The ‘October Theory’ of changing your life

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Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. October is traditionally the time to break out the cozy sweaters and consume as many pumpkin-spice drinks as possible. Instead, people are now using it to reset their goals.

Dubbed “October Theory," these people are rethinking their approach to the last three months of the year. They’re using it as a time to set goals, pick up new habits and reflect—essentially taking on the role New Year’s plays. October Theory is the latest “theory" social media has latched onto.

Between the uneven job market, inflation, and the usual daily grind, people are looking for something they can control. Setting goals and improving their lives—whether it’s their health, finances or mindset—is something they are gravitating toward. Sarah Stone, a 35-year-old Realtor in Kansas City, Mo., says October is a better time to reflect on the previous nine months and also home in on what she wants to achieve in the last few months of the year.

This month, she’s decluttering her home and purging habits such as too much impulse shopping at TJ Maxx. “It feels almost like the beginning of the year is in the wrong place on the calendar," says Stone. October can feel like an introspective time for people since the seasons are changing, a new academic school year has started and the current year is on its way out, says Laurie Kramer, a licensed clinical psychologist and a professor of applied psychology at Northeastern University.

October also is when the Jewish new year—Rosh Hashana—takes place, giving millions a time to reflect. “This is a great time, 90 days from the new year, from the holidays, to reassess, see where you are with things," Kramer says. October Theory is catching on partly because it sets someone up for