Photo by: Cheyenne Lenea Studios
January always comes with a rush of fresh intentions. We buy the pretty planners, write the resolutions and promise ourselves everything will change. But somewhere between school drop-off and laundry, those goals get lost.
This year, try a simpler, more joyful way to approach personal growth: a BINGO card. Think of it as a playful roadmap for the year — where progress feels like winning a game instead of checking off a chore list.
HOW IT WORKS
Draw 5-by-5 boxes on a sheet of paper (or edit a template in Canva). Create five columns labeled with categories that matter in your daily life, ideally matched with the letters of BINGO. For example: Basics, Improvement, New, Give, Outings.
Choose one single goal for each category every quarter. So, the first row is for January – March, the second for April – June, and so on. That means each goal has a clear timeframe when you’ll do it (making it a SMART goal: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound). The fifth row is a bonus and can be completed any time.
When you complete something, mark the square. And yes, yelling “BINGO!” is mandatory.
Your categories can be whatever you like. If you’re trying this with your kids, maybe the categories look something like this:
B: Books (read alouds, library trips, seasonal books)
I: Imagination (play, crafts, creating, storytelling)
N: Nature (parks, beach walks, garden, bugs, clouds)
G: Games (board games, bingo nights, puzzles)
O: Outings (local spots, traditions, mini adventures)
HERE ARE FIVE CATEGORIES THAT WORK WELL FOR ME:
- Basics: The unglamorous essentials that make life run smoother.
Examples: Set up a weekly meal rhythm. Buy bins and finally organize the junk drawer. Create a Sunday reset routine.
- Improvement: Pick one thing that would make your daily life easier or better.
Examples: Schedule a financial planning session. Refresh your skincare. Fix that broken cabinet door you’ve ignored for a year.
- New: Add a spark of adventure.
Examples: Try a new restaurant. Take a pottery class. Explore a hiking trail you’ve never visited.
- Give: Spread kindness in small, but meaningful, ways.
Examples: Drop off treats for teachers. Write three gratitude notes. Donate to a local organization.
- Outings: Get out and make memories.
Examples: Have a picnic at the beach. Plan a staycation. Visit a museum or festival.
WHY IT WORKS
- It’s visual: You see progress building.
- It’s bite-sized: One action per quarter feels doable.
- It’s fun: The gaming element keeps motivation high.
- It’s personal: You choose what matters most.
TREAT YOURSELF
Don’t forget the fun part: rewards! When you check off a square, treat it like a celebration. Pick prizes that feel motivating, like a latte from your favorite coffee shop, a new book or planning how to tackle your next square. You can even create a “reward menu” and let each family member choose their own.
The point is to pause, acknowledge the win and let the progress feel good. That little boost of dopamine keeps the momentum going all year long.