This week we’ll talk about doing a meaningful reset as we head into the last quarter of the year and the coming holiday season.
This year has gone fast! But there’s still time to reflect on what’s gone well, what needs improvement, and what you’d like to accomplish next year
We are now into the 4th quarter of the year with just 3 months left of this year. The holidays are approaching quickly. This is a good time to do a reset and get ready to make the most of the last three months of the year.
But why now? It’s sort of like the last stretch of a race or the fourth quarter of an American football game–a push to finish well. There is nothing otherwise particularly special about October or the 4th quarter. We can do a reset any day. But there’s a symbolic value to this particular time that makes it useful as a trigger or reminder to pause, reset our home and our habits, set ourselves up for the year-end holidays, and make sure we’re on track for making a life that matters as we each define it for ourself.
This isn’t about identifying what’s wrong with you or your life and “fixing” it. It’s an opportunity to pause, take a look back and a look ahead, and set things in order for a strong finish to the year. In her blog post, one writer says,
“A good reset involves aligning the daily actions of your life with your overall goals and desires.” [from 20 Ways to Reset Your Life This Fall]
The nice thing about pausing now is there’s still enough time–about 12 weeks–left in the year to make real progress in whatever areas matter to us, and enough time to get ready for the year-end holidays.
Areas to reset
Home
Joanna Gaines, on the Magnolia blog, talks about how October for her is a time of beginning and shares how she approaches it, starting with considering what to purge–from her mind and from her home. She even offers a one-page printable you can use to list what to purge, what to organize, ways to shift mentally, and ways to visually reset.
Use this time to do a wardrobe reset. One writer’s suggestion:
“Go through your closets and get rid of any spring/summer clothes you did not wear this year. Take a look at your winter stuff too, especially coats, and donate the stuff you know you won’t wear this year. (The fall is a perfect time to donate winter attire to a local nonprofit serving people experiencing homelessness.) Then, organize your winter gear to make getting dressed in the morning a breeze; get a basket for each member of your family to store their hats, gloves, etc.” [see 5 Ways to Reset for Fall]
Do the same for your kitchen and the living areas of your home: declutter, clean, make space and make ready for the holiday season; help your kids purge their toys, etc., to make space for incoming gifts.
I want to do the same for my office. December is historically an extremely busy month for my legal work, so I want to make sure my workspace is clear, clean, functional, and a pleasant place to work in, because I’ll be spending a lot of time there between now and the end of the year.
Health
This is a good time to rethink your eating and exercise approach. If you’ve fallen off the wagon, can you plan some healthier meals and some workouts, so you’re feeling your best as we move into the holiday season? Maybe grab a new workout outfit or sign up for a class at the gym (or online) to boost your motivation.
Make time for some self-care in the form of time blocked out to relax. I have a small stack of books I’m looking forward to reading, so blocking in time to sit with my tea and a book–even if it’s just 15 or 20 minutes a day.
Do you need to schedule a checkup with your doctor, dentist, or eye doctor?
Habits
We’ve talked about this recently, but have you done anything about it? If not, take some time to evaluate your habits and consider whether you want to tweak any to serve you better. Take a look at your morning routine; your evening routine; how you spend your lunch break; how you’re feeding your body (e.g., snacks, fast food, missing meals); how you’re feeding your mind and spirit (e.g., less TV and more inspirational reading?); habitual self-talk?;
Goals
Did you set goals for yourself this year? How are you progressing? What do you need to do in the next 3 months to achieve what you want for this year, personally and professionally? What is the next small step, and when will you take it? Get it on your calendar–or just do it now.
One writer suggests it’s a good time to review your budget. [see 5 Ways to Reset for Fall]. This makes sense because maybe you have holiday spending coming up or need to make some year-end contributions to your 401k.
Holiday prep
What holidays will you celebrate this year? How do you want to celebrate, and with whom?
I don’t decorate for Christmas until the 1st of December, but I’ve been thinking about what I want to do and know I need to order one particular item soon so it’s here in time. Think ahead about anything you’ll want in the home for the holidays and order soon. Don’t forget about supply chain issues and delivery delays.
A member of the TPW community shared her idea of having her home professionally decorated for the holidays, so she needs to book that well ahead of time.
Plan a gathering with friends and family before the busy holiday party and event season really starts. Make it something casual and fun–a potluck?
Schedule hair appointments, etc., before the hairdresser’s (and other providers’) schedule gets filled up.
For more ideas, check out episode 159 (10 Things to Do Now to Prepare for the Holidays) and episode 319 (Holiday Prep).
Keep it simple
The reset I’m talking about isn’t about building a huge to-do list for this final quarter of the year, but instead about being intentional about where we spend our time, energy, attention–and money.
Write down 3 things you’d like to do between now and the end of the year–3 things you can look forward to; 3 memories you’d like to make for yourself or with those you love; 3 small things you’d like to cross off your bucket list.
Final Thoughts
Keep it in perspective. As we make plans and take action to accomplish our goals for ourselves, our life, even the holidays, determine to enjoy and be present with the people and experiences that matter to us, to not succumb to the pressure to perform and impress. Pay attention to how you feel about the goals you identify, the plans you’re making, or the things you’re invited to participate in. Look for joy, and follow peace.
What do you think?
What’s one thing you’d like to accomplish or experience before this year ends? What step can you take this week to make it happen? Post your suggestions in the comments section below or in The Productive Woman Community Facebook group, or email me.
Resources and Link
TPW episodes
Other resources
- A Fall Reset Blog – Magnolia
- 20 Ways to Reset Your Life This Fall – Boundless
- Fall Reset Wellness Essentials You Need
- 5 Ways to Reset for Fall – Barefoot Blonde by Amber Fillerup Clark
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