For me, this month has been a mixed bag and there is no better day to capture that feeling than today. I’ve been treated to some very pleasant things happening both personally and professionally this month and hit a number of snags as well. Overall, despite the ups and downs, what has happened is that like many of us, I’ve fallen victim to what’s known as the October slump. Part of the reason for this dip is associated with an energy drop after the mid-year push. The initial optimism and momentum towards goals that we established at the start of the year have begun to fade. Our larger goals, if left outstanding, may create a sense of disappointment, and leave us feeling unaccomplished or discouraged.
Some of the October slump can be related to seasonal changes such as shorter days and less energy which can trigger minor seasonal affective symptoms. Cooler weather and earlier darkness shifts sleep and schedule patterns as well. There is also a lot of pressure to get everything done in Q4 which is also the time when many people vacation during the holiday season. Budgets get tighter at this time, and planning becomes intense. We are juggling to close out the year while still planning for what is next.
There is also a lot of pressure associated with the looming holidays and the additional events that are coming up around them. It becomes harder to stay focused and strategic at this time due to these extra distractions. It is also more challenging to work with others whose priorities have shifted as well.
In an effort to make the most of October, there are some things that we can do to finish strong. For starters, now is a really good time to revisit and reframe our goals. We should focus on what is still achievable in the next 60 days. Start thinking about what would need to happen to make the rest of the year feel like a success. It’s also critical to celebrate partial achievements instead of just obsessing about the big picture. Don’t concentrate solely on the things you missed. Turn instead to what’s still possible.
Why not try to have a quick reset or minibreak to renew your energy? This could be anything from going away for the weekend, to a day trip, or a spa outing. Whatever you can do to get your energy flowing in a positive way. It can also help to come up with 2-3 small wins that you know that you can still achieve before year’s end. Next, you should celebrate already accomplished wins internally, treating yourself to keep the positive momentum going.
You might also want to conduct a Fall check-in with your team. Ask questions like “What’s working well?” and “What’s draining your energy?” Be sure to practice recognition for the things that are going as well or better than planned and reinforce those processes (and people if applicable). It’s also wise to plan for the transition to the new year, instead of just trying to cross the finish line.
Although October is full of both tricks and treats, you have two months left to maximize the treats that are still up for grabs. You’ve got this.