New Season, New You: Why August is the true start of your personal new year
Start your new year in August.
Most people start anew on January 1st. It seems logical at first, as it marks the start of a literal new year. This is when they make New Year's resolutions, set new goals, and begin new health trends, among other things.
There's one issue…
It doesn't work with the flow of our lives.
January often marks the midpoint of school and work cycles. At best, you'll get two weeks off in a row. It begs the question, when would be a good time to set new goals, resolutions, and start anew?
That time is August.
No, I didn't choose an arbitrary month to throw at you. There is actual thought and logic to this idea. I first heard the concept from Cal Newport on his podcast, and it makes sense. It prompted me to delve deeper into the idea.
In my research, I've identified six key reasons why August is the best time of the year to start your new year.
August Marks a Natural Transition Point
You're Mentally Refreshed and not Burnt Out
Routines Are Being Rebuilt Anyway
Weather Support Positive Habits
January is Already Overloaded
Let's jump into the details.
August Marks a Natural Transition Point
The month of August is a transition from an extended break to a period of increased productivity. Schools are closed for the summer, which results in more time off for those who work. Those without children will take time off due to the slowdown of work during the summer months.
August is a month of preparing for the ramp-up of work and productivity.
Back-to-school ads hit in August for a reason. It's the time of year when parents and students have to prep for classes to start again. Work projects start getting organized as summer vacations come to an end.
It's the change from leisure time to productivity.
I have always found summer to be the slowest time of the year. My experience working in different organizations, one of which is closely tied to school schedules, and another more associated with the financial industry, has shown that August is consistently a transition month between slow and full production.
You're Mentally Refreshed and Not Burnt Out
Due to the slowdown of summer, it allows for more leisure time. As I've already mentioned, school is out, and people take more time off, leading to a productivity slowdown at work.
All of this is an opportunity to become refreshed.
We can't maintain the same level of consistency year-round. This is especially true for knowledge workers. Your brain needs a break, and for most, that break comes during the summer months.
Have you noticed that by the end of August, you're ready for that new project starting in September? Or the new school year?
You feel refreshed and ready to take on the world.
Routines are Being Rebuilt Anyway
During the summer months, we usually relax some of our regular routines. There are fewer meetings, vacations give us the excuse not to be as strict with exercise, the kids don't need to be at sports practice, and work schedules tend to be more relaxed.
August brings a time to rebuild those routines.
During this time of year, we start preparing for the increase in work and school activities. We rebuild our routines from the previous year. This presents the best opportunity to start new routines. If you're beginning fresh anyway, consider doing it in August instead. It's an easier transition point compared to the new year, where you're already in a set routine.
A Head Start on Everyone Else
Most people wait until January 1st to make a serious commitment to change. In August, you'll be ahead of everyone else, giving you a four- to five-month advantage. As January approaches, others will be making their New Year's resolutions, and you will already have results to reflect on.
"You could be good today. But instead, you choose tomorrow."
~ Marcus Aurelius
Weather Still Supports Positive Habits
In August, the weather is still beautiful. You have long, sunny days and warm weather. This is the perfect environment for outdoor activity, healthy eating (thanks to fresh produce), and social motivation.
I prefer to go for a run on a nice day rather than during the dead of winter.
Health is one of the five pillars of life; it's essential to have a time and environment that is conducive to building good, positive habits.
January Is Already Overloaded
It's a weird concept to think of January as a mid-point in our work and school cycles, but there is no way around it. We already have a project and other work on our plates when the new year hits. Now, on top of that, we're juggling post-holiday recovery, financial strain, back-to-work stress, and already packed schedules.
It's not the best environment for mental or emotional change.
August brings relief to most, if not all, of these strains. I've already stated, and I'm now repeating it, summer is a natural slow point in the year. That transition is much more conducive to growth.
These six points have convinced me to give it a try this year in August. I suspect that I'll adjust better to my goals, systems, and resolutions compared to the changes I made in January.
Join me in my journey, and give it a show yourself. The worst-case scenario is that you've gained a head start over everyone else.
