As the transition from summer to autumn approaches, experts highlight the psychological benefits of using this seasonal shift as an opportunity for meaningful life changes. Psychologists refer to this phenomenon as the “fresh start effect,” a concept supported by research from Hengchen Dai, Katherine Milkman, and Jason Riis. Their studies show that temporal landmarks—such as the start of a new month or semester—can motivate individuals to separate themselves from past setbacks and aspire toward personal growth.

However, experts caution that the mere passage of time is not enough to sustain motivation. Without intentional changes to daily routines and schedules, the initial enthusiasm inspired by fresh starts often fades quickly. To leverage this reset effectively, individuals are encouraged to take proactive steps, such as carving out dedicated time for self-reflection through activities like phone-free walks, journaling, or candid conversations.

Reflecting on experiences and feelings from the summer months can provide valuable insights into what energizes or drains one’s spirit, as well as what is missing from daily life. This kind of reflection often becomes clearer during breaks from regular responsibilities, such as holidays, when typical momentum halts and space opens for observation. Yet experts note a common challenge: many return to their usual routines so quickly that these insights are overlooked, leading to a cycle of unchanged behavior and unfulfilled aspirations.

Rob Cross, author and coach, emphasizes the importance of building upon this contemplation with pragmatic action. Drawing on years of coaching experience, he recommends focusing on three core questions to guide purposeful change:

1. Who am I? Stripped of professional titles and social roles, what qualities and relationships define authentic selfhood? Are there roles that no longer feel genuine or sustainable?

2. Why am I here? What activities or connections provide a sense of meaningfulness? This need not be a grand life purpose but can include family, community service, creative practice, or reliability to others.

3. How will I live? How can the insights from the first two questions translate into concrete daily actions? This might involve scheduling regular social contact, adopting healthier habits, or setting personal boundaries.

Cross advises selecting one or two manageable “experiments” based on these reflections rather than attempting sweeping resolutions. Specific, measurable commitments—such as having device-free dinners several nights per week or walking after lunch twice weekly—are more effective than vague goals like “being more present” or “getting fit.” These smaller, curiosity-driven trials reduce pressure and enable gradual change.

To maintain forward momentum, it is recommended to schedule weekly progress reviews, allowing individuals to keep beneficial habits, modify nearly effective ones, and discard those that do not fit without self-reproach.

Cross draws on his own transformative journey—from a Royal Australian Air Force engineer to a leadership coach shaped by personal loss—to underscore the value of these questions. He offers September as an inviting moment to start incremental yet meaningful change, contrasting this approach with January’s often overwhelming expectations for immediate transformation.

While the glow of summer fades, the reflective clarity gained during slower seasons can endure when intentionally embraced, laying groundwork for a more considered and sustainable life path.