Transitioning Into a New Season After The Summer Holidays
September always feels like a fresh start, doesn’t it? The long summer days, the slightly chaotic routines (or lack of them!), the juggling of holidays, work, and family time - it all has its own magic. But then, September arrives with that familiar shift. The mornings feel cooler, the leaves hint at change, and suddenly it’s time to get back into the rhythm of work and everyday life.
For many of us, the post-summer transition brings a mix of relief and resistance. Relief that there’s a return to structure. Resistance because, well… who doesn’t miss lazy afternoons in the sun or slower mornings without school runs?
So how can you embrace this seasonal shift with more intention and less overwhelm?
1. Set New Year style goals
Someone recently said to me, “September feels like New Year.” And they’re right. After the slower pace of August… when routines go out of the window, inboxes are quieter, and motivation can dip… it’s normal to feel a little out of rhythm.
That’s why September is such a great reset point. Think about what you want the rest of the year to hold. What would you love to look back on in December and say, “I did that”? Set two or three clear, realistic goals that excite you:whether they’re about work, health, creativity, or simply creating more balance.
Instead of trying to force yourself straight back into high gear, use this “mini New Year” moment to step into the season with fresh energy and purpose.
2. Revisit Your Priorities
The summer often gives us perspective. Maybe you realised how much you needed that rest. Or how joyful it felt to be more present with loved ones. What would it look like to carry some of that into your working life? Small adjustments—a slower start one morning a week, finishing earlier on Fridays, or saying “no” more often—can keep you aligned with what really matters.
3. Don’t Overfill the Blank Pages
September can feel like a new year in miniature, and with it comes the temptation to say “yes” to everything. Fresh goals, new projects, commitments piling in. But remember: empty space in your calendar is not wasted space - it’s breathing room. Protect it.
4. Create Routines That Work For You
It’s tempting to jump into productivity hacks and rigid schedules, but the most powerful routines are the ones that actually fit your life. Think of them as gentle anchors, not shackles. A short walk before opening your laptop, a mid-morning stretch, or an end-of-day ritual that signals “I’m done.” These small, consistent habits are what sustain you.
5. Give Yourself Permission to Take Time
Transitions take energy. Adjusting after summer doesn’t happen overnight, and that’s okay. Be kind to yourself if the first few weeks feel a little bumpy. Like the seasons, you’ll find your rhythm again.
September isn’t just “back to work.” It’s an invitation to step into a new chapter with clarity and purpose. Instead of rushing headfirst, what if you approached it as a conscious reset?
Coaching is all about creating space to explore questions like these…about what you want this next season to look like, and how to make it happen in a way that works for you.
If you’d like support in finding your rhythm, setting meaningful goals, or making changes that actually stick, I’d love to chat.