January
Dance: Hip-Hop
Focus: Learn basic hip-hop moves and grooves.
Recommended Tutorial:
**"3 Simple Dance Moves for Beginners"**
This tutorial introduces fundamental hip-hop moves suitable for beginners.
Watch here
Cook: Filipino Dishes
Week 1: Chicken Tinola (ginger-based chicken soup with papaya or chayote)
Week 2: Pork Adobo (soy sauce, vinegar, garlic)
Week 3: Ginisang Munggo (sauteed mung beans with spinach or malunggay)
Week 4: Pancit Bihon (stir-fried rice noodles with vegetables)
Watch: Psychological Thrillers
Week 1: Shutter Island, The Machinist, Black Swan, Memento
Week 2: Prisoners, Gone Girl, The Gift, The Others
Week 3: Jacob’s Ladder, Requiem for a Dream, Donnie Brasco, A Beautiful Mind
Week 4: Fight Club, The Prestige, The Sixth Sense, Oldboy
Speak: Foundations of Public Speaking
Week 1: Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address
Week 2: Martin Luther King Jr.'s I Have a Dream
Week 3: John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Address
Week 4: Sojourner Truth's Ain't I a Woman?
Listen: Rock
Week 1: The Beatles – Abbey Road
Week 2: Queen – A Night at the Opera
Week 3: Led Zeppelin – IV
Week 4: The Rolling Stones – Exile on Main St.
Paint: Foundations of Art
Week 1: Basic Shapes and Lines
Practice drawing basic shapes and lines.
Read about Leonardo da Vinci and his sketches.
Week 2: Perspective Basics
Study 1-point and 2-point perspective.
Explore Brunelleschi, the father of linear perspective.
Week 3: Light and Shadow
Practice shading techniques.
Read about Caravaggio and chiaroscuro.
Week 4: Composition
Study the rule of thirds and balance.
Learn about Johannes Vermeer and his use of composition.
Read
Personal Growth
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
A philosophical novel about pursuing one's dreams and finding personal fulfillment.
Personal Development
The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck
February
Dance: Salsa
Focus: Master the basic steps and turns of Salsa.
Recommended Tutorial:
**"Learn How To Dance Salsa"**
A step-by-step guide to Salsa dancing for beginners.
Watch here
Cook: Italian Comfort Food
Week 5: Spaghetti Aglio e Olio (garlic and olive oil pasta)
Week 6: Risotto with Mushrooms (arborio rice, broth, mushrooms)
Week 7: Caprese Salad (tomato, mozzarella, basil, olive oil)
Week 8: Chicken Piccata (chicken, lemon, butter, capers)
Watch: Action/Adventure
Week 1: The Dark Knight, Mad Max: Fury Road, Gladiator, Inception
Week 2: Die Hard, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, John Wick, The Bourne Identity
Week 3: Mission: Impossible – Fallout, Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark, Casino Royale, The Matrix
Week 4: Guardians of the Galaxy, Pirates of the Caribbean, Star Wars: A New Hope, The Avengers
Listen: Pop
Week 1: Michael Jackson – Thriller
Week 2: Madonna – Like a Prayer
Week 3: Britney Spears – Oops!... I Did It Again
Week 4: Dua Lipa – Future Nostalgia
Speak: Persuasion and Leadership
Week 1: Barack Obama's 2004 DNC Keynote Address
Week 2: Simon Sinek's TED Talk Start with Why
Week 3: Greta Thunberg's UN Climate Action Summit speech
Week 4: Margaret Thatcher's The Lady’s Not for Turning
Paint: Urban Sketching Essentials
Week 5: Urban Architecture
Sketch buildings and structures.
Study Canaletto, famous for Venetian landscapes.
Week 6: Capturing Crowds
Sketch people in public spaces.
Research Honoré Daumier and his urban scenes.
Week 7: Simplifying Urban Chaos
Practice selective detail in busy scenes.
Learn about Edward Hopper and his quiet urban spaces.
Week 8: Night Sketching
Experiment with dark tones and light contrasts.
Explore James Whistler’s nocturnes.
Read
Love & Relationships
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
A classic romance that explores themes of love, marriage, and social expectations.
Financial Literacy
The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham
Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
March
Ballet
Focus: Understand basic ballet positions and movements.
Recommended Tutorial:
**"Ballet Barre for Beginners"**
An introductory ballet class focusing on fundamental barre exercises.
Watch here
Japanese Homestyle
Week 9: Chicken Teriyaki (soy sauce, sugar, mirin, garlic)
Week 10: Tamago Kake Gohan (rice with egg and soy sauce)
Week 11: Vegetable Tempura (battered and fried vegetables)
Week 12: Miso Soup (miso paste, tofu, seaweed, scallions)
Mystery/Detective
Week 1: Knives Out, Zodiac, Se7en, L.A. Confidential
Week 2: Sherlock Holmes, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Gone Baby Gone, Prisoners
Week 3: The Bone Collector, Mystic River, Chinatown, The Silence of the Lambs
Week 4: The Usual Suspects, Murder on the Orient Express, Brick, Insomnia
Hip Hop
Week 1: Nas – Illmatic
Week 2: Kendrick Lamar – DAMN.
Week 3: OutKast – Speakerboxxx/The Love Below
Week 4: A Tribe Called Quest – The Low End Theory
Humor and Storytelling
Week 1: Winston Churchill's humorous speeches (e.g., "An iron curtain has descended").
Week 2: J.K. Rowling's Harvard Commencement Address
Week 3: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's TED Talk The Danger of a Single Story
Week 4: Robin Williams' acceptance speech at the Academy Awards
Watercolor Techniques
Week 9: Wet-on-Wet Painting
Practice soft gradients and blends.
Read about J.M.W. Turner, a pioneer in watercolors.
Week 10: Wet-on-Dry Techniques
Focus on sharp details and layering.
Learn about Winslow Homer and his marine watercolors.
Week 11: Color Theory Basics
Study primary, secondary, and complementary colors.
Research Johannes Itten and color theory.
Week 12: Mixing Greens and Blues
Experiment with painting landscapes.
Study John Constable and his countryside scenes.
Books
Adventure
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
A whimsical adventure story about courage, friendship, and self-discovery.
Productivity & Focus
Deep Work by Cal Newport
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown
Make Time: How to Focus on What Matters Every Day by Jake Knapp & John Zeratsky
April
Swing
Focus: Learn the basics of Swing dance, including the Lindy Hop.
Recommended Tutorial:
**"Learn How To Swing Dance"**
A beginner-friendly tutorial on Swing dance basics.
Watch here
Mexican Classics
Week 13: Tacos (ground beef or chicken with toppings)
Week 14: Chicken Fajitas (chicken with bell peppers and onions)
Week 15: Guacamole with Tortilla Chips (avocado, lime, onion)
Week 16: Mexican Rice (tomato-based rice with peas and carrots)
Sci-Fi
Week 1: Blade Runner 2049, The Matrix, Ex Machina, Interstellar
Week 2: Inception, Arrival, The Terminator, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Week 3: 2001: A Space Odyssey, Minority Report, The Fifth Element, The Prestige
Week 4: Her, Star Trek (2009), Annihilation, Cloud Atlas
Electronic
Week 1: Daft Punk – Discovery
Week 2: Deadmau5 – Random Album Title
Week 3: The Chemical Brothers – Dig Your Own Hole
Week 4: Flume – Skin
Historical Context and Gravitas
Week 1: Franklin D. Roosevelt's Day of Infamy speech
Week 2: Nelson Mandela's inauguration speech
Week 3: Mahatma Gandhi's Quit India speech
Week 4: Theodore Roosevelt's Man in the Arena speech
Modern and Abstract Art
Week 13: Modern Sketching
Combine realism and abstraction.
Explore Paul Klee and his playful use of shapes.
Week 14: Urban Abstraction
Simplify urban scenes into shapes and colors.
Learn about Piet Mondrian and abstract geometry.
Week 15: Expressive Colors
Experiment with bold color palettes.
Study Henri Matisse and Fauvism.
Week 16: Minimalism in Sketching
Sketch using minimal strokes.
Explore Agnes Martin and minimalist art.
Books
Historical Fiction
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
A gripping tale of two sisters during World War II, exploring resilience and sacrifice.
Entrepreneurship & Business Strategy
The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap... and Others Don’t by Jim Collins
Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future by Peter Thiel
May
Tango
Focus: Grasp the fundamental steps and posture of Argentine Tango.
Recommended Tutorial:
**"Argentine Tango for Beginners"**
An introductory lesson to the passionate world of Tango.
Watch here
Indian Flavors
Week 17: Chicken Curry (basic curry with coconut milk)
Week 18: Aloo Gobi (potatoes and cauliflower in spices)
Week 19: Dal Tadka (yellow lentils with spices)
Week 20: Roti (simple flatbread with flour and water)
Horror (Without Supernatural)
Week 1: Panic Room, The Babadook, The Others, 10 Cloverfield Lane
Week 2: The Witch, It Follows, The Invitation, The Killing of a Sacred Deer
Week 3: Funny Games, Don't Breathe, Gerald's Game, The Perfection
Week 4: No Country for Old Men, A Quiet Place, Prisoners, The Road
Jazz
Week 1: Miles Davis – Kind of Blue
Week 2: John Coltrane – A Love Supreme
Week 3: Bill Evans – Sunday at the Village Vanguard
Week 4: Herbie Hancock – Head Hunters
Inspirational and Motivational Speaking
Week 1: Steve Jobs' Stanford Commencement Address
Week 2: Admiral William H. McRaven's Make Your Bed speech
Week 3: Brené Brown's TED Talk The Power of Vulnerability
Week 4: Ellen Degeneres' Tulane University Commencement Address
Landscapes and Nature
Week 17: Trees and Forests
Sketch different types of trees.
Study Claude Monet and his garden series.
Week 18: Water in Landscapes
Practice painting rivers, lakes, and reflections.
Learn about John Singer Sargent and his watercolor techniques.
Week 19: Urban Parks
Sketch people and nature in parks.
Explore Frederick Law Olmsted, landscape architect.
Week 20: Mountains and Hills
Practice layering for depth.
Study Caspar David Friedrich and romantic landscapes.
Books
Mystery & Thriller
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
A gripping mystery involving a journalist and a hacker, uncovering dark family secrets.
Health & Wellness
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams by Matthew Walker
The 4-Hour Body by Tim Ferriss
June
Cha-Cha
Focus: Learn the basic Cha-Cha steps and rhythm.
Recommended Tutorial:
**"Learn How To Dance Cha-Cha"**
A step-by-step guide to Cha-Cha dancing for beginners.
Watch here
Chinese Takeout at Home
Week 21: Fried Rice (leftover rice with egg and veggies)
Week 22: Sweet and Sour Chicken (chicken, pineapple, bell peppers)
Week 23: Stir-Fried Vegetables (broccoli, carrots, and soy sauce)
Week 24: Dumplings (store-bought wrappers, ground pork, or chicken)
Historical Drama
Week 1: 12 Years a Slave, Schindler's List, The King's Speech, The Pianist
Week 2: Braveheart, Lincoln, Dunkirk, The Imitation Game
Week 3: The Last Samurai, The Theory of Everything, Hotel Rwanda, Atonement
Week 4: Gladiator, Selma, Catherine of Aragon (The Tudors), Gandhi
R&B/Soul
Week 1: Marvin Gaye – What's Going On
Week 2: Aretha Franklin – I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You
Week 3: Alicia Keys – Songs in A Minor
Week 4: Frank Ocean – Channel Orange
Cultural and Global Voices
Week 1: Malala Yousafzai's UN Youth Assembly speech
Week 2: Desmond Tutu's Nobel Peace Prize lecture
Week 3: Chinua Achebe's acceptance speech for the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade
Week 4: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's We Should All Be Feminists TED Talk
Techniques and Tools
Week 21: Pen and Ink with Watercolor
Combine ink and watercolor for urban sketches.
Explore Albrecht Dürer and his ink sketches.
Week 22: Dry Brush Techniques
Experiment with textured effects.
Research Andrew Wyeth, a master of detail.
Week 23: Mixed Media Urban Sketching
Incorporate collage, ink, and watercolor.
Learn about Kurt Schwitters and mixed media.
Week 24: Limited Color Palettes
Paint using only 3 colors.
Explore Zoltan Szabo, a watercolorist.
Books
Fantasy
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
The first book in The Kingkiller Chronicle, a fantasy epic about a legendary figure’s journey to greatness.
Leadership & Influence
Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek
Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
July
Contemporary
Focus: Explore expressive movements and techniques in Contemporary dance.
Recommended Tutorial:
**"Contemporary Dance for Beginners"**
An introductory class to Contemporary dance fundamentals.
Watch here
Middle Eastern Inspiration
Week 25: Shakshuka (poached eggs in tomato sauce)
Week 26: Hummus with Pita (chickpeas, tahini, garlic)
Week 27: Chicken Shawarma (marinated chicken with spices)
Week 28: Falafel (fried chickpea patties)
Crime
Week 1: The Godfather, Scarface, Heat, Goodfellas
Week 2: Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs, Ocean’s Eleven, The Departed
Week 3: The Town, Drive, No Country for Old Men, A Clockwork Orange
Week 4: American Gangster, The Untouchables, Public Enemies, L.A. Confidential
Classical
Week 1: Ludwig van Beethoven – Symphony No. 9
Week 2: Johann Sebastian Bach – The Well-Tempered Clavier
Week 3: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Requiem
Week 4: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky – Swan Lake
Debating Skills and Rhetoric
Week 1: Oxford-style debate on climate change (available on YouTube)
Week 2: Intelligence Squared debate on free speech
Week 3: Christopher Hitchens' debate on religion
Week 4: Any formal political debate of your choice
Exploring Light
Week 25: Sunrise Scenes
Practice soft gradients and warm tones.
Study Joseph Mallord William Turner.
Week 26: Golden Hour Sketches
Capture warm highlights in urban scenes.
Explore George Bellows and urban light.
Week 27: Night Scenes
Practice shadows and artificial light.
Learn about Vincent van Gogh and his night paintings.
Week 28: Reflections and Highlights
Focus on glass, water, and metallic surfaces.
Research David Hockney’s pool series.
Books
Science Fiction
Dune by Frank Herbert
A monumental sci-fi classic set on a desert planet, focusing on politics, religion, and survival.
Mindfulness & Mental Health
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
The Art of Happiness by Dalai Lama
Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach
August
Rumba
Focus: Understand the slow rhythms and hip movements of Rumba.
Recommended Tutorial:
**"Learn How To Dance Rumba"**
A beginner's guide to the romantic Rumba dance.
Watch here
Thai Delights
Week 29: Pad Thai (rice noodles, tamarind, egg, and peanuts)
Week 30: Green Curry (chicken or vegetables with curry paste)
Week 31: Som Tam (green papaya salad)
Week 32: Thai Fried Rice (with lime and cilantro)
Comedy
Week 1: Superbad, The Hangover, Anchorman, Step Brothers
Week 2: Groundhog Day, The Big Lebowski, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Dumb and Dumber
Week 3: Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Shaun of the Dead, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, 21 Jump Street
Week 4: Airplane!, Bridesmaids, Tropic Thunder, Little Miss Sunshine
Indie/Alternative
Week 1: Arcade Fire – Funeral
Week 2: Vampire Weekend – Modern Vampires of the City
Week 3: Radiohead – In Rainbows
Week 4: The Strokes – Is This It
Environmental and Advocacy Speeches
Week 1: Greta Thunberg's How Dare You? speech at the UN
Week 2: Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth excerpts
Week 3: Jane Goodall’s environmental advocacy talks
Week 4: Wangari Maathai’s Nobel Peace Prize speech
Portraits and People (Weeks 29–32).
Books
Friendship & Loyalty
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
A heartwarming story about an elderly man and the unexpected friendships he forms with his neighbors.
Creativity & Innovation
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
September
Jazz
Focus: Learn the energetic and stylistic movements of Jazz dance.
Recommended Tutorial:
**"Jazz Dance Basics for Beginners"**
An easy-to-follow tutorial on Jazz dance fundamentals.
Watch here
American Comfort Food
Week 33: Grilled Cheese Sandwich and Tomato Soup
Week 34: Classic Burger (beef patty, bun, simple toppings)
Week 35: Mac and Cheese (pasta with cheese sauce)
Week 36: Mashed Potatoes with Gravy
Romance
Week 1: Pride and Prejudice, La La Land, The Notebook, Titanic
Week 2: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Before Sunrise, The Fault in Our Stars, 500 Days of Summer
Week 3: Notting Hill, A Walk to Remember, Her, Silver Linings Playbook
Week 4: The Vow, Crazy, Stupid, Love, When Harry Met Sally, Love Actually
Country
Week 1: Johnny Cash – At Folsom Prison
Week 2: Dolly Parton – Coat of Many Colors
Week 3: Willie Nelson – Red Headed Stranger
Week 4: Kacey Musgraves – Golden Hour
Creative and Poetic Speeches
Week 1: Maya Angelou’s On the Pulse of Morning
Week 2: Robert Frost's The Gift Outright (used in JFK's inauguration)
Week 3: Amanda Gorman's The Hill We Climb
Week 4: Pablo Neruda's Ode to the Tomato
Urban Sketching Projects (Weeks 33–36).
Books
Family & Generational Saga
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
A powerful story about friendship, guilt, and redemption, set against the backdrop of Afghanistan’s history.
Time Management & Discipline
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
Eat That Frog! by Brian Tracy
The Pomodoro Technique by Francesco Cirillo
October
Foxtrot
Focus: Grasp the smooth and flowing movements of the Foxtrot.
Recommended Tutorial:
**"Learn How To Dance Foxtrot"**
A step-by-step guide to the elegant Foxtrot dance.
Watch here
Korean Favorites
Week 37: Bibimbap (rice with vegetables and egg)
Week 38: Korean Fried Chicken (sweet and spicy sauce)
Week 39: Kimchi Fried Rice (with an egg on top)
Week 40: Japchae (stir-fried sweet potato noodles)
Thriller
Week 1: Gone Girl, Prisoners, The Girl on the Train, The Silence of the Lambs
Week 2: Shutter Island, The Sixth Sense, Oldboy, Mystic River
Week 3: Zodiac, Seven, Fight Club, The Game
Week 4: The Nightcrawler, The Bone Collector, The Equalizer, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
Reggae
Week 1: Bob Marley & The Wailers – Legend
Week 2: Peter Tosh – Legalize It
Week 3: Jimmy Cliff – The Harder They Come
Week 4: Toots & The Maytals – Toots in Memphis
Improv and Humor
Week 1: Watch and mimic a TED Talk by Ken Robinson (e.g., Do Schools Kill Creativity?).
Week 2: Analyze stand-up routines (e.g., Hasan Minhaj or Trevor Noah).
Week 3: Practice reading humorous anecdotes aloud.
Week 4: Attempt an impromptu speech on a random topic.
Seasonal Themes (Weeks 37–40).
Books
Social Issues
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
A timeless exploration of race, justice, and moral growth in the American South.
Relationships & Communication
Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find – and Keep – Love by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller
Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler
Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life by Marshall B. Rosenberg
November
Belly Dance
Focus: Explore the isolations and fluid movements of Belly Dancing.
Recommended Tutorial:
**"Belly Dance Basics for Beginners"**
An introductory lesson to Belly Dance techniques.
Watch here
Mediterranean Basics
Week 41: Greek Salad (cucumber, tomato, feta, olives)
Week 42: Lemon Herb Chicken (simple marinade with lemon and herbs)
Week 43: Pasta Primavera (pasta with seasonal veggies)
Week 44: Lentil Soup (with lemon and olive oil)
War
Week 1: Saving Private Ryan, Full Metal Jacket, Apocalypse Now, Dunkirk
Week 2: 1917, Platoon, The Hurt Locker, Black Hawk Down
Week 3: Hacksaw Ridge, The Thin Red Line, We Were Soldiers, American Sniper
Week 4: Bridge of Spies, A Bridge Too Far, The Imitation Game, Fury
Blues
Week 1: B.B. King – Live at the Regal
Week 2: Muddy Waters – The Anthology
Week 3: Robert Johnson – The Complete Recordings
Week 4: Stevie Ray Vaughan – Texas Flood
Mastering Delivery and Emotional Depth
Week 1: Oprah Winfrey’s Golden Globes acceptance speech
Week 2: Viola Davis’ acceptance speech for her Oscar
Week 3: Martin Luther King Jr.'s I've Been to the Mountaintop
Week 4: Jacinda Ardern's leadership speeches
Experimental Techniques (Weeks 41–44).
Books
Identity & Self-Discovery
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
A coming-of-age story about a young girl in search of identity, truth, and love.
Financial Independence & Wealth Building
Financial Freedom: A Proven Path to All the Money You Will Ever Need by Grant Sabatier
The Barefoot Investor: The Only Money Guide You’ll Ever Need by Scott Pape
The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J. Stanley & William D. Danko
December
K-Pop
Focus: Learn choreography to popular K-Pop songs.
Recommended Tutorial:
**"K-Pop Dance Tutorial for Beginners"**
A fun and engaging tutorial breaking down K-Pop dance moves.
Watch here
Festive International Dishes
Week 45: Roast Chicken with Veggies
Week 46: Filipino Christmas Ham (or store-bought ham)
Week 47: Paella (rice with chicken or seafood)
Week 48: Chocolate Cake or Leche Flan (dessert celebration)
Animation
Week 1: Toy Story, Up, The Incredibles, Finding Nemo
Week 2: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Coco, Shrek, WALL-E
Week 3: Ratatouille, Zootopia, Big Hero 6, How to Train Your Dragon
Week 4: Frozen, Monsters, Inc., The Lion King, Klaus
Latin
Week 1: Carlos Santana – Abraxas
Week 2: Shakira – Pies Descalzos
Week 3: Gloria Estefan – Mi Tierra
Week 4: Bad Bunny – YHLQMDLG
Reflection and Showcase
Week 1: Revisit and re-record January’s speeches
Week 2: Compile your best recordings and share them online
Week 3: Record a personal speech summarizing your year’s journey
Week 4: Reflect and plan next year’s themes
Personal Style and Reflection (Weeks 45–52).
Books
Hope & Redemption
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
The beloved classic that follows the four March sisters as they navigate life, loss, and personal growth.
Reflection & Gratitude
The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown
The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael A. Singer
Gratitude by Oliver Sacks