Is September the Best Month to Set Goals?
Leaf peeping in Western Mass
"Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall." – F. Scott Fitzgerald
We usually think of January as the season for fresh starts. The clean slate of a new year has its own magic. But what if September is actually even better when it comes to setting meaningful goals and creating change?
Here are four reasons why fall might be the perfect season to reset, refocus, and reimagine what’s possible:
1. Back-to-School Energy
For years, September has been connected to new beginnings. Even if you haven’t stepped into a classroom in decades, you probably still feel the echo of sharpened pencils, clean notebooks, and a brand-new schedule.
That “back-to-school” mindset can be a huge motivator in adulthood. After the slower pace of summer, September naturally nudges us back into structure and routine. That shift alone can give you the focus you need to start something new.
If you spent the summer traveling, enjoying the outdoors, or simply resting, that renewed energy can now fuel your goals and carry you into the season ahead.
2. A Built-In Checkpoint
By September, three-quarters of the year has already passed. That makes it the perfect checkpoint to pause and reflect.
Ask yourself:
What has worked well so far this year?
What didn’t go as planned?
What do I still want to accomplish before the year ends?
Looking back helps you gain perspective. You may realize you’ve already achieved more than you thought, or you might see areas where your attention has drifted. Either way, September gives you a chance to realign with what matters most.
3. Seasonal Momentum
Fall often brings a burst of energy that’s hard to find in winter. The shorter, darker days of December and January can leave many of us feeling like hibernating instead of starting something new.
September, on the other hand, is full of possibility. The weather is crisp and motivating, the days are still relatively long, and there’s a sense of movement in the air as people return from summer breaks.
Here in the Bay Area, we get some of our best weather of the year in the fall, which makes it an ideal season for tackling new projects or creating healthier routines. Starting now gives you momentum that can carry you through the more challenging months ahead.
4. A Perfect 90-Day Window
There’s something powerful about a 90-day timeframe. It’s long enough to make real progress, but short enough to keep your energy and focus intact.
From September through December, you essentially have a built-in 90-day container to work toward something meaningful before the holidays arrive. Whether it’s getting stronger, finishing a creative project, or building consistency with a new habit, this window is an ideal opportunity to make change feel achievable.
Your Turn
What would feel amazing to accomplish between now and the end of the year? Imagine looking back in December and knowing you used these last few months with intention.
Whether you’re craving more energy, wanting to prioritize your health, or ready to focus on a personal project, September is the perfect time to begin.
I’d love to hear your thoughts—send me a message with your goals. Let’s make this fall the season you set yourself up for success.
