6 January Challenge Formats
Resolution Reset Challenge
Combine step goals with other New Year resolutions. Track steps plus one personal goal (hydration, sleep, meditation).
Why it works: Leverages resolution mindset. Multi-dimension tracking increases engagement by 35%.
Walk to [Destination] Together
Map collective company steps to a virtual journey. NYC to LA (2,800 miles), London to Paris, around Japan.
Why it works: Storytelling + visual progress. Virtual journeys see 2x completion rates vs standard challenges.
Fresh Start 10K
Build up to 10,000 steps/day by mid-January. Week 1: 7K goal. Week 2: 10K goal. Badge for hitting 10K any 5 days.
Why it works: Clear progression. Achievable milestone. Perfect for resolution energy.
Department Showdown
Departments compete on team averages. Weekly winners get recognition. Grand prize for January champion.
Why it works: Existing team structure = natural loyalty. Department pride drives 25% higher participation.
Wellness Bingo
Bingo card with wellness activities: 10K day, walking meeting, outdoor walk, invite a friend, etc. Complete rows for prizes.
Why it works: Variety prevents boredom. Multiple ways to win. Gamification + flexibility.
Buddy System Challenge
Pair employees as accountability buddies. Both must hit daily goal for the pair to earn points. Check-in required.
Why it works: Social accountability is the #1 engagement driver. Pairs see 40% better completion.
Quick Start: Our Top Pick for January 2026
Walk Across Japan Together
Company-wide virtual journey. 1,200 miles from Tokyo to Kyoto and back. 4 weeks. Team averages + individual recognition.
- Visual progress map everyone can see
- Cultural milestones (shrines, cities) as celebration points
- Perfect for remote/hybrid (same experience everywhere)
- Built into WeMove—launch in 5 minutes
FAQs
What are the best New Year step challenge ideas for 2026?
Top performers: Virtual journeys (walk to destination together), Resolution Reset (steps + other goals), Department Showdowns (team competition), and Buddy System (paired accountability). The key is matching challenge format to your culture—competitive vs collaborative, individual vs team.
How do we make January challenges different from other months?
Lean into New Year psychology: fresh starts, resolutions, goal-setting. Use themes like 'Reset', 'Fresh Start', 'New Year New You'. Set slightly higher goals (people are motivated). Add resolution-style tracking beyond just steps.
What step goal should we set for January?
Start at 7,000-7,500 (higher than usual to match resolution energy). Build to 8,000-10,000 by month end. Offer tiered goals so everyone can participate. The 'Fresh Start 10K' format works well: build up to 10K over 2 weeks.
How do we maintain momentum after January?
Announce February challenge before January ends. Create 'graduate' badges for January completers. Share success stories. Transition to ongoing monthly challenges vs one-time January push.