Reclaim Your Time: Refocus, Reset, and Achieve Your Goals This Fall
As we say goodbye to the carefree days of summer and welcome the signs of fall - cooler temperatures, changing leaves, cozy sweaters, and pumpkin lattes - there’s an undeniable shift in the air. Along with the crisp breeze and back-to-school energy, fall offers an opportunity for reflection. As kids go back to school and extracurricular activities, or fly the nest for the first time, parents typically return to their standard routines. But how many of us really stop and challenge whether those routines are still serving us?
Research shows that the change in seasons can influence mood, energy, and motivation. In fact, 72% of people feel more motivated to pursue goals in the fall, as the back-to-school season often brings a renewed sense of structure and productivity. This transition is the perfect time to reflect on the goals you set for yourself at the start of the year.
Are they still the right goals for you?
What progress have you made so far?
What’s one small action you can take today to move closer to achieving them?
Yesterday, I attended a Women in Business event with my local Chamber of Commerce. When introducing ourselves, we were asked to share one thing that we’d like more of. As I listened to each person, a clear theme emerged - TIME. Time for self-care, time to recharge, time for exercise, quality time with friends and family, and even time to enjoy hobbies like gardening. It was a powerful reminder that so many of us, especially high-achieving professionals, are yearning for more time to invest in ourselves and the things that we enjoy outside of our careers.
We all crave more time to do the things we enjoy and know we need to feel our best. Yet, despite this awareness, we often don’t make the time. Instead, data shows that we spend 2-4 hours per day on unproductive activities like social media and TV, drifting further from our goals, damaging our self-worth, and sacrificing our overall wellbeing. At the same time, the average workweek has steadily increased, with many professionals now clocking in over 50 hours a week. This rise in work hours has led to widespread burnout, with over 70% of employees experiencing burnout in their current job. The combination of working more and spending leisure time unproductively is driving us further away from the balance and wellbeing we desperately seek.
I couldn’t help but think: “What is holding us back from having the things that we desire right now?” Why, as a society, do we know what we need to feel our best, yet fail to make time for it? Are we waiting for permission to prioritize ourselves? Permission to go to the gym, take time for self-care, or book a night out with friends? Are we waiting for someone to relieve us of the guilt we feel when we put ourselves first?
While 80% of people report that self-care is important, only 50% consistently make time for it. This gap between knowing and doing reveals a harsh truth: the biggest obstacle to achieving your goals and enhancing your wellbeing is you. Fear, guilt, procrastination, and the stories we tell ourselves are all mental barriers we create, keeping us from taking the action we know we need.
So, how do we overcome these barriers? How do we become better versions of ourselves and set an inspiring example for our teams, children, partners, and communities?
Here are five actions you can take today to refocus, reset, and achieve your goals this fall:
1. Self-Reflect on Your Goals
Take time to reflect on the goals you set at the beginning of the year. Ask yourself:
Are these goals still relevant to where you are now?
Do they align with your current priorities and values?
2. Evaluate Your Routines
Look closely at your daily habits. Are they serving you, or are they keeping you from your goals? Identify any unproductive routines and think about small adjustments you can make to create positive change.
3. Break Goals Into Manageable Steps
Break your goals into smaller, more achievable tasks. Start with one small step that will move you forward, and focus on that. When we take things step by step, the overwhelm lessens.
4. Schedule Non-Negotiable Time for Yourself
Block time in your calendar for yourself, just as you would for meetings or other responsibilities. Whether it's time for exercise, self-care, or working toward your goals, treat it as a non-negotiable appointment.
5. Challenge Your Inner Dialogue
When fear, guilt, procrastination, or self-doubt arise, pause and get curious about these feelings. Are they based on facts, or are they stories you've created in your mind? Journaling can help you recognize patterns and break through mental blocks.
Taking action, even when fear or guilt creeps in, builds confidence. You’ll find that by dedicating time to yourself, you’re not neglecting your children, job, or relationships. In fact, your actions may inspire those around you to make positive changes in their own lives - hello, ripple effect!
Build a Support System
Lastly, building a strong support network is crucial for staying accountable and making progress. Whether it’s a friend to join you in workouts, a mentor to guide your career growth, or a coach to help you clarify and achieve your goals, having someone by your side to provide direction, encouragement, and accountability can make all the difference in turning your intentions into lasting success.
I'd love to hear what you're working on this fall, please share in the comments so that we can all support you!
Ready to Take Action?
If you’ve had the same goals for months or even years without achieving the progress you want, I’m here to support you. Subscribe for more inspiration and tips to optimize your health, achieve your career aspirations, and live a more fulfilling life. Looking for personalized support, either 1:1 or for your team or organization? Book a free discovery call here and let’s work together to create the change you’ve been waiting for.
