October screams falling leaves, pumpkin patches, and scary movies. Many people use the month to start putting together their holiday wish lists and Thanksgiving to-dos, but more and more influencers are seeing this month as a natural time to reset. Of course, it might feel too early to talk about New Year’s resolutions. However, these people may have a point about newfound potential to rely on motivation and take action on their goals as the last quarter of the year begins.
Gen Z and Millennials using the month to reflect and implement new habits is what they call the ‘October Theory’, and it’s one of TikTok’s latest self-care trends that’s gaining massive traction across the social platform. It first appeared last fall and is back in full swing this year.
While we typically hear that goal setting is important during the first 90 days of a job, October Theory says the last 90 days of the year also present unique potential for growth. Use the finite time left in the year to motivate yourself for a fresh start and use the last three months to think about what you want and need in life. Seeing this year’s finish line in sight can help you take action.
“People… If I want to change my life and improve myself before the new year or before January, now is the time,” says Chloe Van Berkel, a college student based in New York with over 72,000 followers. . TikTokIn a video from the 1st of this month. It received more than 133,000 likes and 500 comments.
“As the days get shorter, it’s time to embrace change and make bold decisions.” TikTok The user says in a post that has been saved by over 650 people:
One fan of this theory calls October “second new year of the year” On TikTok; Another likens it to a weekly “Thursday,” the last day before the weekend, which can encourage reflection.
“I declared October to be reset month,” said TikToker co-host Sisanie Villaclara. On Air with Ryan Seacrest, In a recent episode. “They argue that this is the best month to shine or make a major change.” And to combat fears of shorter sunlight hours and colder weather ahead, it can be empowering to try something new to regain control before January 1. As Seacrest said, “January starts off sad.”
Why wait until the new year when you can start now?! Find out how ‘October Theory’ can change your goals and life 📝 pic.twitter.com/pqrLjboESM
— On Air/Ryan Seacrest (@OnAirWithRyan) October 17, 2024
With fall officially starting, people may be prone to making bold decisions when it comes to their dating lives and friendships. Because just in time for Hallmark movie season, the holidays can spark a longing for connection. That’s why other TikToker A fan of October Theory wrote to his 76,000 followers: “There is a collective sense of urgency to re-evaluate goals, often encouraging reflection, taking action and embracing the rapidly changing nature of the final months of the year.”
Alison Fragale, organizational psychologist, professor, and author Likeable Badass: How Women Get the Success They Deservesays luck There’s no hard science behind October’s habit change, but this theory comes from the ‘new beginning effect’.
“We like to start new goals on a day or date that feels like a fresh start or transition,” she says. “Switching your wardrobe from shorts to sweaters can feel like a fresh start, and it motivates you to work hard again to become your ideal self.”
Israa Nasir, psychotherapist and author of a forthcoming book toxic productivityI see pearls of wisdom in the theory, especially since habits can go astray during the summer. “Making resolutions and changing habits is a great way to prepare for winter,” she says. luck. “The change of seasons can be emotionally difficult and people may struggle with motivation. Renewing your commitment to your goals is a great way to approach the winter season with a sense of planning and accountability. [and with] “It’s something to look forward to and work towards.”
For example, let’s say you’re introducing a project to a new team at work and you realize that this year’s review period is less than three months away. It might be just the right pair of pants you need. Right? The same goes for if you said you were going to start a year-round exercise regimen. Now you can finally sign up for a gym membership.
At least according to him there is something atomic habits author james clearHe writes in his book that it takes a little over two months to form a solid habit, and that changes and resolutions can be made at any time of the year.
How to Make October Theory Work for You
Think of it as a time to embrace change or lean into goals that have been on the back burner for the past few months. “It is never too late to renew your commitment to yourself. We can continue to grow and set goals throughout the year,” says Nasir. “It’s not just New Year’s.”
Using this theory can be as simple as incorporating small habits that bring you joy, deciding to wear sunscreen every day, practicing mindfulness, and drinking more water. You might even think about new goals that come to mind ahead of the January 1st push, like organizing your bookshelf or reorganizing your budget. Nasir also says the theory could encourage people to find new habits that aren’t just tapping into their desire to be more productive, but are “entirely rooted in joy.”
“If we have habits that work for us, we are much more likely to be happier, healthier, more productive, and more creative.” Gretchen Rubin, happiness expert and author of the book happiness projectpreviously said luckWe emphasize that bite-sized habits are a great way to get started. “It’s much better to frame it. [your goals] Something concrete and manageable so you can know when you’ve done it.”
Neuroscientist Alexis Fernandez-Preiksa Do you fucking care? Podcast and Author Design your 2.0 lifeproduction illustration About the concept of the October Theory itself, without even revealing its name. She urged listeners to make the most of the last three months of the year by writing down practical habits they want to implement in various areas of their lives, including financial health, relationships, work, hobbies, health, home, and self-care.
“Personally, not only is this my favorite time of the year, it’s also the time I look forward to the most and the time I want to make the most changes,” she says. “I’m not aiming to slow down… I’m just aiming to be more inspired and more creative.”
Fernandez-Preiksa says the goal isn’t to make a major overhaul that leaves you feeling inadequate, but instead to make achievable “adjustments” that feel easy and tangible within a day to make the last quarter of the year your best quarter yet. For example, if you want to become a runner, you could try running a mile a few times a week. If you want to feel a little better about your space, you can add clothes to your donation box each week. Or, if you’re feeling stressed and need to improve your time away from work, try meditating for five minutes in the morning.
“When you have to put in so much conscious effort to make a change, it becomes exhausting,” Fernandez-Preiksa said in the podcast. “I want to make a difference and turn this around so it becomes a subconscious pattern, like brushing your teeth.”
Here are some questions Fernandez-Preiksa recommends you ask yourself as you look for subtle ways to improve the final quarter of 2024 and bring joy into your life.
- Who would you like to contact before the end of the year that you normally don’t contact?
- What are some fun activities you can do each week?
- How should I organize my space to make me feel better?
- What hobbies do you like to do during vacation?
The important thing is that the beginning of the year isn’t the only time to reevaluate your goals and change your habits. For some, the winter blues can be a time of subtle change to welcome the new year.
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