What is your favorite season? Mine used to be summer for the longest time. I loved spending time in the sun, going for walks, and playing outside with my kids. But lately? I have really fallen in love with the idea of autumn and getting a fresh start in September.

I don’t know about you, but I love everything about fall. Snuggling up with a hoodie and a cozy blanket in front of a good crime drama. Watching the leaves change from green to a rainbow of colors. I love making smores with my kids.

There is something about autumn that stirs a change in my heart. Where I live, the weather seems to change from sweltering hot to crisp and cool in the blink of an eye. That change is a perfect time to take an emotional and physical inventory. Ask yourself the following question: How do you want to set yourself up for 2020?

Getting a fresh start

Most people start setting goals with the new year. While there is nothing wrong with that, a lot of the goals end up not being very successful. Why? There is usually not much groundwork in place to make them achievable.

So, what should you do instead? I recommend starting NOW. Start with the autumnal equinox. The seasons are changing, so why shouldn’t you?

Tip #1: Join your local gym

Lots of gyms run regular promotions. (Ex. “Join now for $0 and your first month free,” etc) Keep your eyes peeled on social media. I recommend following a few local gyms on Facebook or Instagram as they are likely to post their specials there.

Once you join, start slow! That is the advice I give everyone. You aren’t going to go from being a couch potato to marathon runner in a couple of days. Start by walking on the treadmill on an incline for 15-20 minutes, 3 days a week. You can work your way up from there. My favorite sweat maker is the elliptical!

Tip #2: Renew your library card

Yes, libraries still exist! There are tons of amazing books there that you can read for free, right at your fingertips.

If for whatever reason, the library’s not your jam, search on Amazon for a new book to read. Reading is so good for the soul!

Here are 3 books that I really love (2 of which I reviewed on my blog!)

Tip #3: Get an annual physical

This is a great health tip that is often overlooked. Make an appointment with your primary care physician. Before you go to the appointment, make a list of any concerns you might have.

• Have you been feeling stressed?
• Are you sleeping okay?
• Are you getting enough exercise?
• How is your blood pressure?
• How are your energy levels?

These are just a few things to keep an eye on on a regular basis.

Tip #4: Reorganize one room in your house

You don’t have to do a complete overhaul of your entire house. Instead, focus on the room that stresses you out the most. (For me currently, it’s our master bedroom.) Make it a goal every day to work on one corner of the room. Organize the clutter on top of your dresser one day. The next day, get rid of some clothes you hardly wear.

There really is something therapeutic about getting rid of clutter. Doesn’t it feel good to be surrounded by a more mess-free environment?

Bonus tip: Make a checklist of your 2020 goals

I recommend making a list of all the goals you have for the coming year. They could be big or small. Here are some examples:

• Run a 5k
• Get a promotion
• Get certified in CPR
• Go on a girls’ trip
• Take a cooking class
• Stop biting your nails

Once you come up with your list, break each goal down into manageable chunks. For instance, if your goal is to run a 5k, your year could look like this:

• January: Join a gym and walk on the treadmill 3 days a week
• February: Walk 2 days a week and jog 1 day a week
• March: Walk 1 day a week and jog 2 days a week
• April: Jog 3 days a week
• May: Jog 2 miles, 3 days a week
• June: Sign up for a 5k

Seems easier to accomplish that way, doesn’t it?

Who’s ready for change?

As soon as I feel that first crisp, fall day, I feel ready to make a change in my life. Getting a fresh start really feels so good! What changes are you looking to make over the next few months? Any 2020 goals you want to share?