There’s something about sharpened pencils, new backpacks and back-to-school photos flooding our feeds that makes this time of year feel like a second New Year. The return to school routines brings a sense of structure and fresh energy — and that’s something we adults can tap into, too. Here’s how:
1. Revisit your goals
Take a moment to audit where you are and where you want to be by December. Ask yourself:
- What worked well so far this year?
- What do I want to finish, start or let go of?
- You might even involve your kids in this reflection, modeling for them how to set goals and adapt as the seasons change.
2. Launch that lingering project:
Is there something you’ve been sitting on: a website, marketing strategy, business idea or community-event concept? Back-to-school energy is the perfect push to finally get it off the ground. In my work, I often see women bring their ideas to life in the fall simply because they chose to start — imperfectly, but boldly.
3. Refresh your routine:
Small shifts can create big results. As moms, it’s easy to let routines revolve entirely around our families. These simple shifts help ensure your needs are part of the plan, too:
- Add a quick morning mindset ritual (journal, prayer, or reading)
- Block off a weekly CEO day to work on your business or career
- Set a dedicated time each week for professional development
4. Connect with your community:
Whether you’re growing your career or your business, connection fuels progress. This season, be intentional about:
- Attending a local networking event or professional meetup
- Checking in with colleagues, clients or collaborators through a quick message to maintain strong relationships
- Setting up recurring coffee chats with peers to dive deeper into career growth, challenges and new ideas
5. Learn something new:
Just like your kids are learning new things in the classroom, give yourself permission to be a student again. Try:
- Enrolling in an online course or workshop aligned with your career or business goals
- Asking your boss or mentor for new responsibilities to challenge and grow your abilities
- Exploring a hobby outside of work to spark creativity, reduce stress and bring more balance into your life
Whether it’s carving out time during preschool hours or using the quiet after school drop-off, choose one action this week to harness that back-to-school energy for yourself. Remember, this season isn’t just for kids, it’s your chance to fall forward, too.