What Is TikTok’s Viral “Personal Curriculum” and How You Can Hop on the Trend

Our feeds are full of new TikTok trends, but every once in a while one pops up that actually feels worth trying. Recently, I came across videos about the so-called Personal Curriculum trend and immediately got intrigued. Since it’s back-to-school season, I didn’t expect to see adult women talking about having their own “curriculum” like students, but it actually makes a lot of sense.

If you’re wondering what TikTok’s Personal Curriculum trend is all about and how you can use it to add more structure and creativity into your own life, let’s break it down.

• What Is the TikTok “Personal Curriculum” Trend?

The idea behind a Personal Curriculum is simple: instead of aimlessly scrolling or saying “I should learn this one day,” you choose a few subjects you want to focus on for the season. Think of it like making your own back-to-school schedule, but with topics you actually enjoy.

On TikTok, people are creating mini-curriculums with three to five subjects. These aren’t necessarily academic. They can be hobbies, skills, or personal growth areas like:

• Learning a new language
• Getting better at cooking or baking
• Improving skincare or wellness routines
• Reading more books
• Exploring art, philosophy, or history

It’s about bringing back the feeling of structure and learning, but in a way that works for your adult life.

• My Thoughts on Personal Curriculum

I graduated from university three years ago, and while I’ve made some goals for myself since then, I’ve never done anything as organized as a “curriculum.” When I saw this trend, it instantly clicked with me.

If I were to create my own, I’d probably include:

• Philosophy (since it was my major in university)
• Religion (something I’ve always been curious to study more deeply)
• Baking (because nothing beats freshly baked bread or cookies)
• Journaling (as a way to slow down and reflect)

For me, afternoons after work are the best time to focus. I’ve always preferred short, focused study sessions, like the Pomodoro method, over long stretches of time. It keeps me motivated and less overwhelmed.

At the same time, I’ll be honest, my biggest concern is consistency. Without teachers or deadlines, it’s easy to let things slide. I think a lot of people can relate to that. That’s why treating this like a fun challenge instead of a strict obligation is important.

• Why Is This Trend So Popular?

There are a few reasons why the Personal Curriculum trend has gone viral:

• Back-to-school nostalgia: Even as adults, there’s something exciting about new notebooks, schedules, and learning goals.

• Structure in a busy world: Many of us feel scattered. Having a curriculum gives life a sense of direction without being too rigid.

• Self-improvement: It’s motivating to pick hobbies or topics you’ve always wanted to explore and actually commit to them.

• Community aspect: TikTok makes it fun to share your personal curriculum, connect with others, and stay accountable.

• How to Create Your Own Personal Curriculum

If you want to hop on the trend but aren’t sure where to start, here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

1. Pick 3–5 Subjects

Choose a mix of practical and fun topics. For example:

• Fitness
• Cooking
• Reading
• Photography
• Learning a language

2. Decide When You’ll Study/Practice

Ask yourself: are you a morning person, or do you focus better in the evening? For me, afternoons after work are ideal.

3. Choose Your Learning Method

Do you want to watch YouTube tutorials, read books, take an online course, or practice hands-on? Mix it up to keep things interesting.

4. Set Small, Realistic Goals

Instead of saying “I’ll read 10 books,” start with “I’ll read for 20 minutes a day.” The Pomodoro method (25 minutes on, 5 minutes off) works great here.

5. Track Your Progress

This doesn’t have to be complicated. Use a notebook, a habit tracker app, or even your journal to write down what you’ve learned each week.

6. Share (If You Want)

One of the fun parts of TikTok’s Personal Curriculum trend is sharing your subjects with others. It creates accountability and can inspire your followers.

• Who Can Benefit From a Personal Curriculum?

Honestly, everyone. Whether you’re a student who wants to expand learning outside of class, a young professional looking for new skills, or someone who just wants a hobby outside of work, this trend can help.

If you’re like me and want to:

1. Read more books
2. Improve your English speaking skills
3. Pick up hobbies like baking or journaling

… then this kind of structure might be exactly what you need to stay motivated.

Final Thoughts

The TikTok Personal Curriculum trend might seem like just another social media fad, but it actually has a lot of potential to make our everyday lives more intentional. You don’t need to overthink it or make it too serious. Pick a few things you want to learn, carve out a little time, and see where it takes you.

For me, it’s about motivation and finally committing to those hobbies and skills I always say I’ll get around to. If you’ve been waiting for a sign to start, this is it.

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