How to Build Your Own Personal Curriculum (and Actually Stick to It)
Have you seen the personal curriculum trend floating around TikTok, Instagram, or Pinterest lately? Honestly, I love it. The idea is simple but kind of genius: treat your life like your own school, and design your own “classes” each month — the ones that excite you, challenge you, and make you feel like you’re growing.
People are getting creative with their “courses”: Creative Expression 101, Mindful Living Lab, Fitness Fun 202, or even Home & Hearth. Then, they set small, achievable goals for each one. And the best part? There are no grades, no pressure, and no one to compare yourself to — just curiosity, creativity, and intentional living.
This month, I’ve been embracing the theme of Art & Romance, and I’m diving into subjects that feed both my creativity and my curiosity. Today, I’m sharing my approach so you can create a personal curriculum that’s realistic, fun, and fully tailored to you.
What a Personal Curriculum Really Is
A personal curriculum is a self-designed plan for growth and exploration. Instead of waiting for life to hand you lessons, you intentionally pick a few subjects to focus on for a month or season.
These “courses” can be anything that sparks curiosity, challenges you, or helps you live more intentionally. For me this February, they are:
Architecture: Studying design principles, the golden ratio, and sketching structures that inspire
Neuroplasticity: Learning how the brain grows and rewires itself, practicing exercises to strengthen it
Fibonacci & Golden Ratio: Observing patterns in nature, art, and design, and reflecting their beauty in my own work
Watercolor: Exploring creativity and mindful expression through painting
Piano: Practicing scales, pieces, and improvisation to build skill and bring joy
The key is that it’s playful, flexible, and tailored to you — no pressure, no perfection, just growth at your own pace.
Why People Are Loving This Trend
The personal curriculum trend is so popular because it gives you:
Curiosity without pressure: You explore what truly interests you.
A sense of intentionality: Instead of drifting, you live on purpose.
Fun and creativity: Learning feels like play, not a chore.
A chance to reflect: Track what you enjoy, what resonates, and what to explore next.
It’s like giving yourself permission to be a student of your own life — where you’re also the teacher, principal, and biggest cheerleader.
How to Build Your Own Personal Curriculum
Here’s my step-by-step approach:
Pick Your Time Frame
Decide if your curriculum will be a month, a season, or even just a week. Shorter timelines make it easier to stick with.Choose 3–5 Subjects
Pick things you want to explore, improve, or simply enjoy learning about.Set Mini Goals
Keep them small and achievable. Example: “Practice piano 15 minutes daily” or “Sketch one watercolor a week.”Gather Resources
Books, podcasts, online courses, or supplies — whatever helps you learn.Reflect Weekly
Spend a few minutes journaling what you learned, what you enjoyed, and what you want to tweak next.Celebrate Wins
Even the smallest victories matter. Growth isn’t about perfection — it’s about progress.
🌿 My Own Personal Curriculum
Here’s what my month looks like:
Architecture: Study design principles and sketch buildings twice a week
Neuroplasticity: Practice exercises to strengthen the brain 3–4 times a week
Fibonacci & Golden Ratio: Observe patterns in nature or art weekly, integrate into sketches
Watercolor: Paint 2–3 times a week, exploring creativity and mindfulness
Piano: Practice scales, songs, and improvisation 3 times a week
It’s simple, flexible, and aligned with my Art & Romance theme. I feel like I’m growing creatively and intellectually, all while nurturing my curiosity and joy.
Reflection
The personal curriculum trend is more than a social media fad — it’s a tool for intentional, joyful living. By choosing what matters most to you and setting small, achievable goals, you can create a season of growth that’s exciting, manageable, and completely your own.
💌 Journaling Prompt:
If you could design your own personal curriculum this month, what would your subjects be? How would they make your life more creative, mindful, or joyful?