Thrive, Don’t Survive: Four October Imperatives to Finish the Year Strong

As we step into October, the holiday season looms on the horizon  – that rush from Halloween to Thanksgiving to Christmas, and New Year’s is fast approaching. The days are getting noticeably shorter and it’s the time of year when it can be easy to slip into the mindset of “starting over” in the new year if you haven’t achieved your 2024 goals yet. It’s also easy to get swept up in the festive mix, pulling focus from what is truly important to you. Consider this your call to action. Instead of merely surviving, take charge with these four October imperatives to help you thrive in the year's final quarter. 

1. Make Time for Quiet

Notice we said “make time” and not “find time”. This is intentional. Waiting to find time for yourself is like waiting for the perfect moment — it rarely comes. Instead, make an affirmative choice to let something go. This might mean canceling an appointment, saying no to an extra commitment, or simply clearing a spot on your calendar for quiet reflection. Quiet moments foster clarity, which is essential as the pace of life speeds up toward the holidays. If you wait until you “find” time, you’ll likely wake up six months from now and realize it never happened. 

Two practical ways to create extra time are: 1) Wake up a little earlier each day, and 2) Arrive at appointments 10-15 minutes early, using the extra time to breathe, reflect, or meditate. These simple adjustments to your daily habits will have a profound impact on your ability to focus and stay grounded.  

2. Be Intentional with Holiday Traditions

The holidays bring a wave of expectations, many of which may not resonate with you anymore. Your second October action is to be intentional about how you navigate the holiday season. If you love erecting a 10-foot skeleton in your yard for Halloween and then taking it down before Thanksgiving, by all means, do it! But if the idea of decking the halls feels like a burden, then permit yourself to NOT do it. Opt out of the expectations you impose on yourself and take a moment to check in with your body. Ask yourself: Does this activity bring you joy or stress? 

Traditions can be comforting, but they can also become obligations that can stifle us. It’s okay to let go of the activities or traditions that no longer serve you and prioritize those that align with how you want to feel this holiday season. 

3. Start New Goals Now

Why wait for January to set new goals? There’s no magic in the calendar turning to the next year. Resolutions do not necessarily need to coincide with the beginning of a new year to become effective. Decoupling goal-setting from the new year rush will make your resolutions more sustainable. The final tip to help you be more present, engaged, and purposeful for the home stretch of 2024 is to start working on new goals now. 

Use October to reflect on what you want to achieve and start laying the groundwork. Whether it’s a personal milestone, a professional goal, or a habit you’ve been meaning to develop, beginning now allows you to build momentum, making the transition into the new year smoother and more international. 

4. Embrace Gratitude and Reflection

As the year winds down, it’s easy to get caught up in what’s left to accomplish, but don’t forget to pause and appreciate what you’ve already achieved. Take time to reflect on the progress you’ve made in the last 10 months, no matter how big or small. 

Gratitude shifts your mindset from focusing on what’s lacking to celebrating your personal growth. It can be as simple as journaling three things you’re thankful for each night before bed or reflecting on the lessons you’ve learned in 2024. This practice will help you create a positive mindset to carry into the new year. 

How a Coach Can Help You Thrive

While these strategies can help you stay focused and intentional, a coach can provide the support and accountability you need to implement them effectively. A coach helps you clarify your goals, navigate distractions, and stay on track, offering guidance and feedback. They can assist you in finding a balance between productivity and self-care.

By adopting these four imperatives—creating quiet, being intentional, starting new goals now, and embracing gratitude, you’ll find yourself more present, purposeful and empowered to finish 2024 on a high note. Instead of merely surviving the final months, you’ll thrive and step into a new year with confidence and clarity. By partnering with a coach, you not only create a roadmap for success during this busy season, but you’ll also develop sustainable habits that will carry you into the new year and beyond.