While our days of going back to school in September might be over, most of us can’t say the same for that feeling we all get when the Fall rolls around. This feeling we get is something called the “fresh start effect”. It’s the same feeling we get as we approach the New Year that motivates us to set new goals and take action. In psychology, this principle suggests that it’s easiest to develop new habits at natural transition points — such as the Fall.
While most entrepreneurs tend to set their targets at the beginning of the New Year, here are 3 reasons why you need to take advantage of the “fresh start effect” this September instead:
1. STARTING NOW GIVES YOU A HEAD START
Most people tend to wait for the New Year to come up with some new goals. Businesses as well tend to make projections and set quarterly targets for the upcoming year towards that time. But if you start earlier and take advantage of the “fresh start effect” we all naturally get at this time of year, you are already a few steps ahead of the competition. By the time everyone else gets started in January, you’re way ahead of them.
2. CATCH UP ON THE SUMMER SLACK
Most of us hate to admit it, but business is usually slow during the Summer months — particularly the end of the summer. Most people are on vacation, which means teams are not operating at full capacity. Those who aren’t relaxing in Europe are shortening their work hours whenever their workload permits it.
By picking up work and setting new goals in September — especially after a relaxing Summer — you’re allowing yourself to catch up on everything that might have fallen off your to do list over the summer. Take advantage of that productive energy you’re feeling now that the air is turning cooler, invest that energy into your business.
3. SET YOURSELF UP TO FINISH THE YEAR STRONG
The last quarter of the year starts October 1st, so take the rest of September to set some new goals so you can crush your last quarter. Whatever it is you’ve still got to accomplish in your business to finish the year off in the “green” zone can be established this month. Plus, nothing makes it more motivating to work hard for three months than knowing you will be rewarded with a few days off towards the Holiday season.
The momentum at this time of year is strong — the energy in the air is palpable. While we may have all been conditioned to consider January as our only shot at a fresh start, it’s now time for us to tap into the opportunities that the month of September provides. If you need help establishing some new goals.