A Season of Inventory: The Fall RESET

Written by Leigh Flegge-Schlie, Founder of Supported to Stay

Fall brings a beautiful sense of change. These first cool mornings remind our bodies that the grit and heat of summer are behind us, and at least for me, they bring a feeling of a break, a breath, a relief.

I have never been much of a New Year's resolution person. Who thought that making resolutions during the darkest, coldest time of the year was a good idea in the first place? But I am loving the trend I've seen popping up on my social media over the past few months about making resolutions in the fall. It's the time of year when we feel our best, the weather actually feels on our side, and those morning workouts, earlier bedtimes, and autumn garden bounty make healthy habits feel more fun than work.

I also like to use fall to take inventory of what is working for me in my life and what is taking more than it's giving. Sometimes those energy suckers are present for an obvious season. Other times, taking a moment to reflect helps us recognize that they've been draining us for much longer than we consciously realized.

And sometimes, we have to be willing to hear from those around us, too.

I'll never forget a fall morning when I was telling my husband that I never seemed to have a hard time waking up on my days off, but on the days I went to work, I had to drag myself out of bed and hit snooze 10 times. He very simply looked at me and, in the most nonjudgmental way, said, "I don't think you like your job."

That was a wake-up call I wasn't quite ready to hear, but he was right.

My own body was telling me how I felt about my job. I just wasn't listening. Sometimes, we need others to help us recognize those blind spots. My encouragement is to ask your partner, bestie, work spouse, or parent: "What do you notice is draining my energy these days?"

You might be surprised by what you hear.

Sometimes, that fall energy gives us the courage to make a change we've been putting off, like finally changing jobs, creating some distance from a negative coworker, or moving into a different position within our company. Other times, it gives us just the boost we need to dig a little deeper into our current position, our work culture, or our career. Let me be clear, you don't have to immediately quit your job, change career, or overhaul your life to make a meaningful change. Sometimes, the first step is simply noticing what is draining you and asking for the support you need. 

I'm a big believer that, at some point, we have to choose our happiness. But I also recognize that our happiness is significantly impacted by external factors.

Research shows us that true support to stay requires a commitment to both our own personal well-being and the health of our work environments. We need both in order to thrive.

So, as we settle into this new season, I hope you'll take some time to reflect on your own personal and professional well-being. Jot some notes in a journal, in your notes app, or on the paper plate next to you. It helps when we can physically see our thoughts as words written in front of us. 

A few questions to ask yourself this fall:

• What is giving me energy right now, and what is taking more than it's giving?

• What goals do I have for my personal and professional growth?

• Where do I need extra support?

• What is one change, big or small, that would make me feel more excited about my life or my work?

You don't have to have all the answers today. Sometimes, simply recognizing what isn't working is the first step toward making a meaningful change. And if any of those reflections lead you to something that Supported to Stay can help you with, please let us know. We are here to support your growth in ways that are attainable, meaningful, and fruitful.

Enjoy this fall. Enjoy the cool mornings and the much-needed break after a long, hard summer.

Wherever you are today, I hope you can feel supported to stay.