I Made the Viral “Punch Cards” for 2026, and I’m Already Getting So Much Done

I’m a big fan of having accountability partners. I’ve used this approach since high school, when my therapist first introduced me to the concept to help me meet my goals. In my current life, I ask my roommates to remind me that I can’t go to bed until I fold my laundry, or I ask my boyfriend not to let me get a refill on my latte at the coffee shop until I’ve halved my to-do list. 

That being said, in 2026 I’m looking for new ways to show up for and hold myself accountable to my goals — so when I came across these DIY punch cards on my TikTok feed, I knew I needed to try them! 

Beyond being colorful and fun to use, DIY punch cards are meant to help you hold yourself accountable to your goals, and they reward you for your consistency for doing a specific activity. For instance, you might have a punch card to motivate you to read books you already own, and once you’ve read a certain amount (punching a hole in your card each time you finish one) you treat yourself by, say, buying a new book. It’s a playful way to put your goals for the year down on paper and create a system to stick with them. 

I first saw the concept of making your own punch cards go viral last year, but I didn’t set out to make my own until now. The first step was for me to gather all the materials I’d need. I tried this when I was still home on break, so I scoured my parents’ house looking for printer paper, scissors, and markers (my mom is a preschool teacher, so we’re never without craft supplies). I sat down at my kitchen table, asked the Amazon Alexa to turn on Zara Larsson radio, and got to work.

Although it may be easier to use index cards if you have them, I started by cutting the printer paper into quarters (I just used vibes to measure, as perfection isn’t a resolution of mine). From there, I made a list of things I want to accomplish this year. At the top of my list: creating more art for myself, saving 15% of my paychecks for my post-graduation move, and actually using my library card. 

Then I got started on making the punch cards. I drew little shapes on each card (5 to 10, depending on the goal) that I can fill in to keep track of my progress, which is another option if you don’t own a hole puncher like me, and wrote the corresponding reward out at the bottom of each card. I’m hoping this physical manifestation of my goals will help me to accomplish them. 

It’s been about a week since I’ve made my 2026 punch cards and I’ve already noticed that I’m sticking to my goals better than I have in years past. So far, I used my library card to check out a new series by Raven Kennedy, The Plated Prisoner, and I love it. On top of discovering new authors, getting to fill out my punch cards gives me such a dopamine hit, and it encourages me to keep going with my goals. Once I finish this series, I’ll be moving on to my next new author — and I can’t wait to shop at my local bookstore once my punch card is all filled out. 

If you’re looking to try out this trend but have no idea where to start, this TikTok video by Ale (@aleegatorrr) showcases some great inspo (and an adorable cat cover page). I’ve also compiled some of my other favorite ideas I’ve seen other people using or have come up with on my own. Depending on what your goal is, you can decide what exactly earns you a punch and how many punches you need to cash in for your treat. 

• Make your own coffee at home rather than buying out 20 times, and reward yourself with a new coffee mug or tumbler.
• Take yourself on solo dates each month, and buy yourself the purse or bag you’ve had your eye on. (You can decide how many solo dates get you to your treat!)
• Take a dozen hikes, and purchase that matching set you love. 
• Try 10 new recipes, and invest in a nice new cookbook. 

The beauty of the punch card trend is that it can reflect whatever goals you’re hoping to accomplish this year — and it’s perfect for people like me who need a little extra push to get their resolutions to stick.