'd want them to know if they were dying and deliver it

Days

The Collision Dinner

Host a meal introducing friends from different parts of your life who don't know each other

Hours

Specific Appreciation

SocialGrowth/Self18 pts

Tell 5 people what you specifically appreciate about them including a specific moment and how it affected you

Hours

Family Recording

Record an interview with a parent or elder about their life story

Hours

Use Your Time Off

Growth/Self18 pts

Take your full vacation/PTO this year or 10+ days if self-employed

Weeks

Enroll in One Course

Achievement50 pts

Enroll in and complete a course on something you've always wanted to learn

Months

12 Books Outside Your Lane

Growth/Self101 pts

Read 12 books this year in subjects outside your normal interests

Months

Growth/Self77 pts

Approach someone whose path you admire and ask for mentorship

IDEK

Achievement17 pts

Apply for an opportunity you think you're not ready for (job and grant and program)

Days

The Old Apology

Growth/Self39 pts

Apologize for something you did years ago with a genuine apology that asks nothing in return

Hours

SocialGrowth/Self17 pts

Tell a family member I love you if you rarely do

Hours

Time with Declining Health

Spend meaningful time with someone whose health is declining (aging relative and hospice volunteer and care facility visit)

Days

30 Days Alcohol-Free

Growth/SelfPhysical51 pts

Go 30 consecutive days without drinking

Months

Sleep 8+ Hours for 14 Nights

Growth/SelfPhysical38 pts

Get 8+ hours of actual sleep for two straight weeks

Weeks

Master 10 New Meals

AchievementCreative23 pts

Learn to cook 10 nutritious meals without recipes

Weeks

Automate Retirement Savings

AchievementGrowth/Self18 pts

Open a retirement account and set up automatic contributions

Hours

Build an Emergency Fund

AchievementGrowth/Self42 pts

Save enough to cover 1-3 months of essential expenses

Months

Complete a Salary Negotiation

AchievementSocial66 pts

Negotiate for more compensation in current role or new offer

Hours

The Money Talk with Parents

Direct conversation with parents about their financial situation and estate plans and wishes

Hours

Earn a Verifiable Credential

Achievement118 pts

Complete a recognized certification or course with proof of completion

Days

Pitch an Idea to Leadership

Achievement41 pts

Prepare and deliver a formal proposal to senior leadership

Weeks

Digital Detox Day

Growth/Self25 pts

Spend 24 hours without phones computers or internet

Days

Don't Speak for 48 Hours

AbsurdSocial36 pts

Go 48 consecutive hours without speaking a single word and otherwise going about your normal routine

Days

12-Hour Meditation in Your Room

Growth/Self133 pts

Complete 12 hours of meditation* in a single day without leaving your room** *Breaks allowed for bodily functions. **Your room could be replaced with any single location, eg a picnic blanket in a park or wilderness, a meditation retreat, etc.

Days

Meet a Family Member You've Never Spoken To

Reach out to and have a meaningful conversation with a family member you've never actually talked to before

Hours

Start a Business and Make $100 Revenue

Achievement216 pts

Create a new business venture and generate at least $100 in actual revenue (eg friends and family sales don't count)

Months

Compose an original song with lyrics and melody (instrument optional and can be a cappella)

Weeks

Wear Shoes on Wrong Feet for Entire Day

Wear your left shoe on your right foot and vice versa for an entire waking day

Days

Meet Someone with Fake Identity

Meet a stranger and maintain a completely fake identity and backstory for at least 10 minutes (bonus for accent - longer duration)

Hours

Get Autograph from Famous Person

Obtain an autograph from someone famous enough to have a Wikipedia page

Hours

Attempt a Guinness World Record

AchievementAbsurd46 pts

Make an official or documented attempt at any Guinness World Record

Days

Get Best Free Item from Classifieds

Find and claim the best free item you can from Craigslist/Facebook Marketplace/local classifieds

Hours

PhysicalAchievement179 pts

Train for and complete a full 26.2 mile marathon

Full Year

Gain or Lose 10 Pounds

Physical138 pts

Reach a weight goal of gaining or losing 10 pounds (whichever aligns with your health goals)

Full Year

Bike 100 Miles in One Day

Physical102 pts

Complete a 100-mile bike ride in a single day

Days

Learn to Handstand

Learn to hold a freestanding handstand

Weeks

Don't Shower for 5 Days

Go 5 consecutive days without showering or bathing

Days

Learn to ride a skateboard and perform a kickflip

Weeks

Bake Bread from Scratch

Make a loaf of bread completely from scratch (no bread machine)

Hours

Draw a Self-Portrait

Create a self-portrait drawing or painting

IDEK

Paint Something and Display It

Create a painting and display it proudly somewhere in your home

IDEK

Take a Themed Photography Series

Take a series of at least 10 photos around a specific theme

IDEK

Make Wholesome Graffiti

Create positive/uplifting street art or chalk art in a public space

Hours

Write an original poem of at least 12 lines

Hours

CreativeSocial10 pts

Write an original joke and tell it to at least 5 people

Hours

Learn 3 Magic Tricks

CreativeSocial22 pts

Learn three different magic tricks well enough to perform them

Days

Take a Dance Class

SocialPhysical23 pts

Attend and complete a dance class in any style

Hours

Have Conversation with Oldest Living Relative

SocialGrowth/Self46 pts

Have a meaningful conversation with your oldest living relative about their life

Hours

Take Your Boss to Lunch

SocialAchievement21 pts

Invite your boss to lunch and pay for it

Hours

Ask a Stranger for $100

AbsurdSocial22 pts

Ask a stranger if you can have $100

Hours

Ask Someone for Clothing Item They're Wearing

SocialAbsurd18 pts

Notice something someone is wearing that you like and ask them to give it to you

Hours

Organize a Group Hike

Plan and lead a hike with 4+ people

Days

Go to a Protest or Rally

Growth/Self17 pts

Attend a protest or rally for a political cause you care about

Hours

Speak in Accent for Entire Day

Maintain a fake accent for an entire day in all interactions

Days

Wear Costume in Public on Non-Halloween Day

Wear a full costume in public on a regular day (not Halloween or costume event)

Hours

Collect Hair from 10 People

Collect a piece of hair from 10 different people (with their knowledge)

Hours

Buy Food from One Restaurant Eat in Another

AbsurdSocial19 pts

Purchase food from one restaurant and eat it inside a different restaurant

Hours

Visit 10 Coffee Shops in Your City

Uncategorized21 pts

Visit and order from 10 different coffee shops in your city

Days

Get Photo from Highest and Lowest Points in City

Take photos at both the highest and lowest elevation points in your city - including buildings and basements

Hours

Sneak Into an Event

SocialAbsurd31 pts

Get into an event you weren't invited to or don't have a ticket for

Hours

Commit a Very Small Crime

Break an outdated or obscure law that's technically illegal but harmless

Hours

Beat a Video Game You've Never Played

Achievement21 pts

Complete a video game from start to finish that you've never played before

Weeks

Get a Wildly Different Hairstyle

PhysicalCreative118 pts

Get a dramatically different haircut or style than you normally have

Hours

Get a tattoo (any size)

Hours

AchievementSocial135 pts

Give someone a tattoo (any size)

Days

Buy Only Unfamiliar Groceries

AbsurdCreative20 pts

Buy a week's worth of groceries where nothing is something you've ever eaten before

Days

Get Pushed Around in a Wheelbarrow

Get pushed around in a wheelbarrow in public for at least 10 minutes

Hours

Do a Street Performance

CreativeAchievementGrowth/Self130 pts

Perform publicly on a street (music/magic/art/dance) until you make money

Hours

See and Document 20 Bird Species

Observe and photograph/document 20 different bird species

Days

Growth/SelfPhysical48 pts

Learn to swim if you can't already (complete a lap without stopping)

Weeks

Appear in Video from 100k+ Follower Account

Appear in a YouTube/Instagram/TikTok video from an account with 100k+ followers - or live TV

IDEK

Hitchhike Somewhere

AbsurdSocial109 pts

Travel somewhere by hitchhiking with a buddy

Hours

Make Monthly Constituent Calls

AchievementGrowth/Self52 pts

Make phone calls to elected representatives for 6 consecutive months

Months

Build a Relationship with Legislative Staff

Achievement63 pts

Have 3+ substantive interactions with the same staff member over 6 months

Months

Contribute to Social Impact Open Source

AchievementGrowth/Self38 pts

Make 3+ meaningful contributions (code and documentation and issues) to open source projects serving social good

Days

Create a 24-Hour Time-Lapse Video

Record a continuous 24-hour period and compile into a time-lapse video

Days

30-Day Daily Photo Challenge

Take one intentional creative photo every day for 30 consecutive days

Months

Record a One-Second-a-Day Video Diary

Film one second of video every day for 90 days and then compile

Months

Handwrite 10 Gratitude Letters

SocialCreative100 pts

Write and send 10 handwritten letters(or email if you dont have their address) to people who have positively impacted your life

Days

Bake 10 Unique Recipes in 48 Hours

Make 10 different baked goods or cooked dishes in one weekend

Weeks

Blindfolded Candy Chopstick Challenge

Blindfolded and pick up and eat as many M&Ms as you can using only chopsticks in 60 seconds (competitive)

Hours

Balance Spoons on Your Face

Balance as many spoons as possible on your face simultaneously. You can have help from another person. You cannot be lying down. Sitting and kneeling ok. Competitive challenge

Hours

Blow a Giant Bubblegum Bubble

Blow the largest bubblegum bubble you can (competitive)

Hours

Eat Beans with a Toothpick

Eat as many baked beans as possible in 60 seconds using only a toothpick (competitive)

Hours

Build Something Useful from Scrap

Create a functional object using only materials you already have or can get for free

Days

Hometown Tourist

SocialGrowth/Self21 pts

Spend a full day exploring your own area as if you were a visitor. Ask locals for highlights. Visit landmarks

Days

Solo Navigation

Growth/Self20 pts

Travel somewhere unfamiliar alone and navigate without GPS

Hours

Festival Immersion

SocialGrowth/Self15 pts

Attend a cultural celebration or community event outside your usual circle

Hours

CreativeGrowth/Self21 pts

Learn to play or sing one complete song

Weeks

Cook Something New

CreativeGrowth/Self1 pts

Prepare a dish from a cuisine you've never cooked before

Hours

Meet Someone New

Attend an event where you know few/no people and start a genuine conversation

Hours

AbsurdSocial23 pts

Let someone else plan a full day for you and participate in everything they choose

Days

AchievementSocial123 pts

Regularly guide someone less experienced in an area you know for at least 4 meetings

Months

Shadow Someone in a Career You're Considering

Achievement37 pts

Shadow someone for a day in a role you're seriously considering to see what the actual day-to-day work looks like.

Days

Ask Out Someone Who Intimidates You

Ask someone on a date who you're genuinely interested in but nervous about

Hours

Say I Love You to 5 New People

Tell five people you genuinely love that you love them - people you've never said it to before

Days

Go Car-Free for One Month

Growth/Self103 pts

Complete 30 consecutive days without driving a personal vehicle

Months

Switch to Renewable Electricity

Growth/Self95 pts

Switch your home to a renewable energy provider/green tariff or install any solar capacity

Days

Take Cold Showers for 30 Days

Replace your regular shower with a cold shower every day for 30 consecutive days

Months

Learn to Do the Splits

Physical155 pts

Achieve a full front or side split through daily stretching

Full Year

Make a One-Person Short Film

Write and film and edit a short film where you handle every role

Weeks

Fold 100 Origami Cranes

Fold 100 paper cranes

Weeks

Compliment 100 Strangers

Give 100 genuine compliments to people you don't know (in-person face-to-face)

Hours

Memorize 50 Digits of Pi

Memorize and recite 50 digits of pi from memory

Days

Learn Basic Sign Language

AchievementGrowth/Self52 pts

Learn the ASL alphabet and 20 common phrases

Weeks

Learn Morse Code and Send a Message

Achievement26 pts

Memorize Morse code and use it to send a real message

Days

Use Your Non-Dominant Hand for a Day

Use only your non-dominant hand for all tasks for one full waking day

Days

Solve a Rubik's Cube

Achievement11 pts

Solve a Rubik's Cube from a fully scrambled state

Days

Walk Every Street in Your Neighborhood

Growth/Self39 pts

Physically walk down every street within 1/2 mile of your house.

Hours

Spend a Day Blindfolded

AbsurdGrowth/Self103 pts

Experience a full waking day without sight

Days

Most Clothespins on Your Face

Clip as many clothespins to your face as possible in 60 seconds

Hours

Reach Conversational Level in New Language

Achievement187 pts

Learn enough to hold a 15-minute conversation with a native speaker

Months

See Sunrise and Sunset in One Day

Growth/Self17 pts

Intentionally watch both the sunrise and sunset on the same day. Ideally from somewhere with a view.

Days

Cook a Full Meal Together Blindfolded

SocialCreativeAbsurd21 pts

Partner up and cook a complete meal where one person is blindfolded and the other can only give verbal instructions

Hours

Learn a Partner Dance Routine

PhysicalSocialAchievement26 pts

Learn and perform a choreographed partner dance (salsa - bachata - swing - etc.) of at least 1 minute

Days

Complete a Tandem Bike Ride of 20+ Miles

PhysicalSocial53 pts

Ride a tandem bicycle with a partner for at least 20 miles in one outing

Hours

Three-Legged 5K

SocialPhysicalAbsurd32 pts

Complete a 5K race or route while three-legged-tied to a partner

Hours

Build a Piece of Furniture Together

PhysicalCreative29 pts

Build a functional piece of furniture from raw materials (not IKEA) with a partner

Weeks

Volunteer Together for 8 Hours

Growth/SelfSocial108 pts

Complete a full day of volunteer work (8+ hours) with a friend at the same organization

Days

Forage a Meal Together

CreativeGrowth/Self42 pts

Find and correctly identify wild edible plants/mushrooms with a knowledgeable partner and eat a dish made from them

Days

Canoe or Kayak 10+ Miles Together

PhysicalSocial111 pts

Complete a 10+ mile paddle with a partner in a single outing

Hours

Build and Launch a Model Rocket Together

CreativeSocial23 pts

Assemble and successfully launch a model rocket with a partner

Days

Best Sandcastle

CreativeAbsurd19 pts

Build sandcastles at the same beach on the same day; group votes on the best

Hours

SocialCreative22 pts

Perform karaoke at a bar or public venue in front of an audience of strangers

Hours

Donate Clothes to a Shelter

Growth/Self17 pts

Gather clothes you no longer wear and donate them directly to a homeless shelter or clothing bank

Hours

Cook a Meal for a Stranger

SocialGrowth/Self60 pts

Prepare a homemade meal and share it with someone you don't know personally

Hours

Get in Your Local Newspaper

Achievement130 pts

Do something noteworthy enough to be mentioned or featured in your local newspaper or news outlet

IDEK

Visit Another Player in Their City

Travel to visit another Big Year participant in their home city and spend meaningful time together.

Days

Learn to Ride a Unicycle

PhysicalAchievement125 pts

Learn to ride a unicycle well enough to travel at least 50 feet without falling

Weeks

Quit an Addiction

Growth/Self154 pts

Identify a habit or substance you're dependent on and quit for at least 3 consecutive months

Months

Write a Children's Book

Write and illustrate a children's book about something you're passionate about

Weeks

Start a Podcast or YouTube Channel

CreativeAchievement78 pts

Create a podcast or YouTube channel and publish at least 3 episodes or videos

Weeks

Hold an Unfamiliar Animal

Physically interact with or hold an animal species you've never touched before (reptile - bird of prey - tarantula - etc.)

Hours

Try a Combat Sport

Attend at least 3 classes in a combat sport you've never trained (boxing - jiu jitsu - muay thai - wrestling - etc.)

Weeks

Sunrise to Sunset Outdoors

Growth/SelfPhysical20 pts

Spend an entire day from sunrise to sunset outdoors without going inside for any reason

Days

Delete a Social Media Account

Growth/Self65 pts

Permanently delete one of your social media accounts (Instagram - TikTok - Twitter - Facebook - etc.)

Hours

Go on a Meditation Retreat

Growth/Self59 pts

Attend a meditation or mindfulness retreat of at least 2 days

Days

Make a New Close Friend

Develop a genuine friendship with someone new. Spend meaningful one-on-one time together at least 5 times.

Months

Talk with an Unhoused Person

SocialGrowth/Self35 pts

Have a genuine - extended conversation with an unhoused person. Learn their name - hear their story - and share yours.

Hours

Coffee Chat with a Stranger

Approach strangers and ask them to have coffee with you until someone says yes - then have a genuine conversation

Hours

Take a Long-Distance Train Ride

Growth/Self34 pts

Ride Amtrak or equivalent train to a destination more than 12 hours away

Days

CreativeAchievement200 pts

Write an original novel or novella of at least 50000 words

Months

Guerrilla Garden

CreativeGrowth/Self53 pts

Plant edible vegetables or herbs in a public space (park - unused lot - grocery store flower bed) and harvest the produce later

Months

High Five 100 Strangers

SocialAbsurd25 pts

Get 100 different strangers to high five you in a single day

Hours

No Eating Out for a Month

Growth/Self115 pts

Prepare every meal at home for 30 consecutive days. No restaurants or takeout or delivery.

Months

PhysicalAchievement40 pts

Complete a tandem or solo skydive from at least 10000 feet

Hours

Try a Sensory Deprivation Tank

Growth/Self19 pts

Spend at least 60 minutes floating in a sensory deprivation tank

Hours

Pay for the Person Behind You

SocialGrowth/Self21 pts

Pay the bill of the person behind you in line at the grocery store

Hours

Join a Sports League

PhysicalSocial71 pts

Join and complete a season in a recreational sports league (basketball - soccer - volleyball - kickball - etc.)

Months

Go Vegan for a Month

Growth/SelfPhysical124 pts

Eat a fully vegan diet with no animal products for 30 consecutive days

Months

Drive a Very Large Vehicle

AbsurdAchievement21 pts

Get behind the wheel and drive a bus - semi truck - garbage truck - or other commercial-sized vehicle

Hours

Capture an Invasive Species

Achievement24 pts

Legally capture or remove an invasive species in your area (spotted lanternfly - invasive plants - etc.)

Hours

Track a Metric and Present It

AchievementGrowth/Self113 pts

Choose a personal metric (mood - sleep - spending - steps - etc.) - track it daily for at least 6 months - and give a presentation on your findings

Months

Put an App on the App Store

AchievementCreative94 pts

Build and publish a mobile app on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store

Months

Learn to Do a Backflip

Learn to perform a standing backflip on flat ground (gym training allowed during learning)

Weeks

Visit Every National Park in Your State

AchievementGrowth/Self111 pts

Visit every national park or national monument in your state

Months

No Spending for a Week

Growth/Self30 pts

Go 7 consecutive days without spending any money at all. Pre-paid bills like rent and utilities are fine.

Days

Do Stand-Up Comedy at an Open Mic

CreativeSocial137 pts

Write and perform an original stand-up comedy set at an open mic night

Days

Try Surströmming

Open and eat Swedish fermented herring (surströmming). Outdoors strongly recommended.

Hours

Chug a Gallon of Milk

Attempt to drink an entire gallon of milk in one sitting. Barfing is allowed.

Hours

Do 50% More Pull-Ups

Increase your max set of pull-ups by 50% compared to your starting number (e.g. - 10 to 15) If you can't do one pull-up to start, then 50% more pullups with the same assistance level compared to your starting number.

Months

Convince a Wealthy Person to Donate

AchievementSocial112 pts

Convince someone with a $10M+ net worth to make a donation to one of your favorite charities

IDEK

Start a Nonprofit

AchievementGrowth/Self219 pts

Start a registered nonprofit organization and raise at least $1000 in donations

Months

Go to a Drag Show in Drag

AbsurdSocial69 pts

Attend a drag show while dressed in full drag yourself

Hours

Have Conversation with Your 1st Grade Teacher

SocialGrowth/Self94 pts

Track down and have a real conversation with your first grade (or other early) teacher

Hours

Take a Random Stranger to Lunch

Invite a complete stranger off the street to have lunch with you - you pay.

Hours

Test Drive a Luxury Car

Go to a dealership and test drive a car worth $100000+ (Lamborghini or Porsche or similar)

Hours

Dance the Thriller

SocialCreative35 pts

Organize and perform the Thriller dance with a group of 10+ people in a public place

Weeks

Learn to Windmill

PhysicalCreative49 pts

Learn the breakdancing windmill move well enough to complete 3 consecutive rotations

Weeks

Let 10 Species Eat from Your Hand

Feed animals from 10 different species directly from your hand (squirrels - birds - goats - horses - etc.). Make sure you're not feeding the animals things that are bad for them. EG bread is bad for geese/ducks!

Weeks

See Inside a Datacenter

Achievement49 pts

Get a tour of or access to a datacenter and see the servers in person

Hours

Frugal Month and Donate Savings

Growth/Self162 pts

Remove as many expenses as you can for a full month (eat out less - cancel subscriptions - bike instead of Uber) and donate all the money you saved

Months

Get Kicked Out of a Casino for Card Counting

AbsurdAchievement132 pts

Learn basic card counting and get asked to leave a casino for winning too much at blackjack

Weeks

Build a Tire Swing

Build a functional tire swing from scratch and swing on it

Days

Build a Treehouse

CreativePhysical117 pts

Build a treehouse or elevated platform sturdy enough to sit in

Weeks

Plant a Fruit Tree

Growth/Self48 pts

Plant a fruit-bearing tree and keep it alive for one full year

Full Year

Tread Water for 2 Hours

Physical110 pts

Stay afloat treading water continuously for 2 hours without touching the bottom or sides

Hours

Stand up and ride a wave to shore on a surfboard

Days

Catch a Fish Bare-Handed

PhysicalAbsurd32 pts

Catch a live fish using only your hands (no tools nets or traps) and release it

Hours

AbsurdAchievement13 pts

Learn fire breathing and successfully perform it (with proper fuel and technique)

Days

Learn to Do the Worm

PhysicalCreative21 pts

Learn the worm dance move well enough to travel at least 10 feet across the floor

Weeks

Learn to Moonwalk

PhysicalCreative14 pts

Learn to moonwalk smoothly enough to do it across a room without stumbling

Weeks

Successfully take a shit outdoors in nature (Leave No Trace principles apply)

Hours

Stretch Every Day for 30 Days

Physical115 pts

Complete a dedicated stretching session of 10+ minutes every day for 30 consecutive days

Months

Practice Tai Chi for 30 Days

PhysicalGrowth/Self84 pts

Follow a Tai Chi routine at least 3 times per week for 30 consecutive days

Months

Create a Piece of Pottery

Shape and fire a piece of pottery using real clay (wheel or hand-built)

Hours

Make a Voodoo Doll

CreativeAbsurd20 pts

Craft a handmade voodoo doll or poppet using fabric pins and stuffing

Hours

Build a Giant Slingshot and Launch a Watermelon

CreativeAbsurd41 pts

Construct a slingshot large enough to launch a watermelon and successfully fire one

Days

Build and Maintain a Terrarium

Build a terrarium housing live creatures (isopods snails etc.) and keep it thriving for 90 days

Months

Learn Balloon Animals

CreativeSocial25 pts

Learn to make at least 5 distinct balloon animal shapes and make them for strangers in public

Days

Create a Day of the Dead Altar

CreativeGrowth/Self20 pts

Build a complete ofrenda honoring someone who has passed with traditional elements

Days

Grow a Meal from Seed to Plate

CreativeAchievement143 pts

Plant grow and harvest enough ingredients to cook a full meal where every ingredient (vegetables protein seasoning) was grown by you from seed

Full Year

Get a Pedicure with a Friend

Book and attend a pedicure appointment together with a friend

Hours

Apply Henna Art to Someone

CreativeSocial12 pts

Learn henna application and complete a full henna design on another person's hand or arm

Hours

Attend a Holi Festival

SocialGrowth/Self12 pts

Attend and participate in a Holi festival (color festival)

Hours

Repaint and Redecorate a Room

Fully repaint the walls and redecorate one room in your living space with new paint and rearranged or new decor

Days

Learn to Change a Diaper

Growth/Self18 pts

Successfully change a real baby's diaper if you've never done it before

Hours

Learn to Pick a Lock

Achievement23 pts

Learn to pick a lock using lockpicking tools and successfully open a locked padlock you own

Days

Switch to an Ergonomic Keyboard

Achievement17 pts

Purchase and switch to an ergonomic or split keyboard and use it as your primary keyboard for 30 days

Months

Take an Emergency Preparedness Class

AchievementGrowth/Self23 pts

Complete a certified class in CPR first aid or emergency response (e.g. Red Cross or community college)

Hours

Hit a Bullseye with an Arrow

PhysicalAchievement41 pts

Shoot an arrow and hit the bullseye on a standard archery target

Hours

Paint the Exterior of a Car

CreativeAbsurd57 pts

Fully paint the exterior of a real car with original designs by hand (not a wrap not a spray booth)

Weeks

Create Chainsaw Art

CreativePhysical115 pts

Carve a recognizable sculpture from wood or ice using a chainsaw

Days

Build a Backyard Raku Kiln

CreativeAchievement113 pts

Assemble a functional raku kiln in your backyard and fire at least one piece of pottery in it

Days

Wear Makeup Every Day for a Week

AbsurdGrowth/Self18 pts

Apply makeup every day for 7 consecutive days (if you don't normally wear it)

Weeks

Go Makeup-Free for a Month

Growth/Self18 pts

Go 30 consecutive days without wearing any makeup (if you normally wear it)

Months

Dye Your Hair a Bold Color

Dye your hair a dramatically different or bold color

Hours

Build a Bat House

Build and install a functional bat house outdoors

Days

Become a Beekeeper

AchievementGrowth/Self133 pts

Set up a beehive and actively maintain a bee colony for at least 3 months

Months

Build an Epic Blanket Fort

CreativeAbsurd5 pts

Build a blanket fort large enough to sleep in and spend a full night in it

Hours

Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector

Growth/Self6 pts

Buy and properly install a carbon monoxide detector in your home

Hours

Get a Radon Test Done

Growth/Self13 pts

Complete a radon test in your home and review the results

Hours

Release a Lantern at a Festival

SocialGrowth/Self17 pts

Attend a lantern festival and release a sky lantern

Hours

Learn Fencing and Win a Bout

PhysicalAchievement149 pts

Take fencing lessons and win at least one bout in a sanctioned competition or tournament

Months

Take someone on a sunrise picnic

Prepare breakfast and watch the sunrise or sunset together from somewhere beautiful.

Hours

Judge 300 challenge matchups on the Point Judge page

Achievement12 pts

https://www.bigyear.xyz/point-judge

Hours

Summit a Mountain over 14k feet

PhysicalAchievement103 pts

Reach the summit of any mountain over 14,000 feet in elevation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fourteener

Days

Go Vegetarian for Two Weeks

Growth/SelfPhysical27 pts

Eat vegetarian for two full weeks by consuming no meats of any kind

Weeks

Shadow an Unfamiliar Career for a Day

AchievementGrowth/Self25 pts

Shadow someone for a day in a role you've never considered for yourself - not to explore it as a career path, but simply to understand work you know nothing about

Days

Go Backpacking for 2+ Nights

PhysicalGrowth/Self25 pts

Go backpacking in the wilderness for at least 2 nights

Days

Learn to Do a Cartwheel

Learn to do a proper cartwheel

Days

Ride a Freight Train

Ride somewhere by sneaking on a freight train

Days

Stealth camp in an unauthorized location for at least one night

Days

Stoplight Conversations

SocialAbsurd19 pts

Have 10 conversations with people in the car next to you at stoplights

Days

Matchmake Your Friends

Set up your single friends on dates (points only if they actually go on a date)

Days

Letter to Future Children

Growth/SelfCreative25 pts

Write a letter of 2000+ words to your future children meant to be opened when they reach the age you are right now

Days

Stranger Dinner Party

Throw a party or dinner party where everyone is a stranger and aside from you no one knows anyone

Days

Make a Snow Shelter and Sleep in It

PhysicalAbsurd28 pts

Build a snow shelter and sleep in it overnight. Take safety precautions.

Days

Host a Slumber Party

Host a slumber party for your friends where they actually sleep at your house

Days

10000 Calories in 24 Hours

Consume 10000 calories within 24 hours

Days

Visit a Wonder of the World

AchievementGrowth/Self107 pts

Visit one of the 7 wonders of the world

Days

No Texting for a Week

Growth/Self37 pts

Don't text for a whole week; if you need to communicate call them instead

Days

Write an Essay Analyzing a Creative Work

CreativeGrowth/Self27 pts

Write an essay analyzing a poem book or song like a high school English throwback

Days

Parents' Life Story

SocialGrowth/Self43 pts

Ask your parents to write a short story of their lives before you were born

Days

Tire Sandal Run

PhysicalAbsurd23 pts

Make sandals out of tires and go for a run in them

Days

Create an Actionable 5-Year Plan

Growth/SelfAchievement75 pts

Create an actionable 5-year plan for career advancement and start taking meaningful action on it

Days

Compete in Hobby Horse

AbsurdPhysical90 pts

Compete in a hobby horse competition

Days

Make Instructional YouTube Video

CreativeAchievement20 pts

Make an instructional video and post it to YouTube

Days

Help Local Insect Population

Growth/Self12 pts

Take action to help a local insect population recover (plant native wildflowers provide shelter etc.)

Days

Assist a Wildlife Census

AchievementGrowth/Self48 pts

Assist with an official wildlife census or animal count

Days

Make a Mold of Your Head

CreativeAbsurd37 pts

Make a mold/cast of your head

Days

Build a Birdhouse

Build a birdhouse from scratch

Days

Hunger Strike for a Cause

Growth/SelfAbsurd23 pts

Go on a hunger strike for a cause you care about

Days

Run 1000 Miles in a Year

Physical118 pts

Run 1000 miles total in one year

Full Year

Bike 3000 Miles in a Year

Physical131 pts

Bike 3000 miles total in one year

Full Year

Read ~42 Books in a Year

Growth/SelfAchievement150 pts

Read 42 books by the end of the challenge (the equivalent of one book per week between when this challenge was added and the finale) audiobooks don't count

Full Year

Visit a Church of a Different Faith

Growth/Self16 pts

Visit a church of a faith different from your own (Mormon Catholic Buddhist etc.)

Hours

Ouija Board in a Graveyard

Use a ouija board in a graveyard or abandoned building

Hours

Horse Riding Lessons

Take horse riding lessons

Hours

Make paper by hand from scratch

Hours

Spend 6 Hours at the Library

Growth/Self16 pts

Spend 6 continuous hours at the library

Hours

7am Cold Plunge While Camping

PhysicalAbsurd29 pts

Do a 7am cold plunge while camping

Hours

Play Night Games Until 1am

Play night games with 6 or more friends until 1am

Hours

Go Fishing and Catch a Fish

Go fishing and catch at least one fish

Hours

Invent a New Recipe

Create and cook a completely original recipe

Hours

Try Speed Dating

Attend a speed dating event

Hours

Sneak Into a College Class

AbsurdAchievement25 pts

Sit in on a random college class you're not enrolled in

Hours

Go Shooting and Hit the Target

PhysicalAchievement22 pts

Go to a shooting range and hit the bullseye/target

Hours

Growth/Self32 pts

Tour a prison facility

Hours

Propose to a Stranger

AbsurdSocial30 pts

Propose to a stranger and get them to pretend to say yes

Hours

Tour a History Museum

Growth/Self17 pts

Tour a history museum you haven't visited before

Hours

Go on a Haunted Tour

Go on a haunted tour of a famously haunted location (like The Shining hotel Queen Mary etc.)

Hours

Clean Your Yard

Growth/Self21 pts

Clean your entire yard (weeding mowing organizing) or apartment outdoor area

Hours

Say No to an Unwanted Commitment

Growth/Self4 pts

Say no to a commitment you actually don't want to do or don't have the capacity for

Hours

Shave Your Head

Shave your head completely bald

Hours

Make a Boondoggle

Make a boondoggle (lanyard craft)

Hours

Make 5 Friendship Bracelets

CreativeSocial11 pts

Make 5 friendship bracelets and give them to your friends

Hours

Try using a bidet and/or install one in your bathroom

Hours

Run 1 Mile Barefoot

PhysicalAbsurd25 pts

Run 1 full mile completely barefoot

Hours

Save 100 Worms in a Rainstorm

AbsurdGrowth/Self35 pts

Save 100 worms from dying on sidewalks during a rainstorm

Hours

Apply to Donate a Kidney

Growth/Self30 pts

Apply to donate a kidney through an official organ donation program

Hours

Consensually hug a chicken (the chicken must come to you willingly)

Hours

Dance on Bubble Wrap

Dance on bubble wrap until all the bubbles are popped

Hours

Movie Theater Solo

Growth/Self11 pts

See a movie at the theater alone

Hours

Dance in Public by Yourself

AbsurdGrowth/Self18 pts

Dance on the street in public by yourself with no music playing

Hours

Mindful Solo Meal

Growth/Self14 pts

Eat a meal by yourself while doing nothing else focusing only on the food

Hours

Run Through Sprinklers

Run through sprinklers like a kid

Hours

Stranger Matchmaker

SocialAbsurd38 pts

Approach a stranger and tell them your friend thinks they're cute. Then approach a different stranger and say the same. Introduce the two strangers to each other.

Hours

Fake Birthday at 3 Events

AbsurdSocial44 pts

Tell everyone it's your birthday and get everyone to sing happy birthday to you at 3 different events in one day

Hours

Learn to Rappel

PhysicalAchievement28 pts

Learn to rappel down a cliff or wall

Hours

Go Ice Blocking

AbsurdSocial23 pts

Go ice blocking down a grassy hill

Hours

Eat 20-Cereal Bowl

Eat a bowl of cereal containing at least 20 different types of cereal

Hours

Tour a Water Treatment Facility

Growth/Self35 pts

Tour a water treatment facility

Hours

Tour a Landfill or Recycling Center

Growth/Self16 pts

Tour a landfill or recycling center

Hours

Eat an Entire Costco Item

Pick a food item at Costco and eat all of it in one sitting within 3 hours

Hours

Restaurant Food Challenge

Complete a food challenge at a restaurant (like eating a giant meatball in one sitting)

Hours

Jump Off a High Dive

PhysicalGrowth/Self60 pts

Jump off the high diving board at a local community pool

Hours

Old Jazzercise Class in Costume

AbsurdPhysical18 pts

Do an old jazzercise class from the 80s/90s wearing the full retro workout outfit

Hours

Watch a Documentary on an Unknown Topic

Growth/Self1 pts

Watch a documentary about something you know nothing about

Hours

Check Out 100 Library Books at Once

Check out the maximum number of books at once at the library (100)

Hours

Active Album Listen and Rank

Growth/SelfCreative1 pts

Listen to an entire album while doing nothing else then rank the songs

Hours

See a New Type of Live Performance

Growth/SelfSocial21 pts

See a live performance of a type you've never seen before (ballet specific dance style etc.)

Hours

Peer Review Someone's Essay

SocialGrowth/Self27 pts

Peer review someone else's essay with genuine feedback

Hours

PhysicalAbsurd16 pts

Complete a milk mile (run a mile drink a gallon of milk in intervals) or vegan equivalent

Hours

Donate to a Kid's Fundraiser

SocialGrowth/Self24 pts

Donate to a kid you know who is doing fundraising for a sport or activity

Hours

Update All Unsafe Passwords

Achievement9 pts

Update all of your unsafe reused or leaked passwords

Hours

Get Your Food Handler's Permit

Achievement65 pts

Get your food handler's permit/certification

Hours

Do a Slip N Slide

Set up and ride a slip n slide

Hours

Buy a Lottery Ticket

Buy a lottery ticket

Hours

AbsurdPhysical48 pts

Go zorbing (rolling downhill in a giant inflatable ball)

Hours

Stare at One Art Piece for 2 Hours

Growth/Self15 pts

At an art museum look at one piece for at least 2 hours straight

Hours

Play Chess at a Local Club

SocialAchievement17 pts

Play a game of chess at a local chess club

Hours

AchievementAbsurd29 pts

Bowl a turkey (3 strikes in a row) in a single bowling game

Hours

Volunteer at a Pet Shelter

Growth/SelfSocial45 pts

Volunteer at a pet shelter

Hours

See an Artist You've Always Wanted to See

Growth/SelfSocial38 pts

Go see a musical artist live that you've always wanted to see

Hours

Make Butter by Running

AbsurdCreative23 pts

Make your own butter by running with cream

Hours

Score a Bullseye

PhysicalAchievement36 pts

Score a bullseye in any competitive target sport (archery darts curling etc.)

Hours

Eat Fresh Durian

Eat fresh durian fruit

Hours

Open a Can with No Can Opener

Open a can of beans with no can opener

Hours

Create an Effigy in the Woods

CreativeAbsurd21 pts

Create an effigy deep in the woods

Hours

Swap Outfits with a Stranger

AbsurdSocial24 pts

Get a stranger to swap outfits with you (underwear excluded)

Hours

Achievement9 pts

Go geocaching and find caches

Hours

Leave a Geocache

CreativeAchievement24 pts

Leave a geocache for someone else to find

Hours

Do a Cold Plunge

Do a cold plunge in cold water

Hours

Growth/Self22 pts

See dolphins in the wild

IDEK

See the Northern Lights

Growth/Self32 pts

See the northern lights (aurora borealis) in person

IDEK

Wrath of Nature

Plan and execute a deliberate trip to observe a significant severe weather event in progress. This isn't about stumbling across bad weather - you need to use forecasting tools to identify an incoming event, travel to witness it, and document the experience as a storm chaser would.

IDEK

Binge an Entire Series

Binge the entirety of One Piece or Grey's Anatomy or similar epic-length series

Months

Life Calendar for 6 Months

Growth/Self138 pts

Track what you do each week on a life calendar for 6 months filling boxes with weekly highlights

Months

Drink Recommended Water for a Month

PhysicalGrowth/Self63 pts

Drink at least your recommended amount of water each day for a month (half your body weight in pounds as ounces)

Months

Get an Initiative on the Ballot

AchievementGrowth/Self100 pts

Get a political initiative on an official ballot

Months

Get Rid of Your Phone

Growth/Self110 pts

Get rid of your phone and don't buy another one or switch to a dumbphone

Months

Daily Art for a Month

Do a small form of art every day for a month (painting drawing etc.)

Months

Compete in Ragnar

PhysicalAchievement73 pts

Compete in a Ragnar relay race

Months

Ask 50 People on Dates

SocialGrowth/Self67 pts

Ask 50 people on dates (or if partnered ask 50 people to hang out)

Months

No Added Sugar for 1 Month

Growth/SelfPhysical102 pts

Cut out all added sugar from your diet for 30 consecutive days. Natural sugars from whole foods are okay. (Like eating berries)

Months

30-Minute Morning Walk No Phone

PhysicalGrowth/Self106 pts

Go for a 30-minute walk when you wake up every morning for a month with no phone

Months

Foster an Animal

Growth/SelfSocial80 pts

Foster an animal through a rescue organization

Months

Watch Every Movie by One Director

Growth/Self17 pts

Watch every movie from the same director

Months

Handmade Gratitude Calendar

CreativeGrowth/Self45 pts

Make a homemade calendar where you draw everything and handwrite dates logging daily gratitudes

Months

Join a Fantasy Football League

Join a fantasy football league if you've never done one before and try to win

Months

Take Creatine Daily for a Month

Take creatine or a supplement you've been meaning to try every day for a month

Months

Sunscreen Every Day for 30 Days

PhysicalGrowth/Self21 pts

Apply sunscreen every day for 30 consecutive days

Months

Publish Daily Writing for 30 Days

CreativeAchievement150 pts

Publish a piece of writing every day for 30 days on a blog or platform

Months

Stop a Bad Habit Permanently

Growth/Self63 pts

Entirely stop performing a bad habit that annoys you (skin picking nail biting etc.)

Months

Donate 48+ Hours to Charity

Growth/SelfSocial194 pts

Donate 48 hours or more of unpaid time to local charities

Months

Make a woodworking project like a table chair or cupboard

Weeks

Ride a Bike Backwards

PhysicalAbsurd20 pts

Learn how to ride a bike backwards

Weeks

Learn Ice Skating Spin

PhysicalCreative101 pts

Learn ice skating and be able to do a spin on the ice

Weeks

Sew a Dress or Shirt

Sew a dress or shirt from scratch

Weeks

Rescue a Sick Animal

Growth/SelfSocial32 pts

Research proper care and then foster a sick animal from a factory farm or similar situation

Weeks

Get Up Before 7am for 2 Weeks

Growth/Self35 pts

Get up before 7am every day for 2 consecutive weeks

Weeks

Do a Challenge Every Day for 2 Weeks

Achievement110 pts

Complete one Big Year challenge every day for 2 consecutive weeks

Weeks

No Plastic for Two Weeks

Growth/Self36 pts

Don't use or buy anything containing plastic for two weeks

Weeks

Do a 5-Minute Plank

Hold a plank position for 5 continuous minutes

Weeks

Read a Top 10 Fiction Author

Growth/Self23 pts

Read a book from one of the top 10 most sold fictional authors of all time

Weeks

Learn 3 New Accents

CreativeAbsurd23 pts

Add 3 new accents to your repertoire and be able to carry a conversation with them

Weeks

Make a Documentary

CreativeAchievement64 pts

Make a documentary about something you know nothing about in the style of 'How To with John Wilson'

Weeks

Get Ham Radio Certified

Achievement73 pts

Get your ham radio certification

Weeks

Read a Disagreeable Memoir

Growth/Self8 pts

Read a memoir or biography about someone whose views or actions you disagree with

Weeks

Science Fair Project

CreativeAchievement101 pts

Do a science fair project like in elementary school: form a hypothesis experiment and present findings on a tri-fold board to more than 2 people. An official science fair Big Year event can happen later this year if there is popular demand.

Weeks

Sew Custom Pants

Sew a pair of pants tailored to your measurements with an actual fly (button or zipper)

Weeks

Read a Book Written Before 1800

Growth/Self24 pts

Read a book that was written before the year 1800

Weeks

Popcorn Read a Book with Friends

SocialGrowth/Self13 pts

Read a book aloud with friends taking turns reading sections over an extended period

Weeks

Build a Complex App with AI

AchievementCreative23 pts

Build a complex functional app using AI tools

Weeks

Set a PR Mile Time

PhysicalAchievement106 pts

Set a personal record mile time for running

Weeks

Brew Kombucha from Scratch

Brew kombucha from scratch at home

Weeks

Learn to Walk on Your Hands

Learn to walk on your hands and complete at least 10 steps

Weeks

Knit or Crochet Clothing

Knit or crochet an article of clothing

Weeks

Learn a Portable Instrument

Learn to play a portable instrument you can pull out in social situations (mouth harp harmonica duck call etc.)

Weeks

PhysicalSocial14 pts

Donate blood to a blood bank!

Hours

Buy Your Costa Rica Plane Tickets

Achievement25 pts

Buy your round trip plane tickets for the grand finale trip to Costa Rica in February 2027. Contact Jackson if you want help on details!

Hours