Back-to-school season always sneaks up on me. One minute it’s late summer, the next it’s Labor Day. While I love the start of a new academic year, fall sports, and the change in seasons, it’s still quite the adjustment. Suddenly, everyone–parents, students, even myself–is scrambling to find a new routine.
Transitions are challenging. But, as a coach, I’m careful not to label them as hard. That feels like my inner judge talking. Lately, I’ve noticed how quickly we can all slip into judgment during times of change or transition. I can hear an internal reel playing “That went badly. I messed up. That failed.” Maybe you skipped workouts. Maybe, like me, your sleep schedule went off the rails. Maybe you packed healthy lunches that never made their way into backpacks. Regardless of what you’ve done (or not done), when we label those moments as “bad,” they tend to become self-fulfilling. This is exactly why mindset matters!
There’s an old parable—the story of the stallion—that reminds us we don’t always know what’s good or bad. What feels like a setback may actually open the door to something useful. What looks like good fortune may not turn out as we expect.
As you work to settle into new routines, try catching that voice that says, “This is bad.” Instead of judgment, ask: “What’s the gift or opportunity here? What’s the next small step I can take?”
If you’re looking for support as you transition into fall, reach out. I’m happy to help you devise a plan that builds on what’s working and converts missteps into learnings and action.
Carolyn Kontos, MS, ACC, offers Wellness & Nutrition Coaching at the JCC through her Eat Well Programs. For more information, contact Carolyn at [email protected]
