As September arrives, many professionals feel the weight of a long year. Summer has faded, the back-to-school rush is in full swing, and the final quarter looms before the holiday season. To enter the New Year feeling accomplished and proud of 2025, use these five questions to refocus, rebuild momentum, and set yourself up for a strong finish.
1. Which Goals Have I Overlooked?
At the start of the year, you likely set bold goals with enthusiasm. But as work piles up and personal demands grow, those ambitions can slip out of focus. Now is the time to revisit your 2025 goals. Review what you aimed to achieve, assess your progress, and create a realistic plan to tackle what’s left before December. Fall offers a fresh chance to realign and recommit.
2. What in My Career Is Ready to Level Up?
The Purposescaping philosophy views fall as the season to bring efforts to fruition. In your career, this might mean pushing for a promotion or raise. For your business, it could involve formalizing a sales process for a product or service you’ve been developing. If you’ve been nurturing leads or exploring new roles, September is the moment to move those efforts forward with purpose.
3. How Can I Maintain My Healthy Habits?
If you prioritized rest, socializing, or wellness this summer—building momentum in health, hobbies, or relationships—don’t let the busy fall season derail them. Schedule your priorities like appointments: block time for exercise, hobbies, or connecting with loved ones. By making wellness a non-negotiable part of your routine, you ensure it doesn’t get sidelined.
4. Who Can Keep Me Accountable?
Accountability boosts your chances of success. Studies show that writing down goals or sharing them with someone increases follow-through. After clarifying your year-end goals, enlist an accountability partner—a colleague, mentor, or friend—to check in weekly on your progress. Their support can keep you focused and motivated.
5. When Can I Schedule Time to Recharge?
High achievers are prone to burnout, making planned rest essential for peak performance. Review your PTO balance, upcoming holidays, or vacation days. Identify opportunities for a getaway, staycation, or even a long weekend to recharge. Pre-scheduling rest ensures you have the energy to sustain your Q4 push and finish the year strong.
September is a natural reset point to reclaim your goals and end 2025 on a high note. By reflecting on these five questions, you can sharpen your focus, advance your career, preserve healthy habits, leverage accountability, and prioritize rest. Take charge of Q4 to enter the New Year with pride and momentum.