Autumn reset - Getting Back on Track

According to research from Pinterest, adults are also adopting it, with searches for organisation, routine, positivity and goal-setting seeing a spike during the change in seasons. This trend has been dubbed the ‘back to life’ phenomenon, as users treat the start of Autumn as an opportunity to get back on track. 

Whether it’s wanting to refocus on your goals, improve your finances, boost your productivity or to feel more positive about your life, Autumn is a great time to hit the reset button. 

In a year where routine has been thrown out the window, this might be a good time to shift your focus on some of the big goals and dreams you have for the year. 

If you’re ready for an Autumn reset but don’t know where to begin, then here are some of the best ways to get yourself back on track, and ‘back to life:’

Start with a gratefulness practice

It's been a challenging year so far, so before you focus all your energy on your goals, take a mindful moment to be grateful and take stock of all the good things in your life. 

This might look like a gratitude journal for you, a gratitude reminder each morning, looking at pictures from your favourite moments or a mindful hug with your loved ones. Remind yourself of your why and it will be easier to find the motivation to move forward.

Reconnect with your goals 

If you feel like you’ve lost your direction and momentum, reconnecting with your goals is a great place to start. 

You can do this by asking yourself: 

What goals did I start the year with? 

What steps have I taken towards these? 

Have I achieved them?  

What else do I want to achieve this year?

Once you’ve established where you are with your goals, it’s time to either refocus in order to achieve them or set some fresh goals for the months ahead. Where ever you are in the process, make sure you’re goals are SMART. You can do this by making sure they are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely. Using this framework will help you maintain focus and increase your chances of achieving your goals. 

Stick to a routine 

When you’re looking to get back on track, establishing and sticking to a routine is essential. It’s a great way to keep yourself organised and to build positive habits that boost your productivity.

Start by optimising your morning rituals, by rising early, and fuelling up with a healthy breakfast. Then build exercise, positive affirmations and journaling into your routine to tend your mind and body. Lastly, you should ensure that your routine has a healthy balance of personal, work and family time.

Of course, your routine will be unique to you, however by prioritising healthy habits, you’ll ensure that you not only get back on track, but you also stay on it too.  

Take Stock 

A great way to get back on track is to take stock by conducting a life audit. Which is simply an exercise in self-reflection, allowing you to really look at every area of your life and take stock of the things like your goals and distractions, assessing your overall fulfilment.

There are a number of ways to do this, however, one of the most popular tools is The Wheel of Life, which is a fantastic visual tool that you can use to gauge your fulfilment in important areas in your life, including self-image, work, friends, romance, health, wealth and personal growth. It’s an inspiring and reflective process, and the best way to re-energise yourself to buckle down and go after your goals.

As you welcome Autumn, it can be tempting to put all your unfinished projects and goals to the side for a little bit longer. However, if you want to refocus and blitz procrastination, you have to get back on track and back to your life.

Starting is always the hardest bit, but it’s also the only way to get going - so reconnect with your goals, stick to a routine and take stock to make the most of the rest of the year.