September Reset: Top tips on focusing your goals and creating new productive rituals

“From not checking my phone first thing, to reading before I go to bed each night, these small changes will hopefully help me reach my goals”

Rachel Hennessy owns fashion rental platform Happy Days

At the end of August, Rachel Hennessy found herself exhausted after a long summer of bad weather, a whirl of social activities, and lack of routine. The owner of fashion rental platform Happy Days said she saw a post on Instagram that prompted a September reset, and felt it was exactly what she needed. 

“If I’m being honest, I was kind of deflated. I love the idea of a reset in September as there is something about that time of year when we were younger would mean the return to school and routine. It makes it the perfect opportunity to reflect and get excited for the months ahead.” 

Rachel isn’t alone in feeling the sense of a fresh start with the advent of September. It’s what I call the ‘sharpen your pencils’ mentality. It’s time to get inspired and finally tackle some of those goals you’ve been putting off. Perhaps it’s the arrival of crisp autumn days or the prospect of cosy jumpers, but starting new back-to-school routines feels a little easier.

According to Denise Kenny Byrne, founder of The Headplan, there’s an increased willingness to start with a clean slate this month. 

“Often something as simple as journaling every day is a great tool to gain clarity,” she suggests. “Ask yourself what you really want and then create rituals around it. Rituals are sequences of actions or activities done at a set time of the day that help your personal development and goals because it’s something you enjoy doing. By starting each day with a ritual, you’re setting an intention for the day ahead, and ensuring you rule the day instead of the other day around.” 

They aren’t the only benefits.

“Two very exciting things happen when you set a new goal” explains Kenny Byrne, whose journals are now available at pop-up shops. 

“One, you get clarity on what it is you want, which in turn makes you more likely to actually get what you want. And two, you activate the part of the brain responsible for sorting and filtering. This part of the brain, known as the Reticular Activating System, works in your favour by constantly being on the lookout for things related to your goal, making the attainment of your goal so much easier."

Often something as simple as journaling every day is a great tool to gain clarity

A Harvard business study found that people who set goals were ten times more likely to succeed than those who don’t. Another found that people with ambitious goals are happier and more satisfied, and other research says 90% of people perform better with relevant and challenging goals. 

Ask yourself what ritual you couldn’t live without. You can even create mini-ones for the days you aren’t feeling it and just want to hit snooze. Rachel said she was surprised by how effective it was to create her own vision board. 

“I wanted to chart what I wanted the remaining months of the year to look like. I did this the old-school way and got lots of old magazines and cut out different pictures, words, etc, to stick to a page. I told my husband what I was doing and the next day came home to some glue and new markers sitting on my desk.” 

Rachel says she set some intentions and instantly felt better. 

“I wrote down some goals for the rest of the year, and what I would like to feel like by December 31. I also reflected on the last few months by writing a list of things I was grateful for and looking back through my photos to remember all the moments of joy big or small. Finally, with the darker mornings and evenings starting to creep in, I asked myself what I wanted my morning and evening routine to look like. 

"I’m not great at keeping a routine so this is something I really wanted to nail now for the rest of 2023. From not checking my phone first thing in the morning, to reading before I go to bed each night, these small changes will help me reach the goals of the Rachel I want to be by the end of the year." 

Kenny Byrne says often taking the first step is the hardest part. 

“Divide and conquer, sitting down and really thinking about what you want in life can be pretty overwhelming the first time around. But you can break them down into different categories: finance, business and career, self-care and wellness, family and friends, personal development and learning, physical environment. It could be improving your workspace or owning your own home. Whatever it is, a good environment can set you up for success. 

"Think about what you need to perform at your best and write it down. Putting pen to paper is the first step. There are just over 100 days left in the year so make them count. Speak positive words into your life every single morning. Think big. Think healing. Think success. Think happiness.” 

Here are Denise’s top tips for creating a ritual this September.

Simply taking some time to pause and reflect on your current morning and nighttime routine is a great starting point for taking accountability to create a solid foundation for yourself to have a positive and productive day.

The evening ritual:

An evening ritual holds immense importance as it sets the stage for a restful night's sleep and ensures that a good day starts before you even close your eyes. The purpose of an evening ritual is to create a space for relaxation, reflection, and rejuvenation.

Try to disconnect from electronic devices and engage in activities that nourish your mind and body, such as journaling, meditation, or reading. You create a buffer zone that helps transition from the busyness of the day to a state of tranquillity.

Create a calming environment: Take steps to create a sleep-friendly environment that supports deep, uninterrupted rest. Ensure your bedroom is cool, dark, and quiet. Invest in comfortable pillows and a supportive mattress. Consider using blackout curtains, earplugs, or a white noise machine if necessary. By optimising your sleep environment, you can enhance the quality of your sleep and wake up feeling more refreshed.

Disconnect from screens: As bedtime approaches, it's crucial to avoid stimulating activities that can interfere with your sleep. Minimize exposure to bright screens, such as smartphones and TVs, as the blue light emitted can disrupt your natural sleep cycle.

Practice relaxation techniques: Incorporate a series of relaxing activities into your evening routine to signal to your body and mind that it's time to unwind. This could involve taking a warm bath infused with calming essential oils, practising gentle yoga or stretching, or engaging in a soothing mindfulness meditation. Find what works best for you and make it a consistent part of your nightly ritual.

The morning ritual 

A morning routine is one that allows you to take charge of your day proactively. By setting aside dedicated time for self-care and personal growth in the morning, you prioritise your well-being and ensure that you start the day on your terms. This sense of ownership empowers you to be more intentional and purposeful in your actions, helping you stay focused and in control throughout the day. Ultimately, a well-designed morning routine serves as a powerful tool for personal development and self-mastery.

Start with intention: Begin by setting clear intentions for your morning routine. Reflect on what you hope to achieve and how you want to feel throughout the day. Consider aspects such as mindfulness, productivity, self-care, or personal growth. This intention will guide the activities you choose and help you stay focused on your desired outcomes.

Wake up earlier: Give yourself ample time in the morning by waking up earlier than necessary. This extra time allows you to ease into the day without feeling rushed or stressed. Gradually adjust your sleep schedule to ensure you get enough restful sleep and wake up feeling refreshed. Consistency is key to establishing a healthy wake-up time.

Start your day the nourishing way: Start your day by hydrating your body with a glass of water to replenish lost fluids from sleep. Consider including a nourishing breakfast or a healthy smoothie to give your body essential nutrients and energy for the day ahead. Mindfully consuming a nutritious meal can enhance your overall well-being and promote sustained focus and productivity.

Consistency is key: By adhering to a consistent routine, you create a sense of structure and predictability that can enhance the effectiveness of not just your morning ritual but all the routines and structures that scaffolds your life.