Traditionally, the week after Labor Day in the U.S. signifies the return to school. This is an exciting time for students. It’s time to buy new books and fresh school supplies, get excited about seeing old friends, and return to the business of learning.

It’s a little different in the workplace. Labor Day is the unofficial end of summer, and after the holiday people tend to return to work with a little more focus. Goodbye to the more relaxed office environment, casual dress, and early Friday departures.

Have you ever thought about how your own back-to-school experiences inform your habits in early September? Do you see it a fresh start or is it “same old, same old?”

When in doubt, I vote for the fresh start. Any time you have a good reason to make a fresh start, you should go for it. Here are three ideas to get you started.

Make one organizational change. Everyone can always improve their personal organization system. Think about one thing that will improve your productivity, and put it into place immediately.

Check on your goals. With four months left in the year, which goals need adjusted? Are you on track for the year? If you’re ahead or behind, what needs to shift to stay the course?

Are you being accountable? This is a good time to revisit how consistently you follow up on your commitments and do what you say you’re going to do.

Enjoy this transition time of the year and take a page from the back-to-school crowd to refresh your outlook.

“Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.”
– Malcolm X

Header image by Ono Kosuki/Pexels.