Is it time for a September Reset?

For many of us, September feels more like the start of a new year than January. In my recent Instagram poll, 84% of you agreed! So, in this week’s blog, I want to share some useful self-reflection points to help you kick off your new year on the right foot. I am wondering, is it time for a September reset?

 

Why Does September Feel Like a Fresh Start?

 

The rapid shift in seasons, especially here in the UK, definitely plays a role in the sense of a September restart. But for me, it’s deeply tied to the start of a new school year. This feeling has grown even stronger since my children started school. I live my life in six-week cycles now! From an early age, we’ve been conditioned to see September as a time for new ideas, routines, and plans.

 

As everyone around me heads into new school years and steps onto new campuses, I find myself in a reflective mood. I make sure my kids have everything they need for their fresh start—so why not do the same for myself?

 

It’s easy to feel like life is happening to us, but I prefer to take this time to consider what I need (resources) and what I want (outcomes). We often pour so much effort into our careers and businesses—why not apply that same focus to our personal lives?

 

Here are the key areas I like to reflect on each September. Which ones resonate with you?

 

Money

Even after nine years of self-employment, I still haven’t fully adjusted to the ebbs and flows of income. September is a great time to review what I’ve learned from this year. What can I set in place for both the short and long term to improve my financial well-being? What lessons have I learned from 2024 so far? What did I enjoy doing during the summer, and what wouldn’t I repeat?

 

Time

Summer is always a juggling act. For me, it looks like less work and more time spent on holidays and fun with the family. I know I’m lucky in that regard. Now is a good time to reflect on which aspects of the “summer mentality” I want to carry into the rest of the year. Does next year need a different structure to my diary, and what changes can I make now to ensure that happens?

 

Rest

With no school runs and more control over my schedule, summer offers me a better rhythm of life. However, with the new school term kicking in (and the alarm clock set earlier), how can I support a healthy sleep routine? If you’re feeling a bit burnt out after summer, it’s time to think about how you can weave more rest into the months ahead. Not sure where to start? This blog on the seven types of rest may surprise you and offer inspiration!

 

Fun

Summer is often packed with fun—whether it’s going out, travelling, or simply making time to meet up with others. But that doesn’t need to end once the autumn leaves start falling. Summer for us included movie nights, card games, craft days, and walks in the park. Why not continue that spirit of fun throughout the rest of the year? Before homework and darker evenings take over, think about how you can sprinkle more joy into your daily life.

 

Health

I usually feel my best in the summer—thanks to more sunlight, time outdoors, and lower stress levels. How can I keep those elements of well-being integrated as I move into the busier months? Scheduling self-care alongside the usual work and life admin is essential for staying balanced.

 

Career

For me, September brings a swell of new clients. During late July and August, priorities tend to shift for everyone, which makes September a perfect time for a fresh look at professional goals. As my kids dive into new courses and learning experiences, it’s time I do the same and ask myself, “What do I want?”

 

Our careers facilitate the lives we want to lead. When reflecting on all the areas above, consider how your work can either help or hinder these priorities. What do you need to change—or maintain—as you move through the last few months of 2024? This is the perfect time to reflect on what you’ve learned this year and how you want to move forward. It’s not just the kids who can benefit from a “back-to-school” mindset!

 

I’d love to hear what your goals are for the rest of 2024. Head over to *Creating Careers to Enjoy* and share your thoughts!

 

If it’s time to bring some 1:1 coaching into your life, then feel free to book in a slot for us to talk.

 

Check out the other blogs on balance, here!