How to Have a Fresh Start This September (Even If You’re Not Going Back to School)

Unpopular opinion: Summer is vastly overrated. It’s always fun in the beginning, but by the time we hit the dog days of summer in mid-August, it’s lost all its appeal for me. Instead, I start longing for autumn. Give me cooler temperatures, pumpkins, and falling leaves, please!

But there’s something else that I’ve always loved about Autumn, especially as a kid. Back to school was always a magical time for me. I wish I could bottle that feeling and save it for a rainy day. No matter if I’m heading to school or not, early September will always feel like a time of transition and fresh starts. It feels like the perfect time to turn over a new leaf regardless of if you’re returning to school or not.

That’s why I wanted to compile a list of little ways you can have a fresh start this September. Read on for some simple tricks you can use to capture that back-to-school magic at any age!

Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links. That means that if you decide to make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your continued support!

1. Set goals for the coming year.

In school, teachers or professors create goals they want their students to achieve. But as an adult, it’s up to you to set your own goals. What do you want to accomplish this year, and how will you make your objectives become reality? Don’t make your goals so outlandish that you won’t be able to accomplish them; but at the same time, don’t be afraid to dream big!

I have a page in my journal with two columns – one for goals, and one for the things I need to do to achieve those goals. Splitting your goals up into smaller benchmarks can make them feel so much easier to achieve!

2. Invest in a planner to help you stay on track.

I find that putting my schedules and to-do lists on paper makes me so much more organized! Many planners are organized around the academic year, so September is the perfect time to invest in a new one. Click the images below to shop these adorable planners on Amazon:

3. Reflect on your past successes.

As we head into the home stretch of 2020 (finally!), it feels like the perfect time to look back on everything you’ve achieved this year. Although it’s been a tough one, reflecting with gratitude can help you feel accomplished and ready to accomplish even more!

4. Start a new hobby, course, or volunteer!

You don’t have to be going back to school to start something new this fall! It’s the perfect time to pick up a new hobby, start volunteering, or take an online course. Adding some new experiences to your life can help you have a fresh start this September!

Check out EdX to access courses from Harvard, MIT, and many other top rated institutions! Coursera also has a huge range of courses, including their awesome section of free mental health and wellbeing courses that you can find here.

5. Declutter your space.

You’ve heard of spring cleaning, but hear me out: fall cleaning. Starting September with a clean and organized room and home will boost your productivity and wellness this fall!

6. Treat yourself to some back-to-school clothes.

I always feel like back-to-school shopping in September, even though I’m not actually going back to school. If there’s room in your budget this month, why not pick up some new styles to keep you feeling your best in the new year?

My Mid-Size Inclusive Clothing Brands post features some of my favourite shopping destinations for standard, mid, or plus size ladies. If you want some retail therapy that will be a little friendlier on the planet and your wallet, why not consider thrifting some new-to-you pieces? With COVID-19 still restricting shopping all over the world, you need to check out ThredUp for the ultimate online thrifting experience! ThredUp offers a curated shopping experience where like-new pieces are sold for up to 90% of their original retail price. Plus, visit their website and enter your email to get up to 50% off your first purchase! Here are some of my favourite fall-friendly pieces from their site:

7. Plan something to look forward to.

You have had a tough couple months. We all have. You deserve to go into this new season with something to look forward to, no matter how big or small. Here are some of my suggestions:

  • Book an appointment with your hairdresser. Why not change up your appearance while you’re changing your mindset?
  • If it’s safe in your area, make a reservation at your favourite restaurant.
  • Try a weekend staycation, or even just a scenic drive! Road trips in the fall are vastly underrated; watch the leaves begin to change as you explore a new part of the place you call home.

Pin me for later!

Are you ready for a fresh start this September? Whatever plans you have this fall, I hope it brings you love, luck, and happiness. You deserve it!

115 thoughts on “How to Have a Fresh Start This September (Even If You’re Not Going Back to School)

    1. Thanks so much Lori Beth! So many people set goals in January but to me, September is the perfect time to revisit and motivate yourself again.

  1. Great ideas! I love using a planner, too. The idea of setting yearly goals in the fall is interesting and something I might try. Thanks for sharing!

  2. I love this so much. I have always felt more of a “restart” feeling at the beginning of fall than even on or around January first. It just seems like such a good time to reflect and organize. Thank you for sharing. ❤️

  3. Such a great post! Personally, I’m a fan of summer and warm temperatures, so I was starting to feel disappointed seeing that cooler temperatures are already around the corner (fellow Canadian blogger here!) But these tips will help me get out of my “end of summer blues”. I love the idea of setting new goals in the fall. Will definitely do that. Thanks again!

    1. Hi fellow Canadian! Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope these fall refreshes can make your autumn a little brighter. Take care!

  4. Yes – I’m so excited for September to hit! Starting school finally and being able to refresh the days (seriously, quarantine has felt like 2 years but also 3 weeks at the same time). Thanks for sharing love!

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