Happy September!

Happy September! The unofficial start to the fall season, where schools and colleges are back in session, pumpkin spice lattes have returned, and the days are still long and warm - at least here in the bay area. Even though we only get three seasons here, I’m ok with the extra warm and long summer days in exchange for missing fall colors.

I love September because it feels like renewed energy from summer that fuels sweet new beginnings and possibilities. It's the perfect distance from end of year - close enough to matter, far enough to breathe. Just right for tackling one or two of those goals you've been circling around.

This summer was slower for me than last year, filled with travel, books, connections, and long evening walks. I've learned that seasons can help you refocus, but only if you choose to slow down. In my previous job, I never appreciated the different seasons. Projects had deadlines, not rhythms. I'd hoard vacation days for that winter trip, and all the months blurred together. But slowing down has taught me to find joy in the small things most of us rush past.

This slower pace opened doors I hadn't expected. My fun travels took me to Yosemite, the Rockies, a cruise to Mexico, Vegas, and a live Trevor Noah show. Between trips I reconnected with old friends, met new friends, neighbors, former clients, fellow coaches, and new introductions. And the best part of it all was catching up on my fiction reading, without guilt. I let myself enjoy, and not feel bad about not reading a business, or personal growth book.

Even though it sounds like I took months off, I didn't. I worked through summer, just at a different rhythm. I held workshops, worked with clients, went to networking events, with a tour of the Netflix headquarters topping the list. I continued my Stanford TA role, but this time teaching high schoolers and undergraduates instead of our usual adult extension students.

Being around Gen Z was refreshing. I worry about what we’re doing and the world we’re going to be leaving them. But listening to their practice speeches on personal stories and bold ideas, I realized we’re going to be ok. They know what they’re doing (mostly). With so much uncertainty surrounding us, it felt good to be hopeful in their presence.

So what's next? September is that bridge from summer's rest to fall's momentum. Time to refocus on your goals and either double down on what matters or finally start that new direction. This is a great time to get clear, make new decisions, and pivot towards a different direction.

Here's what I'm also wondering - what would happen if you stopped waiting for the "right time" and took a brave step towards the direction you want to go in ?

If you're still doing the same things you were doing in January, you're not maintaining. You're falling behind.

Maybe the real problem isn't that you don't have time to slow down. Maybe it's that you're afraid of what you'll discover when you do.

The world around us is changing so fast that if you're on auto-pilot, you'll be forced to refocus anyway. So slow down before you're forced to speed up.

Here's my September challenge for you - pick one thing you've been avoiding and give it 30 days. Not perfect days. Days with actions. Health is always a great one to get started on.

Here's to whatever brave thing you decide to build before the year ends.

P.S. If you’ve been ruminating on that next move, or figuring out how to get started on those January goals gathering dust, schedule a call with me.

Hi, I’m Dipti, and I work with ambitious professionals navigating growth and change. I share practical insights, personal stories on leadership and intentional living.