With just a few more days until October, it’s the perfect time to ponder upon what we can do with these few months to (not only) win the year but also set ourselves up for a new. 

For many, the tradition of setting New Year’s resolutions has become a familiar ritual. New Year New me addage and the promise of a fresh start often ignites a burst of enthusiasm, encouraging us to envision a better version of ourselves.

Do you remember your 2023 goals, do you have them written down somewhere, How often do you revisit them to measure your progress?

There’s a glaring issue with this practice—by mid-January, the initial zeal wanes, and resolutions start slipping through the cracks.

According to a study by the University of Scranton, only about 8% of people actually achieve their New Year’s resolutions. And I hope you are one of these people! But perhaps even more telling is the fact that over 80% of resolutions fail by mid-February, a disheartening reality for those striving for positive change.

The January Resolution Plunge

There are numerous reasons for this decline in resolution adherence. Often, our resolutions are overly ambitious or vague, lacking specific, achievable goals. Often these goals are not aligned with our own values; they are just flashy ideas we saw on social media and thought it would be nice to have… Additionally, life’s demands and unforeseen challenges can derail our best intentions. Especially when we are not sure why we chose that particular goal for ourselves. A lack of a structured plan, accountability, and proper support systems can further contribute to the decline in resolution success.

A Paradigm Shift: Starting in October

In light of the struggle that comes with adhering to resolutions post-January, I would like to suggest an alternative. Why not begin setting our resolutions in October?

It’s a notion that challenges tradition and introduces a proactive approach to personal growth. I started doing it a few years ago for a few reasons. Firstly, following Tokyo’s scorching summer, the refreshing arrival of October renews our vigor to take action, explore, learn, and strive for self-improvement. In addition, as our kids start their academic year, they are happy and excited to go back to school. Seeing them embark on the new academic challenge always makes me want to learn new skills up-level myself.

Imagine having a head start on your resolutions, a chance to build momentum and foster healthy habits before the year ends.

Starting in October means you navigate the holiday season with a clear plan, reducing the likelihood of being swept away by distractions.

Why even consider doing this?

Setting New Year’s resolutions in October instead of waiting until January has several potential benefits:

• Early Momentum and Head Start

Initiating resolutions in October provides a significant head start, allowing us to establish momentum and make progress towards our goals well before the new year. This early progress can increase motivation and determination for achieving the resolutions.

• Test Drive and Reflection

Starting resolutions in October allows for a trial period, allowing us to test the feasibility and sustainability of our goals. This “test drive” period helps in assessing whether the resolutions are realistic and whether they align with our own lifestyle. Basically, do these dreams and desires come from me? 

• Reduced Distractions

The months of October and November typically experience fewer distractions compared to the holiday season in December. Starting considering resolutions in this period allows us to focus better and dedicate more time and effort towards achieving our goals without the added busyness and travels of December.

• Avoiding New Year’s Rush

By setting resolutions in October, we can avoid the rush and pressure associated with setting goals at the beginning of the year when many people make resolutions simultaneously. This could lead to a more thoughtful process.

• Longer Planning and Preparation

Having an extra few months to plan and prepare for the resolutions can lead to a more comprehensive and well-thought-out approach. This additional time allows for setting goals that are more alinged with your own value system. You can more time to consider what it is that you want to do, what youwant to experience and what new skills you want to get. Take as long as a few weeks for this soncious process. 

• Increased Motivation

Knowing that you’ve committed to your resolutions and have already made progress can boost motivation, as you enter the new year with a sense of accomplishment and determination to continue pursuing your goals.

• Better Reflection on Past Year

Starting resolutions in October provides an opportunity to reflect on the current year’s progress, achievements, and areas for improvement. This reflection can inform the development of meaningful and relevant goals for the upcoming year.

• Improved Goal Achievement Rate

Research suggests that those who set goals with a clear plan and a longer timeline are more likely to achieve them. Initiating resolutions in October provides ample time for planning and execution, potentially leading to higher success rates in achieving the set goals.

So, as we stand on the cusp of October, I invite you to consider this proactive approach! Who knows, you may give it a try and, lo and behold, you have a clear, authentic, plan in place for your resolutions well before the new year begins.

For one thing, this method allows us to navigate the holiday season with our goals in mind, knowing our priorities, minimizing the tendency to let go (and have our way with those desserts) during the holidays and ensuring a more seamless transition into the new year with established habits and routines.

And as always, remember, the key is to stay flexible, adapt as needed, and celebrate even the small victories along the way. Just like our strength and flexibility which build up in increments, consistency and gradual progress will lead to sustainable changes, making our newly chosen habits to stick in the long run.