It can be easy to put our goals in the backseat during the summer months. With so many distractions — such as beach trips, rooftop parties, European vacations, and summer cookouts — staying focused on our goals can feel like a tough task.
But as summer winds down, it’s a great time to get back into your routine. The year isn’t over yet, and you’ve got plenty of months left in 2023 to make real progress.
Here are seven coaching strategies you can use to get back on track with your goals this fall.
1. Reflect on Your Summer Achievements
As you think about how you want to spend the rest of your year, it’s important to reflect on what you’ve achieved over the summer months. Take note of instances where you’ve experienced personal growth or achieved unexpected successes. Even if you haven’t made progress on every goal you set, chances are you’ve made progress in some areas.
For instance, maybe you didn’t manage to develop a healthier sleep routine, but you did spend ample time with your family, which was another goal you set for the year. Alternatively, you might not have reached your daily step goal during the summer, but you might have accomplished your goal of reading a chapter a day of a personal development book.
According to Arootah’s Director of Coaching, Lauren Bonheim, “As you reflect on your summer achievements, remember that growth comes in many forms. Sometimes, progress isn’t about checking off every goal, but about recognizing the personal growth you’ve experienced along the way.”
Approach your goals for the fall and winter with a growth mindset. There’s time to work towards the goals that remain unmet. The key is to stay disciplined and adhere to your plan.
2. Address Setbacks
While you should congratulate yourself for your hard-earned triumphs, it’s equally imperative that you address any challenges you’ve encountered. For instance, let’s say your goal for 2023 was to read 30 books about entrepreneurial ventures, but you found yourself stuck at the 10-book mark. What actions will you need to take to close this gap? In what ways have your current strategies led you to fall short? What obstacles are hindering your progress?
Determine what adjustments you need to make to successfully reach your goal by the end of the year. Integrate these changes into a focused “back on track” plan and be disciplined in following it.
3. Rediscover Your Motivations
Reconnect with the “why” behind the goals you set at the start of the year. Why do they matter to you? It’s very likely that the “why” or “purpose” plays into the reason you let them fall to the wayside over the summer.
For example, maybe your “why” behind your goal of running for 30 minutes a day is that you want to get healthier so you can spend more years with your kids…but then, over the summer months, you spent time lounging by the pool with the kids rather than getting in those runs that you promised yourself.
Regardless of your individual circumstances, revisit your motivations and see how you can reconnect with your “why” to get yourself back on track.
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If you’re still struggling to meet your goals, you may need to adjust them. Instead of dwelling on what hasn’t worked or where things went awry, view this adjustment as an opportunity to learn and evolve. Think of it as a crisitunity in which you can find opportunity in a crisis. This perspective is central to our ethos at Arootah.
5. Take Advantage of Tools and Resources
Explore how various tools, apps, and other resources can help you get back on track after the summer. Goal tracking and time management tools can be a real asset for professionals navigating a busy schedule.
Additionally, if you want to maximize your performance, consider tapping into the power of coaching. Arootah’s coaching services offer personalized guidance, connecting you with an expert who can assist you in pinpointing your top-priority goals. They’ll help you identify and overcome barriers that have hindered your progress and collaborate with you to craft a strategic action plan that propels you toward success.
“When you feel off track, seeking guidance is a sign of strength, not weakness. Coaching provides personalized support to uncover obstacles, strategize, and propel you forward,” explains Bonheim.
6. Cultivate Consistency
Finally, as the world readies itself for the structured rhythm of fall and winter — sans the allure of beaches, vacations, or summer Fridays — get back on track with your own regimen. Leverage a habit-tracking app that not only helps you monitor your progress but also provides you accountability as you cultivate positive habits and eradicate negative ones.
The Bottom Line
Life’s twists and turns, including the transition from a relaxed summer to a more focused period of the fall, provide opportunities for growth. If you’ve lost momentum with your goals over the summer, there’s still time to get back on track.
Need a little more accountability to reach your goals before the end of the year? Delve deeper into Arootah’s coaching programs, tailored to individuals who share your fervor for excellence. Get started today with a free consultation call.