Over the summer, we may have had time to reflect on the habits that help us thrive – and, of course, the ones that don’t. September offers us a rare and powerful opportunity to press reset. Often referred to in coaching circles as ‘the other January’, September holds a psychological weight that’s frequently underestimated. That ‘back-to-school’ energy is more than nostalgia - it’s an internal clock urging us to regroup, re-evaluate and re-prioritise. It’s not so much about reinvention as it is about reconnection: with ourselves, our health, and our goals.
What makes September uniquely effective is its combination of routine and readiness. We’re not overburdened with unrealistic ‘new year, new you’ expectations, but we’re also not burnt out. It’s a moment of clarity; a pause between summer’s spontaneity and winter’s demands - perfect for sustainable change. Here are five ways to harness that clean slate energy.
Try radical candour
Sometimes the biggest wins come not from overhauling your life but from being truly honest about what’s not working. Do you feel energised by your mornings, or rushed and reactive? Are you coping with stress in ways that help you thrive, or just survivng? What about drinking – are you having a daily glass of wine to relieve the pressure of work? Consider what part of your health deserves a fresh start. Maybe it’s as small as stretching each morning, or as big as finally asking for support. Either way, this is your moment.
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Reframe your approach
Too often we approach health changes with a harsh inner critic voice: I’ve let myself go again; I need to be more disciplined; I’ll never stick to this. But September invites a gentler, more inquisitive lens. Instead of punishing yourself for the summer slip-ups, ask: what do I really need right now? What changes would help me feel more like myself again? Reframing your goals from punishment to self-care is not only more compassionate, it’s far more effective. For example, instead of saying, ‘I need to stop eating junk,’ try: ‘How can I nourish myself better this season?’ This small mental shift fosters lasting motivation.
Lean in to September's rhythm
This is the month when children return to school, routines re-establish and our social calendars cool off. There’s a natural rhythm that supports change. Even if your school days are long behind you, channel that childhood feeling of new pencils and fresh notebooks. Start a new journal, buy fresh workout gear or set a new morning routine. These symbolic resets help cement your mindset shift.
Make one meaningful change
Forget the all-or-nothing mentality. Start with one habit you know will have a ripple effect - such as getting 30 extra minutes of sleep, walking before lunch or preparing lunches ahead. In some coaching approaches this is called the ‘one clean thing’ principle: a manageable, motivating action that signals to your brain that you’re taking yourself seriously again. .
Set a 90-day focus
Thinking in seasons rather than eternity makes goals feel more achieveable. Ask yourself: what can I commit to until December? This approach adds urgency without overwhelm. Three months is long enough to see change but short enough to stay engaged. Then, leverage routines that already work. If you always make morning coffee, use that time to prepare a healthy breakfast. If your commute is consistent, fill the time by listening to inspiring health podcasts. Habit stacking like this makes changes feel natural, not forced.
