As we move deeper into October, the days grow shorter, the air turns cooler and the year’s end begins to come into view. If you’re feeling a mix of accomplishment and unfinished business, you’re not alone. This is the season when many of us pause to wonder: Is it too late to make progress? Should I just coast until January? Let me reassure you: it is never too late to realign, recommit, and finish strong. October is such a beautiful time for reflection and renewal. The energy of summer has faded, but the pace of the holidays hasn’t yet arrived. It’s a natural pivot point; a moment to ask what you want these final months of the year to feel like. If you’ve been following along with my blog, we’ve spent the past few months reflecting on growth, gratitude, and self-care and most recently, we took time to Harvest our Wins. Now, as the leaves fall and the air shifts, it’s time to move from reflection to intention.
Recommitment, Not Perfection
Recommitment isn’t about pushing harder or catching up. It’s about doing what matters. It’s not about hustle, guilt or chasing perfection. It’s about realigning with your purpose and giving yourself permission to begin again. Maybe there’s something you started earlier in the year that deserves one more try. Or maybe your priorities have changed, and it’s time to release a goal that no longer fits. I’ve been there more than once, realizing that the thing I was chasing no longer aligned with who I was becoming. Letting go wasn’t failure; it was an act of grace that opened space for what was next.
If you’ve felt behind, remember what we explored in From Perfectionist to Progress-Seeker: Embracing the Imperfect Journey. Growth is not linear. Every step forward is a step toward the life you’re building. Recommitment means meeting yourself where you are, not where you think you should be. It’s choosing progress over pressure, alignment over achievement.
Choosing What Still Matters
Take a moment and ask yourself: What do I most want to experience before this year ends? What would make me proud when I look back on 2025? You don’t need a dozen goals. You only need one or two that truly resonate; the ones that light a quiet spark inside you. The rest can be released with gratitude.
A few years ago, I learned the power of releasing what no longer serves me. I had a business goal that looked great on paper but felt completely off in practice. Once I let it go, I found room for something more authentic and energizing. Sometimes the real breakthrough comes not from doing more, but from letting go and making space to breathe.
Small Steps, Big Shifts
If that spark feels dim, start small. Micro-goals and mini-habits can help you regain momentum when energy feels low. I’ve written before in The Power of Tiny Steps about how ten minutes of focus a day can create lasting change. Whether it’s a quick journaling ritual, a weekly walk or reaching out to a friend, small steps add up. One of my favorite practices is a “three wins a day” reflection which is taking a few minutes each evening to acknowledge progress, no matter how small. Those moments remind me that growth is still happening, even in seasons of transition.
Finding Focus and Support
If you’re feeling distracted or uncertain, you’re not alone. This time of year can stir both reflection and fatigue. That’s why having a structure, even a simple one, helps. For me, recommitment often begins with a reset moment, where I pause, breathe, and ask what I want to feel by year’s end.
That’s what inspired the Reset & Reignite Masterclass. It came out of one of those very moments when I felt stretched thin and needed to recenter before moving forward. In that workshop, I guided participants through exercises to help them identify what’s fueling and what’s draining their energy, realign their goals with their capacity, and use gratitude as a growth tool. You can still experience the impact of that session through the Reset & Reignite Momentum Pack, which includes limited replay access, a 30-day printable planning journal and a coaching-style email series to help you stay focused, inspired, and aligned with what matters most.
A Ritual for Recommitment
If you’re ready to refocus, here’s something simple and grounding. Write a letter to your future self dated December 31, 2025. Describe how you want to feel as this year ends, what you’ll be proud of, what you’ve learned and what you’ve let go of. Then tuck it away and set a reminder to read it at on New Year’s Eve. It’s a gentle, personal way to stay connected to your intentions. Or, if you’re a visual person, create a “last quarter” vision board. Gather images, words, and phrases that capture how you want to close the year. Let it be a reflection of who you’re becoming.
Flowing Into What’s Next
As we move toward the year’s end, remember that every step forward is an act of courage and self-leadership. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You only need to keep showing up for yourself. Give yourself permission to realign, recommit and finish this year with clarity, confidence and grace. Next month, we’ll turn toward gratitude and reflection as we prepare to close out the year together. Until then, keep tending to your growth. You are worthy of a strong and intentional finish.
As you close out this year, what intention are you recommitting to and how will you honor that commitment to yourself in the weeks ahead? I’d love to hear your reflections in the comments below.