September offers the promise of fresh starts with new routines, packed calendars, and the rush toward year-end goals. But it can also trigger burnout before you’ve even hit your stride. Thinking about a never-ending task list can lead some high achievers to paralysis. Add in the shorter days of autumn and you have a perfect recipe for a post-summer slump.
If you’re feeling sluggish or unmotivated after summer, you’re not alone. As the Labor Day holiday marks the official end of summer many professionals experience the “end-of-summer blues” when the transition from long, less structured days to the demands of fall leave even the most ambitious professionals in a rut.
Instead of forcing yourself to push through a crisis of motivation, Labor Day is a perfect moment to reset your approach.
Whether you need to start building momentum in your career, advance a personal project, or reignite the stalled goals you set earlier in the year, the key is to actively position yourself to win, even when you’re not feeling inspired.
Here are three strategies to help you reclaim your focus, reset your energy, and position yourself for success in any season. Whether you’re reentering the office, tackling Q4 projects, or simply trying to shake off the September haze, these practices can help you find your rhythm again.
1. Surround Yourself with People Who Are Already Ignited
The energy of others is contagious. When you’re feeling uninspired, put yourself in proximity to people who are already in motion.
Think of it like a current in the ocean: when you align yourself with people who are moving toward a shared goal, their momentum carries you forward. Whether it’s joining a group, attending a workshop, or working alongside someone who inspires you, feeding off the energy of others can jumpstart your progress and motivation.
2. Put Yourself in the Environment Where Motivation Can Happen
Sometimes, the simple act of showing up is enough to trigger action. Even if you’re not feeling motivated, positioning yourself physically in the place where your goals are achievable can make all the difference.
According to the psychological concept of behavioral activation, the right action can trigger motivation. Instead of waiting for your emotion to lead to your behavior, this concept suggests that when you change your behavior, you can change your emotion. That may look like heading to your desk before you feel ready to write, or lacing up your trainers even if you don’t physically feel ready to run.
Ask yourself: Are you putting yourself in the environment where your goals can thrive? If you’re working on a creative project, head to your workstation. If fitness is your focus, go to the gym or the trail. Even if you don’t feel ready to dive in, being in the right place and moving in the right direction can ignite the feelings of motivation you lack.
3. Stock Your Pantry with the Ingredients for Your Success
Motivation, like a great meal, relies on the right ingredients. Reflect on what’s worked for you in the past: What tools, routines, or conditions helped you achieve big goals? Keep those elements ready to go.
Think of your success ingredients as seasonings in your pantry: you wouldn’t expect a dish to taste right without your go-to spices. Keep your “seasonings” stocked at all times. Figure out what that means for you: whether find the structured schedule, specific tools, or your favorite creative environment that always help you feel more ready to get to work.
These three simple strategies of surrounding yourself with ignited people, showing up in the right environment, and stocking the tools for your success can help you move closer to your goals in any season.