It's Time For The Annual September Reset

As the leaves begin to change color and the air becomes crisper, there's a noticeable sense of "change" everywhere. September marks the transition from summer to autumn, and for many, it symbolizes a time of refocus, renewal to their goals, and/or a time for setting new goals. For as long as I can remember, it's been a time of year when most people around me seem to shift gears and get back into a mode of self-improvement and purposeful action towards their goals. All things considered, I actually think it makes perfect sense why the month of September has become this ideal time for a reset, getting refocused, and preparing for end of year and next year's objectives. Here's a few reasons why:

 1. Seasonal Change Inspires Transformation

The changing seasons can serve as a powerful metaphor for personal and professional growth. Just as trees shed their leaves and prepare for winter, September can be a time for individuals and businesses to "shed" old habits and refocus their energy on new projects or goals. The sense of change in the air can help serve as a catalyst for that needed and often desired transformation.

2. Back-to-School Mentality

For many, September is synonymous with the back-to-school season. Even if you're not a parent or a student, the back-to-school energy can be contagious. With so many people around you getting into hustle mode to go shopping and get organized before school starts, how can it not rub off even a little? You might find yourself naturally inclined to start organizing the spaces around you, wanting to learn a new skill, setting some new goals (or re-committing to the ones you've neglected since the start of Summer), getting back to the gym, or establishing a new routine. It's ok to take advantage of that 'back-to-school buzz' and channel some of that energy into supporting your own personal or professional growth.

 3. Reflecting on Mid-Year Progress

As September rolls around, it's a great time of year to assess the progress you've made so far on your goals and objectives for the year. Reflect on what you've achieved, where there's room for improvement, and what new goals you want to pursue as you head into the last quarter of the year. This reflection can help you make intentional decisions about the direction you want to take for the remainder of the year, as well as starting to prepare you for next year.

4. Preparing for Year-End Success

With only a few months left in the year, September is the ideal time to plan your strategy for achieving your year-end goals. Whether it's completing projects, hitting your sales goals, or meeting personal milestones, setting a clear plan now can help ensure you finish the year strong! In fact, operations coaching can play a crucial role in this year. An effective coach will help his or her clients refine their current and future strategies, and help them improve or enhance their systems used towards meeting their goals.

5. Gearing Up for the New Year

Beyond year-end objectives, September is also an excellent time to start thinking about your goals and aspirations for the upcoming year. If you're in the entrepreneur space, then I always recommend early Q4 to be when you focus on your Business Planning for the following year (so you would need to start selecting and scheduling your Business Planning workshops or team retreats now!).

I like to think of operations coaching as your partner in this journey of renewal and success. By providing expert guidance and tailored strategies, coaching can be a valuable resource to guide you through this process and help ensure that you make the most of this time. If you haven't yet, spend this weekend embracing the seasonal 'spirit of renewal' and reflect on your year-to-date goals and activities. After you get that reflection time in, you'll feel more prepared to tackle your current goals and head running towards the new year! 

 Originally published by A Leveraged Life Blog, September 2023