If you’ve spent any time on TikTok lately, chances are your feed has served you the monthly curriculum TikTok trend. Imagine beautifully colour-coded planners, soft pastel sticky notes, bullet-point lists, and people proudly declaring, “This is my August curriculum!”
It looks wholesome, organised, and totally achievable—until you remember your last New Year’s resolution barely lasted two weeks. But here’s the thing: if you play this trend right, it has a lot of potential. Done mindfully, it can spark creativity, help you set achievable goals, and even add a little magic to your daily routine. Done wrong, and you’re staring down another cycle of burnout dressed up in pastel highlighters.
So, what’s the truth behind the monthly curriculum TikTok trend—and how can you make it work for you?
Why the monthly curriculum trend is everywhere
At its core, the monthly curriculum is basically a self-made syllabus for your life. Instead of drifting into the month with vague intentions (“I’ll try to be healthier” or “I want to read more”), you give yourself a specific theme or focus.
For example:
- The reading curriculThe wellness curriculum includes daily meditation ande never explored before.
- Wellness curriculum → daily meditation + journaling prompts.
- Cooking curriculum: mastering Italian recipes across the month.
- The fitness curriculum involves substituting sporadic gym sessions with a Pilates schedule.
The appeal? It’s bite-sized self-improvement. There is no 12-month vision board. It’s simply a monthly challenge that feels achievable. Parents are even creating gentle curriculums for their kids to make summer breaks less chaotic. It’s productivity—but wrapped in a fun, approachable way.
Related read: 7 unexpected food combinations that actually taste incredible
Where can it go wrong?
Where the trend tips into pressure, here’s the not-so-cute side: some TikTokers.
Tiktokers have turned the monthly curriculum into yet another glow-up Olympics. Their lists include rigid beauty routines, extreme fitness targets, and “365 days to a new me” vibes.
And honestly? That’s not the point. What started as a relaxing way to stay motivated can quickly spiral into feeling like homework. And we already have enough of that IRL, thank you very much.
When self-growth becomes another thing to show off, it loses its charm. Instead of focusing on personal joy, people start curating curricula to look good online. And let’s be real—you don’t need to colour-code your growth for TikTok validation.
Related read: Why curated beauty routines are exhausting, not empowering
Real-life examples from TikTok
The beauty of this trend is its versatility. Here’s how people are using it:
- Students are replacing doom-scrolling with mini study curriculums, such as “Learn 20 new Spanish phrases in September.”
- Parents: give kids fun, light goals during summer—like learning three new card games or trying one science experiment a week.
- Wellness creators: using the trend to promote self-care curriculums, like daily gratitude lists or evening walks.
- Hobbyists are rediscovering crafts, baking, or painting by dedicating a month to each activity.
The lesson? Your curriculum doesn’t need to be serious. It just needs to spark something positive.
How to embrace the trend—without burning out
Okay, so how do you join in without losing your sanity? Here are a few tips to make the monthly curriculum TikTok trend work for you, not against you:
- Start tiny. Pick one or two goals, max. (Reading one book = win. Reading five? Recipe for disaster.)
- Choose joy over aesthetics. Is it really important if your planner appears a bit disorganised? Growth doesn’t need pastel highlighters.
- Celebrate small wins. Did you journal twice instead of daily? Still counts. Have you ever tried a recipe? Nailed it.
- Stay flexible. Have you fallen ill or become overly busy? Adjust your goals guilt-free.
- Check your “why”. Ensure your curriculum aligns with your personal goals, rather than seeking external validation.
The goal is progress, not perfection. Imagine how good it feels to say, “This month, I finally tried a dance class,” versus stressing over a colour-coded list that never got ticked off.
Related read: Self-care vs productivity: finding the balance
What experts are saying
According to Parents.com, this trend can be “a way to reclaim structure and joy in everyday routines.” But they also caution that the pressure to make every moment Insta-perfect can cause stress—especially for teens.
Balance, as always, is the magic word.
Why this trend is so Gen Z
Honestly, the monthly curriculum feels very Gen Z. It’s organised but chill, structured but aesthetic. It’s about making growth digestible, not overwhelming.
And in a world where hustle culture is finally losing its shine, it’s refreshing to see people say, “Here’s how I’m growing, but in my own way, at my own pace.”
That’s not just a TikTok trend—that’s a lifestyle shift.
Final thoughts
The monthly curriculum TikTok trend is a mix of genius and chaos. Done right, it’s a playful way to add structure, motivate yourself, and sprinkle some creativity into the everyday. Done wrong, it’s just another “glow-up” checklist waiting to drain your energy.
So here’s your challenge: try it this month. Make your own curriculum. Keep it small. Keep it fun. And keep it yours. Because growth without the burnout? That’s a trend worth keeping.
But remember: you don’t need to “glow up” for anyone but yourself. Your curriculum, your rules.
Ready to try it?
Start your own monthly curriculum today. Make it fun, make it flexible—and tag us in your TikToks so we can cheer you on (no filters required).
