Have you ever noticed how September feels like a fresh start?
While everyone talks about New Year's resolutions, there's something about the shift to autumn that makes us want to refocus and start anew.
As September rolls in, it marks the beginning of the "BER" months—those final four months of the year that carry with them a unique blend of anticipation, reflection, and renewal.
The arrival of September is more than just the end of summer; it’s the gateway to a season of fresh starts and renewed energy. With the crisp air of autumn and the steady march towards year-end festivities, the BER months offer a perfect backdrop for refocusing on personal growth and learning.
This time of year naturally encourages us to reassess our goals, shake off any lingering summer lethargy, and dive back into our pursuits with a sense of purpose and clarity. Whether you're returning to language studies or picking up a new skill, the BER months are an ideal time to harness the momentum of change and make meaningful progress before the year draws to a close.
Back to school emotions
As the kids head back to school, parents might find themselves grappling with a mix of emotions—anxiety about how their children will adapt to new teachers and classmates, a touch of sadness at how quickly they're growing up, and a surprising sense of relief at finally reclaiming some time for themselves.
Instead of letting these mixed feelings weigh you down, consider them as an opportunity to embrace the change and carve out space for your own growth and new routines, making this transition a positive one for both you and your family.
With this emotional reset, September becomes the perfect time to also reset our personal goals, especially in our learning journeys.
September: The Real New Year for Lifelong Learners
As the long, unstructured days of summer begin to fade, there's a certain energy in the air that feels familiar yet invigorating. The kids are back at school, the holiday photos are tucked away, and suddenly, September is here, quietly urging us to embrace new beginnings.
For many, the 1st of September has become the true marker of fresh starts—a time to refocus, set goals, and dive back into learning with renewed enthusiasm.
It’s been lovely to reconnect with my students this week and hear about their goals for the rest of the year. It certainly feels like change is in the air, and not just with the weather!
If you're an adult English learner, this is your moment. Whether you've taken a break over the summer or just slowed down a bit, now is the perfect time to reignite your passion for language learning.
Let's explore why September is the ideal time to restart your studies, and how you can approach this season with a mindset that's both motivational and uplifting.
Why September Feels Like a New Year
January may have its fireworks and resolutions, but September has a charm all its own. There's something about the rhythm of life returning to normal after summer that makes this time of year feel like a reset button. It's not just the shift in weather or the shortening of days—it's the sense of structure returning to our lives. The kids go back to school, work routines become more regular, and the world seems to wake up from its summer slumber, ready to tackle new challenges.
For adult learners, this is a golden opportunity. September offers a clean slate, free from the pressure and post-holiday fatigue that often accompany New Year's resolutions. Instead of battling the winter blues, you're riding the wave of a natural transition. It's a time when your brain, refreshed by the summer break, is primed for new information and skills. So why not seize this moment to jump back into your English studies with both feet?
Setting Intentions, Not Resolutions
One of the reasons many New Year’s resolutions fail is because they often come from a place of guilt or obligation. We feel pressured to make grand promises—lose weight, save money, learn a new language—because it's what we're "supposed" to do. But September invites a different approach. Instead of resolutions, think about setting intentions.
Intentions are more flexible, more forgiving. They're about direction rather than destination. When it comes to learning English, setting intentions could mean deciding to enjoy the process of learning, to be curious, or to integrate language practice into your daily life in a way that feels natural and enjoyable. Maybe you'll commit to reading a book in English that truly interests you, or perhaps you'll join a conversation group where you can practice speaking without the pressure of perfection.
Whatever your intentions, the key is to focus on the journey rather than the outcome. This shift in mindset can make all the difference, transforming learning from a chore into an adventure.
Embrace the Power of Routine
After the unstructured days of summer, one of the most powerful tools at your disposal is routine. Establishing a regular study schedule doesn't just help you stay on track—it also signals to your brain that learning is a priority. But remember, routine doesn’t have to mean rigidity.
Start small. Maybe you’ll dedicate just 10 minutes each morning to a quick language exercise, or perhaps you’ll listen to an English podcast during your daily commute. The key is consistency. Over time, these small efforts add up, building a strong foundation that will support more intensive study sessions later on.
Don't forget to consider your learning environment, in our previous blog How Your Learning Environment Shapes Your Success we talk about how important our surroundings are to our learning success. Our free checklist is your essential guide to creating the right learning environment, you can download it at the bottom of the blog linked above.
Make a Plan and Build Strong Habits
Once you’ve set your intentions, it’s time to make a plan. A well-thought-out plan gives your learning journey structure and direction. Start by identifying your goals. Do you want to improve your speaking skills, expand your vocabulary, or get better at writing in English? Whatever your goals, break them down into manageable steps and create a timeline that suits your lifestyle.
But a plan alone isn’t enough—you need to build strong habits to support it. Habits are the backbone of progress. They help you move forward even when motivation is low. Begin by setting aside dedicated time for study each day or week, and stick to it. Consistency is key. Whether it’s 10 minutes of vocabulary practice in the morning or an hour of grammar study on weekends, regularity will turn learning into a natural part of your routine.
Remember, the goal is to create habits that are sustainable in the long term. Start small and gradually increase your study time as your habits strengthen. The more you make language learning a part of your daily life, the easier it will become.
Harness the Power of Habit Stacking
Building on the foundation of routine, incorporating the concept of positive habit stacking can be a game-changer in creating routines that truly stick.
Habit stacking is the practice of linking a new habit to an existing one, making it easier to incorporate into your daily life. 'Atomic Habits' by James Clear is a powerful guide to understanding how small, incremental changes can lead to remarkable long-term results. Clear breaks down the science of habit formation, offering practical strategies for building good habits and breaking bad ones. The core idea is that habits are the compound interest of self-improvement, and by focusing on small, "atomic" changes, we can create transformative results over time. It's an excellent resource for anyone looking to make lasting changes in their personal or professional life, making it highly relevant to learners aiming to establish consistent study routines.
By attaching a new learning habit to something you already do regularly—like reviewing vocabulary while having your morning coffee or practising pronunciation during your evening walk—you create a seamless transition that reinforces the new behaviour without overwhelming your schedule.
This technique leverages the momentum of established habits, making the new ones feel like a natural extension of your routine. Over time, these small, stacked habits compound, leading to significant progress in your learning journey with minimal effort. The key is to start small and build gradually, creating a chain of positive actions that are easy to maintain and hard to break. This approach not only makes routines more sustainable but also enhances your motivation, as each completed habit gives you a sense of accomplishment that propels you forward.
Keep the Summer Spirit Alive
Just because summer is over doesn't mean the joy of it has to end. One of the great things about learning a language is that it can take you anywhere, even if you're stuck in your daily routine. Incorporate elements of your summer adventures into your studies. Did you travel to an English-speaking country? Reflect on your experiences, jot down new words you encountered, or even plan your next trip with the goal of practising your English.
If you stayed local, bring the vibrancy of summer into your learning environment. Study in the park, enjoy a cup of tea on your balcony while listening to an English audiobook, or use photos from your summer holiday as prompts for English writing exercises. The key is to keep the sense of fun and exploration alive, even as you settle back into a more structured routine.
Be Kind to Yourself and Take Breaks
In the excitement of restarting your studies, it’s easy to become overly ambitious and set high expectations for yourself. But it’s important to remember that learning is a process, and it’s perfectly okay to move at your own pace. Be kind to yourself. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and don’t be too hard on yourself if things don’t go perfectly.
Taking breaks is also crucial. Just like your muscles need rest after a workout, your brain needs downtime to process and absorb new information. If you find yourself feeling frustrated or overwhelmed, step back and give yourself some time to recharge. This might mean taking a short walk, enjoying a hobby, or simply relaxing with a cup of tea.
Breaks aren’t just about rest—they’re also about balance. By giving yourself permission to pause, you allow your mind to refresh, making your learning sessions more effective when you return.
To learn more about creating balance whilst staying on track with your learning take a look at our advice on why taking breaks is essential - The Power of Pausing: Why Taking Breaks is Essential.
Moving Forward with Confidence
Restarting your learning journey in September is more than just picking up where you left off—it's an opportunity to approach your studies with fresh eyes and a positive mindset. Embrace this time of year as your personal new beginning, a chance to set intentions, build new routines, and connect with others who share your goals.
Remember, learning is a lifelong journey, and every step you take, no matter how small, brings you closer to fluency. So as the leaves start to change and the air turns crisp, take a deep breath, smile, and dive back into your English studies with confidence. The world is waiting for you to express yourself in a new language—one word at a time.
So, why not take a moment right now to set your intentions for the season ahead? Whether it's picking up a new book in English or joining a new class, make September the month you reignite your passion for learning.
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Your Author: Zoe Ford
Zoe is a CELTA-qualified EFL teacher and Ex-Director of Studies at a prestigious private language school in London. She has been teaching English to adults for over 10 years and has helped hundreds of students to reach their learning goals.
When Zoe isn't teaching you can find her at the cricket researching new blog ideas, she also loves to cook, to travel, and to share her passion for learning with others.
