While summer’s end may bring nostalgia, the arrival of fall offers a powerful opportunity for renewal. September, with its back-to-school energy and Q4 focus, feels like the true new year for many business leaders. Unlike January’s fanfare, fall’s quiet shift inspires action, filling calendars and igniting momentum.
Behavioral scientist Katherine Milkman, a Wharton professor, calls this the fresh start effect. Her research, published in a 2014 Management Science paper, shows that temporal landmarks—like the start of a new year, a birthday, or the fall season—motivate people to pursue goals by creating a psychological break from past setbacks. In her book How to Change: The Science of Getting From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be, Milkman highlights how fall’s back-to-work vibe can spark meaningful progress.
As an executive communication coach, I urge clients to lean into this seasonal reset strategically. Here are three ways to harness the fresh start effect to elevate your career and business.
1. Refine Your Personal Brand
Kick off fall by sharpening your professional image:
- Conduct a 360-degree brand audit: Ask three to five trusted colleagues or mentors what qualities or strengths they associate with you. Compare their feedback to your desired professional identity and make adjustments.
- Update your LinkedIn profile: Refresh your headline, about section, and featured content to reflect your current goals and expertise. A polished profile signals growth and relevance.
- Revamp your self-introduction: Use the three-point framework—who you are, what establishes your credibility, and what excites you moving forward. A concise, updated introduction reinforces your brand narrative.
2. Rebuild Your Network
Fall’s return to routine is ideal for reconnecting:
- Reach out to dormant contacts: Send a brief, personalized email to former colleagues, clients, or mentors. Try something like, “I hope you had a great summer! I’m excited about [project/idea] this fall—what’s new with you?” This rekindles ties and opens opportunities.
- Host a gathering: Organize a small in-person or virtual roundtable with peers or clients around a relevant topic. Taking the lead strengthens relationships and positions you as a connector and leader.
3. Amplify Your Thought Leadership
Establish yourself as a forward-thinking voice in your field:
- Share a curated reading list: Pick five industry-relevant articles, books, or podcasts and share them via LinkedIn or email. Curating content showcases your expertise effortlessly.
- Write a trend-focused piece: Publish a LinkedIn post or article analyzing a key industry trend from 2025 and your predictions for 2026. This positions you as a thought leader with vision.
Seize the Moment
The fresh start effect reminds us that you don’t need to wait for January to reset. Fall’s energy is perfect for refining your brand, reconnecting with your network, and amplifying your thought leadership. To sustain this momentum, plan ahead—secure speaking engagements, projects, or collaborations for 2026 now. Leaders who embrace fresh starts don’t just follow the calendar—they shape it.