September 5, 2024 • 47min
How to Get Ahead of 99% of People (In 4 Months)
The Mel Robbins Podcast
Key Takeaways
- September and fall are the best time of year for productivity and change, even more so than January and New Year's resolutions
- There are 4 key reasons why fall is ideal for making changes and being productive:
- It's when life naturally changes (seasons, schedules, etc.)
- The "back to school effect" is wired into our DNA
- People are naturally most productive in fall
- There are only 4 months left in the year, creating urgency
- The "back to school effect" triggers motivation and a sense of fresh starts in adults, even years after finishing school
- Fall productivity boost lasts through October and November, unlike January resolutions which often fizzle quickly
- Use the natural fall momentum to focus on personal goals and self-improvement, not just work productivity
- Frame goals as starting new habits rather than stopping old ones for better success
- Buy a new notebook and write the year on it to symbolize your commitment to change this fall season
Introduction
In this episode, Mel Robbins makes the case for why September and the fall season are the ideal time of year to make changes, set goals, and be productive - even more so than January and New Year's resolutions. She outlines 4 key reasons why fall creates natural momentum and motivation that people should take advantage of to focus on personal growth and self-improvement.
Mel argues that while January gets all the attention for goal-setting and resolutions, September is when life actually changes as seasons shift, schedules adjust, and there's a natural energy of fresh starts in the air. She encourages listeners to tap into this "back to school" mentality, even as adults, to make positive changes in their lives.
Topics Discussed
Why Fall is the True Season of Change (0:00)
Mel opens by expressing frustration that September and fall don't get more recognition as an ideal time for change and productivity. She argues that while January gets all the attention, September is when life actually changes:
- Seasons shift from summer to fall
- Schedules change with back-to-school
- There's a natural energy of fresh starts and new beginnings
She states: "January may get all the fanfare and the parties and the planners and all that stuff. Let's just level with each other. January is just when the calendar changes. September is when life changes."
The "Back to School Effect" (14:03)
Mel explains that there is a "back to school effect" that is wired into our DNA from years of experiencing the fall season as a time of new beginnings:
- Even as adults, we feel a sense of motivation and fresh starts in September
- We're conditioned to shift our mindset and feel like we should be starting something new
- This effect persists long after we've finished formal schooling
She encourages listeners to tap into this natural momentum, stating: "Fall is selfish time. Fall is go time. Fall is about you."
Fall Productivity Boost (16:03)
Mel cites research showing that fall is when people are naturally most productive:
- Studies show fall ranks highest for productivity compared to other seasons
- People are 25% less productive in winter compared to fall
- The productivity boost lasts through September, October and November
She encourages listeners to take advantage of this natural productivity surge, but to focus it on personal goals rather than just work.
Only 4 Months Left in the Year (28:15)
Mel explains that having only 4 months left in the year creates helpful urgency and focus:
- Parkinson's Law states work expands to fill the time available
- 4 month timeframe forces you to narrow focus and increases productivity
- Creates more urgency than 12-month New Year's resolutions
She states: "Tight deadlines amplify your focus. They increase your adrenaline. If they're short enough, they force you to narrow your attention."
How to Take Advantage of Fall Momentum (36:29)
Mel provides advice on how to harness the natural momentum of fall:
- Buy a new notebook and write the year on it to symbolize commitment
- Focus on self-improvement if you're not sure what specific goal to pursue
- Frame goals as starting new habits rather than stopping old ones
- Commit to doing something every day to make yourself "happier or healthier"
She emphasizes: "Focus these next four months on improving yourself. That's it."
Consistency Over Perfection (42:30)
Mel shares a personal example of focusing on consistency rather than perfection with exercise:
- She's shifting focus from duration of workouts to daily consistency
- Even 5-15 minutes of daily exercise is valuable if done consistently
- This principle applies to any habit or goal you're pursuing
She states: "I'm going to start focusing on being consistent that every day, even if it's just five minutes, that's enough. It's the consistency that I'm going to start to focus on instead of how much time I have to give to it."
Reframing "Back to School" as "Back to Me" (44:30)
Mel encourages listeners to reframe the "back to school" energy as "back to me" - a time to refocus on personal growth:
- Use fall momentum to focus on self-improvement, not just work productivity
- Treat personal growth as your "homework" each day
- Show up for yourself, not just your boss or others
She emphasizes: "It's not just back to school. Back to school now means it's time to go back to me."
Conclusion
Mel concludes by reiterating that September and fall provide a unique opportunity for change and productivity that listeners should take advantage of. She encourages people to harness the natural momentum of the season to focus on personal growth and self-improvement.
Key final takeaways:
- Fall provides "wind at your back" for making changes
- Focus fall productivity on personal goals, not just work
- Commit to daily actions to make yourself "happier or healthier"
- Reframe "back to school" as "back to me" season
Mel leaves listeners with a call to action to buy a notebook, write the year on it, and commit to using the fall season to create positive change in their lives. She emphasizes that consistently showing up for yourself each day is the key to building a good life filled with good days.