Why September Feels Like a New Year for Small Business Owners

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Ever wondered why September feels like a new year?

You’re not alone. For so many of us, especially small business owners, September brings that fresh-start energy. The “back to school” buzz, new routines, changing seasons… it all makes this month the perfect time to refocus, reset, and make the changes you’ve been putting off.

In this solo episode of Small Business Growth Addicts, I’m sharing why I believe September is the best month of the year to set goals and start new habits. Forget January resolutions (that hardly ever stick!) I’ll explain exactly why September is a new beginning and how you can harness this season’s natural momentum in your business.

🎧 Listen to the episode by hitting play on any of the options above ☝🏼

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Why September is the start of a new year for so many people

• How “back to school” energy can boost your productivity and motivation

• My personal lessons on easing back into routine without burning out

• Why January isn’t the best time for change (and why resolutions rarely work)

• The new shifts I’ve made in my own business this September

• How I finally started taking a proper day off (and created a free planner to help you do the same!)

As the seasons start to change it's also a great time for those Autumn crafts with the kids too!

Why September Feels Like A New Year

So, why is September like a new year?

It’s simple, our environment is set up perfectly for change.

Kids head back to school, family routines kick back in, shops are filled with new stationery, and there’s a sense of structure returning after summer. Add in the seasonal shift from summer to autumn, the ultimate season of change, and it’s no wonder motivation and productivity feel higher than ever.

Compare that with January. It’s dark, cold, and let’s be honest… most of us just want to stay cosy and eat leftovers. Studies show only around 10% of New Year’s resolutions made in January actually stick. But by September? The timing is right, the environment is supportive, and your energy is ready for a fresh start.

Lessons From My Own September Reset

When my kids started school this year, I felt so ready to dive back in, new notebook, loads of ideas, buzzing with energy. But by day two? Exhausted. Achy. Totally wiped out. What I’ve now dubbed my “summer holiday hangover”

My biggest takeaway.. transition slowly. Give yourself time to reflect, reset, and ease back into routine. Then, when you’re ready, you can go full speed ahead without burning out.

Big Changes in My Business This September

This month I’ve leaned into that fresh-start feeling and made a few big shifts in my own business:

✨ Simplifying my mentor group: I stopped running it on a waitlist basis because the admin was draining my energy. Now it’s streamlined, open at all times and focused on what matters, helping small business owners get seen and get sales!

✨ Finally taking a proper day off: After years of trying (and failing) I’ve committed to a real day off each week. To help other small business owners do the same, I created the Big Day Off Planner and it’s completely free for you to download.

👉 Grab yours here: The Big Day Off Planner

Why September Is the Time for Change

The beauty of starting in September is that by the time December and January roll around, your new habits are already in place. Instead of trying to force big resolutions in the dead of winter, you can simply carry on with the positive changes you’ve already made.

So if you’ve been wondering “is September the start of a new year?” or “why is September a new beginning?” this is your answer. It’s the season of change, momentum, and growth.

Sponsor Shoutout

This episode is sponsored by Diane at Quinn Hypnosis.

Diane helps small business owners overcome anxiety, reduce overwhelm, and boost confidence so they can show up fully in your business.

Her Better Balance, Better You programme is tailored to your needs whether you prefer group sessions or 1:1 support.

👉 Connect with Diane on Instagram: @quinnhypnosis

Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode

• 🎁 Download my free Big Day Off Planner → Click here

• 💬 Join my mentor group: Get Seen Get Sales → amandahughes.uk

• 💷 Grab a free £50 when you open a Monzo business account → Here

• 📲 Let’s connect on Instagram → @amandahughes.uk

If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to set new goals, stop waiting for January.

September is the true new year, the best month to create habits, roll out new ideas, and make meaningful change in your business and your life.

So grab a new notebook, map out your next steps, and let September be your fresh start. And if you do take a Big Day Off or start a September reset, tag me on Instagram @amandahughes.uk I’d love to see it and cheer you on.

👋 Thanks for tuning into Small Business Growth Addicts! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with another small business owner who could use that September reset.