Could September be the new January?

As the vibrant days of August come to a close, there's a palpable shift in the air. The lazy, sun-soaked afternoons give way to cooler breezes, and a sense of renewal begins to emerge.

September, often overshadowed by the excitement of New Year's resolutions, holds a unique potential as a month of fresh starts and quiet reflection. Like January, it presents an opportunity to reset, refocus, and re-energise. The return of routines—kids heading back to school, co-workers returning from holiday, and new projects commencing at work—can signal a time of personal growth and self-improvement. 

For many, summer is a time of reflection, a pause in the year’s momentum that allows for introspection. Thoughts about personal goals, desired changes, and unfulfilled ambitions often surface during these leisurely months. However, the busyness of life frequently pushes these reflections aside. September with its quiet, unassuming entrance, could be the ideal time to turn these thoughts into actionable steps. Unlike the often overwhelming pressure of New Year’s resolutions, it offers a more subdued, but equally powerful, chance for transformation.

One of the most compelling aspects of embracing September as a time for new beginnings is the absence of external pressure. In January, society's collective focus on resolutions can be daunting. Conversations about goals and expectations sometimes feel more like obligations than genuine aspirations. On the other hand, September allows for a more personal, under-the-radar approach. There’s no one asking, “What are your resolutions?” Instead, it’s a month where changes can be made at your own pace, guided by your inner compass. This freedom can lead to more meaningful and sustainable progress.

September can be seen as a time for taking small, intentional steps, a subtle yet effective approach. Unlike the grand gestures and sweeping changes often associated with New Year's, the gentle, gradual approach of September can be much more powerful. By focusing on small, manageable goals, you set yourself up for success, building momentum as the months progress.

As October, November, and December roll around, you may find yourself calmer, happier, and better equipped to handle the challenges of the holiday season. Rather than merely coasting into Christmas, watching the months pass by, September can be a time of personal growth and renewal. The reflective nature of autumn makes it the perfect season to take stock of where you are, rest, and focus inward.

Seasonal transitions and mental health

The transition from summer to autumn is more than just a change in the weather; it’s a shift that can significantly impact our mental health and well-being. Research has shown that seasonal transitions, particularly the move from the long, bright days of summer to the shorter, cooler days of autumn, can influence our mood and energy levels.

September, as the gateway to Autumn, often brings a natural pause, allowing for reflection and the setting of new intentions, similar to the start of a new year. This period of transition can be harnessed as an opportunity to align our goals with the rhythm of the seasons, creating a more harmonious and mindful approach to personal growth.

Goal setting and behavioural change

Studies on goal setting and behavioural change consistently indicate that smaller, incremental changes are more likely to be sustained over time, compared to large and dramatic shifts. September offers the perfect opportunity for such gradual improvements, aligning with the concept of "Small steps September." This approach encourages setting achievable, realistic goals that can be integrated into daily life with minimal disruption. By focusing on these small steps, individuals are more likely to experience success, building confidence and motivation to continue their journey of self-improvement.

The importance of quiet reflection

Taking stock during autumn aligns with psychological theories on the importance of quiet reflection and self-assessment. This period of introspection can provide valuable insights into one’s life, helping individuals approach the final quarter of the year with greater clarity and purpose. The quieter, more reflective nature of autumn encourages a deeper connection with oneself, fostering a sense of inner peace and contentment. This quiet reflection is not just a passive exercise; it is a powerful tool for personal growth, enabling individuals to identify areas of their lives that need attention and to set meaningful, achievable goals.

The role of Tapping (EFT) in achieving September goals

In the pursuit of these September goals, techniques like Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), commonly known as tapping, can be invaluable. EFT is a psychological acupressure technique that involves tapping on specific meridian points on the body while focusing on particular issues or goals - or more precisely, what may be blocking you from achieving those goals. This practice has been clinically proven to help release energy blockages and reduce emotional distress, making it easier to achieve personal goals.

As September encourages small, intentional steps towards change, tapping can
support this process by helping to address underlying emotional barriers. Often, the reason people struggle to make lasting changes is not due to a lack of willpower but because of unresolved emotional issues or limiting beliefs. Tapping can be particularly effective in identifying and releasing these blocks, allowing for smoother progress toward one’s goals.

For example, if your goal for September is to reduce stress and increase productivity at work, but you find yourself consistently feeling overwhelmed, tapping can help. By tapping on meridian points while focusing on the feelings of overwhelm, you can help to release the emotional intensity associated with this feeling. Further still with a clinically trained practitioner, you can discover what is holding up the feelings of overwhelm so that you can clear or even remove them, permanently. This, in turn, can lead to a more balanced emotional state, making it easier to implement stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness or time management strategies.

Similarly, if you’ve set a goal to improve your health by adopting better eating habits or exercising more regularly, tapping can assist in breaking down any emotional resistance you might have. For many, food and exercise are tied to deep-seated emotional patterns—whether it’s using food as a comfort during stressful times or avoiding exercise due to negative body image. Tapping can help to address these emotional associations, making it easier to stick to healthier habits.

The beauty of integrating tapping into your September goals is that it complements the month’s naturally reflective and gentle approach to change. Tapping is a subtle, non-invasive technique that can be done anywhere, making it an ideal tool for those quiet moments of introspection that September encourages. As you take stock of your life and set new intentions, tapping can help to clear away the emotional clutter, leaving you with a clearer path forward.

September is a time for renewal

By the time October, November, and December arrive, those who embrace September as a month of small, intentional steps, supported by techniques like tapping, may find themselves in a much stronger position than they would be by simply coasting into the end of the year. Instead of being swept up in the busyness of the holiday season, they can approach it with a sense of calm, clarity, and confidence. September’s quiet energy offers a unique opportunity for personal growth that is both powerful and sustainable.

In conclusion, while January is traditionally seen as the time for new beginnings, September holds an equally powerful potential for change. It is a month that offers the space and time for quiet reflection, goal setting, and personal growth without the pressure that typically accompanies New Year’s resolutions. By embracing September as a time for renewal and incorporating supportive techniques like tapping, you can set the stage for a transformative final quarter of the year. Here's to making the most of September, the new January!