September Reset: Using Coaching and Self-Reflection Strategies for a Better Work-Life Balance
As summer winds down and the pace of work picks up, many of us find ourselves at a crossroads.** September often represents a fresh start—a chance to reset, refocus, and realign our goals. For those feeling stuck or unfulfilled, this period can be an opportunity to make significant changes. We tend to view July as the end of a cycle, August as a time for reflection, and September as a new beginning. Whether you’re looking to advance in your career, improve your work-life balance, or embark on a new path, career coaching combined with self-reflection can provide the clarity and direction you need to move forward.
In this blog, part of my six-week series based on the “Shift It” coaching program we’ll explore how to use September as a reset point to enhance your work-life balance, redefine your career goals, and incorporate effective self-reflection techniques. By the end, you’ll be equipped with actionable insights and practical tools to help you thrive in the coming months.
The September Reset
September, with its crisp air and renewed energy, naturally invites reflection and planning. It’s the perfect time to bridge the gap between the relaxed summer and the hustle of the final quarter. Many professionals use this period to assess their careers and personal lives, asking critical questions about fulfillment and direction.
Before diving into September, take a moment to reflect on what you’ve achieved up until July. Celebrate your wins and use August to journal this is crucially important. Without taking the time to assess how you’ve done, it’s nearly impossible to refine your schedule and make more purposeful strategies moving forward. Consider questions like: What can you improve? Why and how? These should be on your mind as you create your roadmap for September. Journaling is a powerful tool—I encourage all my clients to keep an honest two-week journal to analyze their routines and identify key areas for improvement. I mean everything—diet, sleep, thoughts, daily routines. The more honest it is, the better it is.
Career coaching can play a crucial role during this time. It helps you uncover the hidden barriers that may be holding you back, whether they’re related to career stagnation, health issues, or personal disconnection. Together, we can focus on a key goal and achieve real progress in just six weeks through targeted coaching strategies.
The Role of Career Coaching
Career coaching isn’t just for those in crisis or contemplating a job change. It’s for anyone who wants to improve their professional life. Whether you’re aiming for a promotion, seeking better work-life balance, or considering a career shift, a coach provides the insight and accountability needed. Reflect on the character you want to embody in your life’s story. If someone made a film about you, what traits would this character have? What do you want to see in the mirror?
During a September reset, career coaching helps you:
1.Clarify Your Goal: A coach works with you to define what you truly want from your career. This involves deep self-reflection to assess strengths, weaknesses, passions, and values. This clarity is crucial for setting realistic, meaningful goals.
2. Overcome Barriers: Many face obstacles like the fear of failure or lack of confidence. A career coach helps identify these barriers and develop strategies to overcome them.
3. Develop a Plan: With clear goals and identified barriers, your coach assists in creating a step-by-step plan, including actionable tasks, timelines, and metrics for tracking progress.
4. Maintain Accountability: Regular check-ins with your coach ensure you stay focused and motivated, even when challenges arise.
The Importance of Self-Reflection
Self-reflection is essential for both personal and professional growth. It involves evaluating your actions, thoughts, and emotions to see how they align with your goals and values. During a September reset, self-reflection helps you understand what you want to achieve and why it matters.
Effective Self-Reflection Strategies
1. Journaling: Track your daily activities, challenges, and successes. This practice helps you identify where you need to focus your energy or alter your approach. Whether it’s on your phone or using pen and paper, just make sure it’s done daily.
2. Mindfulness Meditation: This technique helps you stay present and aware of your thoughts and feelings, making it easier to identify obstacles and areas for change. Yes, meditation—and I highly recommend the Peloton for this.
3. Feedback from Others: Seek insights from colleagues, mentors, or friends to gain a new perspective on your strengths and areas for improvement. If there is someone you trust and respect, just ask them—it may help.
4. SWOT Analysis: Conduct a personal SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) to assess your current situation and guide your growth and career development.
Balancing Work and Life
Achieving a healthy work-life balance is increasingly challenging in today’s fast-paced world. Many professionals are overworked and stressed, struggling to find time for personal interests and relationships. Without balance, sustained success and happiness are difficult to achieve.
A September reset provides the perfect opportunity to reassess your work-life balance. Here’s how [career coaching can assist:
1. Setting Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life, such as defining work hours, creating a dedicated workspace, or learning to decline additional responsibilities.
2. Prioritizing Self-Care: Self-care is essential. Your coach will encourage you to engage in activities that recharge you, like exercise, hobbies, and time with loved ones.
3. Time Management: Develop strategies to manage your time more efficiently, ensuring you allocate time for both work and personal activities.
4. Aligning Career with Life Goals: Ensure your career supports your life goals. Whether advancing in your current role or transitioning to a new career, your coach will help you find a path that aligns with your personal values and aspirations.
Implementing Your September Reset
Implementing a September reset involves action. Here’s how to get started:
1. Reflect on the Past Year: Review your achievements, challenges, and lessons learned. Use this reflection to set goals for the coming months.
2. Set Clear Goals: Establish specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals based on your reflections.
3. Create a Plan: Develop a detailed plan for achieving your goals. Break each goal into smaller tasks, set deadlines, and include time for self-reflection and work-life balance activities.
4. Seek Support: Work with a coach for guidance and accountability. Reach out for a free session by email team@gbslifecoach.com.
5. Monitor Your Progress: Regularly review and adjust your plan based on what’s working and what isn’t.
6. Celebrate Successes: Acknowledge and celebrate each victory as you move closer to your larger goals.
Embrace the September Reset
September is more than just the end of summer; it’s a chance to reset, refocus, and realign your life and career. Combining career coaching with self-reflection can provide a powerful foundation for achieving your goals and improving your work-life balance. Whether you’re looking to advance in your current role, start a new career path, or find more joy in daily life, a September reset can help you achieve a more fulfilling and balanced life.
If you’re ready to take the first step towards a more fulfilling life, I invite you to schedule a call with me and I will send you a free E-Book, the “Balance Blueprint.”
Look forward to hearing from you,
Greg Styan
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