OCTOBER THEORY IS A TRENDING MOTIVATIONAL MINDSET ENCOURAGING A RESTART OF HEALTH AND FITNESS GOALS.
October Theory is seen as a time for a fresh start as summer ends and there are still a few months left in the year to focus on goals you may have left behind at the beginning of the year.
So, instead of waiting until January to set health and fitness goals, October is a great month for a reset. This reset is an intentional way to reframe the last three months of the year to refocus on achieving health and fitness goals.
This reset can also be reframed as the Fresh Start Effect: changing weather, new routines like back-toschool, and activities such as corn mazes or even football season can make autumn feel like a natural moment to pause and reflect.
October: Reevaluation
Consider what goals you set in January that have been quietly ignored or abandoned.
Do you have workout equipment collecting dust, a new bicycle sitting in the back of the garage? What is stocked in your pantry- is it filled with chips, candy and cookies you said you would replace with healthy snacks at the beginning of the year?
October is the time for reevaluation, to look back at what worked and what didn't work. What obstacles, excuses or challenges made it difficult to accomplish the goal? What reward would you get for starting the goal this month? By reevaluating your goals, you can reset and take steps before the cold weather and the holiday season begin. Perhaps start a completely new achievable goal worth the reward. November: Be smart
SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-Based.
Begin by writing down concrete actions and habits while you still have some momentum before the holidays begin, such as stating, “I'll walk for 20 minutes a day after work for a minimum of four days a week.”
December: Steady rhythm As December activities ramp up, you'll be motivated by the momentum you created in the last couple of months.
This momentum creates a steady rhythm to continue your goal into the following year. When routine gets chaotic, or when dealing with change, go back to SMART and adapt the goal to benefit the season of life you are in.
This way, you can pursue your goal without falling into a shortlived lifestyle goal you leave behind and start a healthy habit instead.
Review: Consider your health priorities
Write down the priority you want to work towards; decide what you want to reframe; reevaluate your goals; then make SMART goals and finally create a steady rhythm.
Pick one thing and make it a priority.
A priority could look like: I want to be more fit or eat healthier; it could be weight loss or incorporating more walking.
Then decide how you want to consider your health priorities by making actionable steps and following each month's intention.
So if you want to be intentional about a fresh start, incorporate walking more; be specific–I will walk for 20 minutes, four times a week, right after work in my neighborhood.
This is also called habit stacking, where you tie something into what you already do, such as brushing your teeth and then tie in flossing afterwards.
October is a great time to reframe your goals and try something that could turn this year around and make it a great end to the year.
Laurie Syring, RDN/LD, is Clinical Nutrition Manager at ProMedica Flower Hospital. ✲
