Skip to main content

14-Day Learn Something New Challenge

Pick one topic you are curious about and explore it in small, relaxed sessions, with no course and no exam.

Each day takes up to 15 minutes. A smaller version always counts, and two Grace Days leave room for real life.

  • 14 days
  • Up to 15 min a day
  • Balanced
  • 2 Grace Days

No account needed. You can change the length, time, or pace after you start.

Built for real days

  • A smaller version every day

    Short on time or energy? Every task has a smaller version, and it counts as done.

  • Grace Days built in

    Use a Grace Day when life gets in the way. Your progress stays, and nothing resets.

  • A clear start and finish

    Tasks go from easy first steps to a simple finish, so you always know what comes next.

The 14-day plan

One task a day, from an easy start to a clear finish. The smaller version always counts as progress.

Getting started

  1. Day 1 · about 15 min

    Choose your daily learning moment, such as after breakfast or before dinner.

    Short on time? Choose the time of day for learning.

  2. Day 2 · about 15 min

    Find two sources you could use, such as a library book, a free video, or an article.

    Short on time? Find one source about your topic.

  3. Day 3 · about 15 min

    Set up a place for your notes, such as a notebook or a plain text file.

    Short on time? Find a pen and paper for your notes.

Building momentum

  1. Day 4 · about 15 min

    Look up the story of how someone discovered or made something in your topic, and retell it in a few sentences.

    Short on time? Look up one short story from your topic.

  2. Day 5 · about 15 min

    Tell someone one interesting fact you learned.

    Short on time? Choose one fact to share.

  3. Day 6 · about 15 min

    Make a short timeline of a few key moments in your topic.

    Short on time? Write down two key moments in your topic.

  4. Day 7 · about 15 min

    Compare two things within your topic and note one way they are alike and one way they differ.

    Short on time? Name two things in your topic to compare.

  5. Day 8 · about 15 min

    Summarize what you have learned so far in five short bullet points.

    Short on time? Write two bullet points about what you learned.

  6. Day 9 · about 15 min

    Look at your library's catalog or shelf for something on your topic, in person or online.

    Short on time? Search your library's catalog for your topic.

  7. Day 10 · about 15 min

    Look at your topic from a new angle, such as its history, its people, or its everyday uses.

    Short on time? Choose one angle to try.

  8. Day 11 · about 15 min

    Find a different point of view on your topic, such as another author or another video.

    Short on time? Find one more source with a different view.

  9. Day 12 · about 15 min

    Look at photos, a museum page, or an exhibit related to your topic.

    Short on time? Look at three photos related to your topic.

Finishing strong

  1. Day 13 · about 15 min

    Answer your original question as best you can, in your own words.

    Short on time? Write a short answer to your day-one question.

  2. Day 14 · about 15 min

    Choose one learning habit you would like to keep, such as a daily 10-minute session.

    Short on time? Name one learning habit to keep.

Before you start

  • Choose one topic you are curious about. It can be anything, big or small.
  • You do not need a course or a purchase. A library book, a free video, or an article is plenty.
  • Keep your notes on paper or in your own notes app. This quest does not store what you write.

Helpful tips

  • Stop when your selected time is up. Curiosity will still be there tomorrow.
  • It is fine to change topics if this one stops being interesting.
  • Explaining something in your own words is a good way to enjoy what you learned.

Two ways to finish well

You can set a reward for each finish when you start. Both are real wins.

Perfect Finish

Every task done, with no Grace Day used. The smaller version counts as done.

Flexible Finish

Every day covered, with Grace Days where you needed them. Missed a day? You're still in.

Ready to start the 14-Day Learn Something New Challenge?

Start today with one small task. Your quest never resets.

No account · No streak pressure · Saved only in your browser