September: A Fresh Start for Your Career Resolutions
I don’t know about you, but when my kids were in school and college I always looked at September as the month for starting afresh with my resolutions. And it has remained to this day.
I’m not sure if it’s the change in weather, the feeling of rest and recharge after the summer or the fact that there’s less pressure to make resolutions, but I get excited to look at my goals again and give myself a push to make them a reality.
As summer transitions into autumn, September brings with it a sense of renewal and change. While January has traditionally been associated with setting New Year's resolutions, there's a growing trend to view September as an equally fitting time for fresh starts and personal growth.
Let's explore why September is becoming the new New Year for resolutions and how you can make the most of this opportunity to set and achieve your career goals.
A Season of Change
September is a time of transition. The weather cools down, leaves change colour, and schools begin a new academic year. This natural shift in the environment mirrors our own desires for change and improvement. The end of summer holidays and the return to routine can serve as a wake-up call to re-evaluate our priorities and aspirations.
Reflection and Renewal
Unlike the pressure that often accompanies the start of a traditional new year, September provides a more relaxed atmosphere for self-reflection and renewal. The back-to-school mindset encourages us to set goals and envision what we want to achieve in the coming months. This gentle transition allows us to approach our career resolutions with a sense of purpose rather than haste.
Time to Adjust
By September, many of us have abandoned or forgotten our initial New Year's resolutions. The rush of the holiday season and the expectations of January can make it difficult to stay committed to our goals. However, September offers a chance to review our progress, adjust our strategies, and recommit to our aspirations. This flexibility is essential for meaningful and sustainable growth.
Harnessing the Back-to-School Energy
For students, September marks the beginning of a new academic year, full of opportunities to learn and grow. Even if you're not in school, you can tap into this collective energy.
Channel the excitement of starting fresh into setting goals that align with your personal and professional development. Leverage this newfound energy to propel you toward success.
Setting Realistic Goals
The pressure to set grand, life-altering resolutions in January can often lead to disappointment and burnout. September, on the other hand, encourages a more gradual approach. By setting smaller, achievable goals, you're more likely to experience success and build momentum over time. This can create a positive feedback loop that propels you toward bigger accomplishments.
A Supportive Environment
The cultural narrative around January resolutions can sometimes be isolating, as everyone seems to be striving for individual self-improvement. In contrast, the idea of setting resolutions in September promotes a sense of community. Friends, family, and colleagues are more likely to be on a similar wavelength, making it easier to find accountability partners or create shared goals.
How to Make the Most of "September Resolutions":
Reflect on the Year So Far: Take time to evaluate your career achievements, setbacks, and areas for improvement. Use this insight to inform your September resolutions.
Set Specific Career Goals: Focus on tangible, measurable objectives that are realistic and relevant to your life right now.
Create a Plan: Break down your goals into actionable steps. This will make them less daunting and more manageable.
Build in Flexibility: Life is unpredictable, so be prepared to adjust your goals as circumstances change.
Find Accountability: Share your September career resolutions with a friend, family member, or mentor who can offer support and encouragement.
Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge and celebrate each milestone you achieve along the way.
Embracing Change with September Resolutions
Incorporating September as a time for setting career resolutions offers a refreshing alternative to the traditional January approach. The calm and gradual shift into autumn, coupled with the back-to-school mindset, provides a supportive environment for personal growth and goal achievement. You're also aligning yourself with the natural rhythms of life and giving yourself a fresh start.
By setting realistic goals, taking a proactive approach, and celebrating your progress, you can harness the power of September to propel yourself toward success. So, as the leaves change colour and the air turns crisper, let September be the canvas upon which you paint the next chapters of your career journey toward personal growth and fulfilment.
Please reach out and avail of your free 30 minute call, if I can be of help in any way on your career journey. I’d love to chat over a cuppa!
