Why I start my year in November

Written by Asa-Mari Z. ––

As soon as November hits, the countdown to the new year begins:

“How many Mondays until 2026?”

“Have you planned your goals yet?”

“Are you ready to reinvent yourself on January 1?”

We’re flooded with messages urging us to manifest, upgrade, glow-up, transform, reset, overhaul—all on a timeline that was never designed with real life in mind.

But about ten years ago, I realized something: January is the worst possible time to begin a new year.

So I stopped.

Instead, I “soft-launch” my year in November.

And the result?

I enter January already grounded, grateful, and aligned with my goals—not scrambling to invent them.

Here’s why this unconventional approach to goal setting works (and why it might work for you, too).

Reflecting before the rush

One of the core principles of personal development is consistent reflection. Not annual reflection. Not December-30-at-2AM reflection. Consistent reflection.

Starting my year in November gives me:

• Space to look honestly at what worked
• Time to acknowledge where I struggled
• The clarity to set goals based on reality, not pressure
• The ability to transition intentionally rather than reactively

Self-love isn’t just soft and affirming; it’s also strategic. It’s saying: “Here’s who I am now. Here’s who I want to be. And here’s how I’ll get there.”

When we reflect early, we make decisions from clarity, not burnout.

Why traditional New Year’s resolutions don't work

Unsurprisingly, 80% of New Year's resolutions fail. Here are a few reasons we may be setting ourselves up by waiting to create resolutions just before we ring in the New Year:

1. The holiday season is chaotic

Between holiday parties, travel, family obligations, school events, gift shopping, and religious observances, we barely have time to breathe, much less plan for the future.

By the time we sit down to “get intentional,” we’re exhausted and overstimulated.

2. Vision boards ≠ strategy

Vision board parties are fun, aesthetic, and full of good vibes…

…but tearing inspiration from magazines is not a goal-setting method.

Without structure or follow-through, vision boards become decorations, not roadmaps.

3. January 1st comes with pressure

When you wait until December 29, you end up choosing resolutions like you’re pulling raffle tickets out of a hat. We set:

❌ vague goals

❌ unrealistic timelines

❌ resolutions that lose meaning by mid-February

By Valentine’s Day? Most people have fully reverted to old patterns.

By Spring? We repeat the cycle all over again.

The benefits of starting in November

1. You create a head start—not a scramble

Some people reset during the Lunar New Year.

Others follow the Gregorian calendar.

Personally, I follow the rhythm of nature and tradition, so Halloween/Samhain is my personal New Year’s Eve, and November 1 is my reset.

The night before is celebration.

The day after is clarity.

2. November is naturally quieter

Before Thanksgiving chaos kicks in, there’s a calm window where reflection feels intuitive. This period also tends to overlap with Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur; times of reflection, amends, and renewal. I’m not Jewish, but I honor the synchronicity: different traditions, same purpose.

3. Seasonal alignment makes motivation easier

My inspiration also comes from gardening. In the fall I would:

• clear dead plants
• turn the soil
• plant bulbs
• prepare for new growth

Growth begins in stillness, not in Spring. You plant for Spring in the fall.

Life works the same way.

Setting goals that actually stick

Actively paying attention to our strengths and opportunities for growth provides us the ability to know ourselves well. Getting started in November affords us the mental and emotional space to plan our future with intention, honesty, and clarity, giving us the best chance to learn from the past year's challenges and setbacks, and plan ahead for enrichment and growth.

November reveals what’s realistic

Starting in January, when calendars are empty, creates false confidence. Instead, starting before the holiday rush allows me to practice my goals during one of the busiest times of year. the though process behind this is simple:

If I can keep up with routines in November and December, I know they’re realistic.

Lessons from the past year are still fresh

When we wait until January, the emotional distance of the holidays can soften our memory.

Starting earlier preserves honesty. There’s no illusion that “last year wasn’t that bad”; instead, you remember exactly what needs to change.

You become more intentional, not performative

Let's be clear: goals like eating better, losing weight, drinking water, and saving money are...

...broad, vague, and uninspiring.

However, I observed that when I begin in November, I'm more likely to choose:

✅specific goals

✅realistic outcomes

✅aligned priorities

✅sustainable habits

This sets me up for success long before the champagne pops.

Embracing a non-traditional approach to growth

If this sounds unconventional, that’s the point. Personal development is meant to be personal. You are allowed to:

• Borrow traditions from other cultures
• Create your own rituals
• Follow nature instead of a calendar
• Start your new year on any day that feels right to you

While it may feel good to join in on the festivities, your life doesn’t need to align with a collective countdown for it to count.

✨ The Takeaway: You don’t have to wait for January 1

Starting my year in November taught me that transformation is quiet.

It’s intentional.

It’s honest.

It’s rooted in seasons, not trends.

When you give yourself permission to start early — or start differently — you stop chasing growth and begin embodying it.

Whether you begin in November, March, or a random Tuesday night, what matters most is that you begin.