Fall is my favorite time of year, and not just because I’m a fan of scenic foliage or Halloween. As a kid, I relished the excitement of returning to school, equipped with a brand-new backpack and supplies. I didn’t mind saying goodbye to sweltering summer days, and saying hello to sweaters and brisk, refreshing mornings that heralded the upcoming holiday season. For me, back then and today, fall represents a fresh start.
As an adult, the summer-to-fall transition signals that while the year is winding down, there’s still a quarter left to accomplish what I set out to do at the beginning of the year. This is also why I like Thursdays over Fridays – they symbolize the potential to make the week count, with time still on my side.
It wasn’t until I tuned into a Mel Robbins podcast recently, “How to Get Ahead of 99% of People (in 4 Months),” that I heard someone articulate so well why the fall offers such a unique window of opportunity. As Mel Robbins put it, this season isn’t just about the changing leaves; it’s a time for “leapfrogging change, hacking productivity, and maximizing your time and energy.” Here are four key insights she shared on why “September (and the subsequent three months) is when the wind is at your back”:
- The Shift in Seasons: January marks a calendar change but September is when life itself transforms. As summer vacations end, the environment around us shifts, prompting us to get serious about our goals.
- Back-to-School Motivation: The “Back to School Effect” ignites a desire to get productive. This conditioned response from our school days pushes us to embrace change and tackle our goals head-on with a renewed sense of purpose.
- Natural Productivity Boost: Research indicates that we are inherently more productive in the fall. Studies show that people accomplish 20% less in winter, making the fall a prime time for achievement.
- The Power of Deadlines: With only four months left in the year, the urgency to get stuff done heightens. Parkinson’s Law states that work expands to fill the time available, so tighter deadlines can enhance focus and drive results.
Whether you have professional aspirations or personal milestones in sight (or both!), harnessing the momentum of fall can make a difference in turning intentions into accomplishments — whether or not you choose to have a pumpkin spice latte by your side.
Gabi Barragan – Consulting Manager
