The air had just started to crisp, and pumpkin spice was everywhere. But as September drew
to a close, I felt a familiar sense of unease. My ambitious New Year’s resolutions, set with so
much hope back in January, felt distant and a little… dusty. I had made progress, sure, but I
wasn’t on track. The weight of unmet expectations for Q4 was starting to feel heavy.
That’s when I decided to try something different. Instead of waiting for January 1st to roll
around again, I embraced the idea of an October reset. This wasn’t about scrapping
everything and starting over. It was about a thoughtful goal realignment, a chance to check
in with myself and adjust my sails for the final stretch of the year. This process completely
changed my perspective on personal growth and helped me finish the year strong.
If you’re feeling a little off-course, this is your sign to join me. Here’s my story and the exact
steps I took to realign my goals, finish the year with purpose, and start my Q4 planning with
a clear head.
Why an October Reset Works
Most of us treat goal setting as a once-a-year event. We set huge, ambitious targets in January
and then wonder why our motivation fizzles out by March. The truth is, life happens. Our
priorities shift, unexpected challenges pop up, and what seemed important at the start of the
year might not be as relevant nine months later.
An October reset provides a crucial checkpoint. It’s a low-pressure opportunity to look at
what’s working, what isn’t, and what you truly want to accomplish before the year ends. It
bridges the gap between the initial burst of New Year’s energy and the reflective mood of the
holiday season, making it the perfect time for a strategic adjustment.
My 4-Step Guide to a Powerful Goal Realignment
I didn’t follow a complicated system. I just took a quiet afternoon, a journal, and my favourite
pen. This simple practice of self-reflection helped me get back on track with achieving goals
that truly mattered.
Step 1: Conduct an Honest Goal Audit
The first thing I did was brutally honest. I pulled out the list of goals I had written for Q4. It
was a mix of professional ambitions, fitness targets, and personal development projects. For
each one, I asked myself three simple questions:
-Is this still relevant? One of my goals was to learn a specific software for a job I was
considering. But my career path had shifted. Holding onto that goal was just creating
unnecessary pressure. I crossed it off, and it was incredibly freeing.
-What progress have I made? I looked at my goal to read 24 books. I was only at 12.
Instead of feeling like a failure, I celebrated the 12 books I did read. Acknowledging
progress, no matter how small, is a key part of staying motivated.
-What roadblocks did I hit? My fitness goals had stalled because of a minor injury.
Recognizing the why behind a lack of progress is crucial. It’s not about making
excuses; it’s about identifying real-world obstacles so you can plan around them.
This audit wasn’t about judgment. It was about gathering data. By the end, I had a much
clearer picture of where I stood.
Step 2: Redefine and Refine Your Goals
With my audit complete, it was time for the goal realignment. This is where the magic
happens. I didn’t just throw out my old list. I refined it.
For my reading goal, instead of stressing about reading 12 more books in three months, I
changed it to “read for 20 minutes every day.” This shifted the focus from a daunting outcome
to a manageable daily habit. It felt achievable and brought the joy back into reading for me.
For my stalled professional goal, I replaced it with something new and exciting that aligned
with my current career trajectory: “complete a certification in project management.” This new
target re-energized me because it was directly connected to my current personal growth
journey.
Your turn: Look at your list. Can you break a big goal down into a smaller, more immediate
action? Can you swap an outdated goal for something that excites you right now?
Step 3: Create a 90-Day Sprint Plan
The end of the year can feel like a mad dash. To avoid the chaos, I treated the period from
October to December as a 90-day sprint. A year is a long time, but anyone can focus for 90
days.
I broke down my refined goals into monthly and weekly tasks.
Goal: Complete the project management certification.
October Plan: Research and enroll in a course. Complete the first two modules.
November Plan: Complete modules 3-5.
December Plan: Study for and pass the final exam
This structure turned a big goal into a clear, step-by-step roadmap. Each week, I
knew exactly what I needed to do. This simple act of planning was a game-changer
for achieving goals that once felt overwhelming. It builds momentum and gives you
small wins to celebrate along the way.
Step 4: Focus on Systems, Not Just Goals
Finally, the most important part of my October reset was a shift in mindset. I realized that
goals are destinations, but systems are the vehicle that gets you there. You don’t achieve a
fitness goal by staring at a number on a scale; you achieve it by building a system of regular
workouts and healthy eating.
I looked at my most important goals and built systems to support them.
For my new reading habit: I put a book on my pillow each morning so I’d see it
before bed. System, check.
For the certification: I blocked out two evenings a week in my calendar for “Study
Time.” System, check.
These systems automate your progress. They reduce your reliance on willpower, which is a
finite resource, and make it easier to show up even on days you don’t feel motivated.
Your Invitation to an October Reset
That experience taught me that progress isn’t a straight line. It’s a series of adjustments. My
October reset didn’t just help me salvage Q4; it set me up for a more intentional and
successful 2025. I entered the new year with clarity, momentum, and a proven system for
making things happen.
You don’t have to wait for the ball to drop in Times Square to take control of your life. Give
yourself the gift of a mid-course correction. Take an afternoon this week to reflect, refine, and
reignite your ambition. You might be surprised at how much you can accomplish when you
give yourself the grace to reset.
Feeling off-track with your Q4 goals? Learn how to use an October reset for goal
realignment and personal growth to finish the year strong. Subscribe Today !!!