There’s something about September that feels like the start of a new year. Even though most of us have been out of education for some time now, the new academic year still reminds us of the rush of getting our new uniform, stationery and sleep routines prepared for the year ahead.

“Some people see September as the perfect time to set personal goals and new year’s resolutions so they can hit the ground running in January,” says Sarah Destiny, a life coach, mentor and founder of Notes To Self.

A new year can mean new opportunities and often brings a sense of renewed energy. Here, Destiny explains how we can make these last few months of the year count.

How can we enhance our productivity in the last few months of the year?

Destiny believes that the last few months of every year are the most crucial. To make these months count, she suggests setting specific goals, prioritising tasks and managing your time efficiently.

“Try to stay organised in whatever way that looks like to you, but don’t forget to maintain your wellbeing,” Destiny says.

“End-of-year reflections are great too. I encourage people to regularly reflect on their progress, celebrate their achievements and also consider collaborating and networking with other people to maximise their productivity and end the year on a high note.”

How can we restore ourselves if we’ve been dealing with burnout?

Not everyone has the capacity to set additional goals for the months ahead. Several people struggle with end-of-year burnout, which typically appears during November or December, according to Forbes.

If you’re currently experiencing burnout or want to avoid being mentally fatigued towards the end of the year, Destiny suggests prioritising your own self-care.

“Take things easy and give yourself some grace. Firstly, I would suggest setting clear boundaries between work and personal life while allowing yourself ample time for relaxation and rest in between,” she says.

It can be tempting to overwork yourself in the hope of ending your year on a career-high, but the last thing you want is to start your new year in a state of mental exhaustion. “Consider taking short breaks throughout the day and partake in activities that bring you joy,” adds Destiny.

“Focus on nourishing your body with a balanced diet and regular exercise. If you need to seek support from friends, family or a professional therapist, please do so. Most importantly, be patient with yourself and understand that burnout recovery is a gradual process – we’re all human.”

How to make practical goals for the rest of the year

The key to achieving your goals is to make sure they are practical and achievable, says Destiny. Here are her top suggestions.

Understand your current situation

Reflect on your accomplishments, challenges, and priorities so far this year. Are you happy with how things went? What went well? What didn’t? What could have been done differently? This is the perfect time to be honest, reflect and understand where you’ve been, where you stand, and where you want to go

Set clear goals and break them down

It’s important to divide your larger goals into much smaller actionable steps or milestones. Think of it like a staircase and you’re making your way up with each step. This process makes goals less overwhelming and a lot easier to tackle in stages.

Allow yourself the time to prioritise and plan

Prioritising is the key to success. Knowing what to do and when to do it is how you win at life. You need to get serious with your priorities – they may just change your life.

Keep going

End-of-year burnout is real, but if you feel as though you’re not at risk of that then end-of-year motivation can be powerful too. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you don’t reach your goals exactly how and when you want to. Everyone’s life is different and we are all on our own individual journeys. If you’re feeling stagnant, lost or discouraged, don’t change your goals – just change the route you’re taking to get there.

Images: Getty