Are you leaning into fall?
Fall is in the air.
Here in Colorado, we’re already seeing hints of fall color on some of the trees. The high country is showing early signs of the vibrant gold that will cover the aspen trees.
For me, the fall always brings a sense of renewal and refocus. Perhaps it’s because growing up it always signaled the beginning of a new academic year, full of the promise of learning new things and meeting new people.
Or maybe it’s because the shorter days and cooler temperatures naturally bring a new rhythm. Afternoon walks become more pleasant without the scorching heat, the call of harvest bounty soups and roasted veggies call me into the kitchen.
Either way, it feels like a natural time to transition to a new personal season, and refocus my energy and attention to what’s important and resonant for me now.
Do you feel this way, too?
Are you feeling this shift, too?
Perhaps you’re starting the motions for annual planning - beginning to work up budget estimates for next year, aligning with your peers, leaders, and team on the goals that still need to be achieved this year, lining things up for the next.
Maybe you’re feeling it with your own personal routine, with the family members entering a new school year and fall schedules filled with new activities and a new rhythm.
Maybe you’re experiencing urgency, realizing that we have less than a third of the year left to achieve the goals you set for yourself, personally or professionally, before the year ends.
Perhaps you’re not yet ready to give up the long summer days, with the sense of relaxation and fun that often accompanies the summer months.
Are you ready to lean into this new season?
Rather than let the fall season simply sweep you up, like a pile of colorful fallen leaves, here are three ways to intentionally embrace this season of change:
Reaffirm your goals
Heading into the 9th month means we have a third of the year remaining. Take time to revisit the goals you’ve set for yourself this year. What do you want to double down on? What needs reframing or revisiting, based on what you’ve learned and experienced this year?
Perhaps you wanted to launch a new program for your team, but haven’t yet started researching partners. Where do you want to start to get this goal checked off by the end of the year? Maybe you wanted to seek out a coach or mentor who can help you discern your next career move. Who can you reach out to today to make that happen?
Lean into a new rhythm
Schedules are naturally shifting right now with the change in season. What do you want to intentionally change, so that your daily and weekly routine supports the life you want?
Maybe you and your partner have been talking about working out more together. What time do you want to carve out to make that happen, given your current commitments? Perhaps you want to start a weekly retrospective practice with your team, to make sure you’re capturing and actioning your learnings. What needs to happen before you put them on the calendar?
Shed what no longer serves you
Just like the trees around us shed their leaves in this season of transition, so can you shed the things that are no longer serving you.
Perhaps it’s time to do a schedule audit - can you wipe your calendar clear of recurring meetings, and start fresh with only the scheduled collaborations that serve you and your team now? Maybe, as you pull your winter clothes out of the back of your closet, you can also pull out and donate the summer clothes you didn’t wear this year.
If you’re feeling the pull of this transitional season, taking time to reaffirm your goals for the rest of the year, leaning into a new rhythm with intention, and bravely shedding what no longer serves you may help give you the life you’re looking for.
What are you committing to this fall?
As you think about what you want for this new season, could you use a thought partner to help you ensure you have the most amazing end of the year?
Should we talk?
You’re here. You want to be there. I can help.
Book time, and we’ll figure out how to get you unstuck and get going.
How will you iterate towards the person you’re becoming?
September 4, 2025
About the author:
Christina Von Stroh is a leadership coach who helps her clients become wildly successful by applying iterative software development practices to achieve their dreams. Want to work with Christina to help you iterate towards the person you’re becoming?
Book your free strategy session.
