September is a time for fresh starts. Whether you have kids going back to school or teach or are starting a program yourself, most of us have September ingrained as a time when something new starts. We’re moving out of the summer months—summer weather, summer schedules, summer brain—and into new routines.

There is an energy shift that comes with the change of seasons, much like moving into January after the holidays, and that energy shift makes September a great time to dream big.

What do you want to do?

It’s a great time to think about what you want to do before the end of the year. Look back at goals you set at the beginning of the year. Do you need to take action to make them happen? Do you want to adjust them or change them altogether?

It’s a great time to take stock of where you are and look at the bigger picture of what you want out of life. Make lists of things you want to do or things you want in your life. They can be a simple as wanting some chocolate right now or a walk on the beach, but they can be bigger too, like wanting more adventure or thinking about earning a new degree. Don’t limit yourself, but be true to what you want, not to what you think you are supposed to want and not to what other people think should be on your list.

Writing your dreams

Try tapping into your core values and then looking at how they are reflected (or not) in what you are doing.Do some journaling or freewriting in response to one or all of these questions:

  • What does your ideal day look like?
  • What one change do you most want to make in your life right now?
  • What do you most want out of this season?
  • Where would you like to be/what would you like your life to look like one year from today?
  • What do you dream of doing before you die?

Don’t edit or censor yourself. That means writing it down even if it seems impossible. It means writing it down even if you can hear other people wondering “Why would you do that?” It means writing down what you want without trying to make a plan or figure out how to make it happen. (While planning can help you reach goals and create a life you love, you need to start with getting clear on your dreams and goals … and that’s easier to do when you just let yourself be open).

Grab a notebook and a pen (or your laptop). Set a timer for 15 minutes and start answering the question that most calls to you. Keep writing until the timer stops. If you get stuck, try writing part of the prompt again: “I want …” or “My ideal day starts …” Try closing your eyes or shifting your perspective. Still stuck? Try writing what you don’t want instead of what you want. Sometimes you find your way in through the back door.

Even if you’ve written on these or similar prompts before, remember this is a new season and a wonderful time to explore big dreams and what you want in your life right now.

If you’re getting excited about the idea of creating a more meaningful life, you’ll love my free guide, 3 Steps to Having a Meaningful Life You Love to start designing your best life—a life with more energy, engagement, and clarity.

Want to feel more engaged and energized? Get your copy of 3 Steps to a Meaningful Life You Love!

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