Stop Planning Your Year When You're Exhausted: The Three Strategic Months That Actually Work
- Lay Jordan
- 2 days ago
- 17 min read
Everyone's planning their year at the exact moment they're most exhausted. Here are the three months that actually work (and why one of them is happening right now). Stop waiting for January 1st to give you permission to transform your life. You deserve to claim your power on YOUR timeline, not society's arbitrary deadline. This is your sign to stop playing small and start designing a year that actually reflects the main character energy you were born to embody.
As February wraps up, I'm doing my best to catch up on blog posts because I had a week where I was recovering from burnout. That rest was absolutely necessary. But it had me thinking, since we're about to go into March, about the power of strategic review periods throughout the year.
This post was inspired by episode 65 of A Little Atypical, where I walk through a three-category framework for year review (what changed, what stayed the same, what you controlled) and share five transformative questions that reveal patterns about who you're becoming. The episode goes deep into breaking cycles that don't serve you and translating insights into actionable strategies (plus there's a card pull). I highly recommend listening before diving into this post because it provides the foundation for why I'm pro-planning for the New Year in November and will help you understand how to make these review periods genuinely transformative rather than just another task on your list.
Episode No. 65
Where to listen:
However, I decided to expand on this and add March and August because I realized those are also times when I naturally review my life differently, specifically when I want to change something about my identity. These are the moments when I completely process what really worked for me and made a huge difference versus things that weren't the most effective in the moment. What aspects of my identity do I want to let go of, and what do I want to build?
I find this interesting because there's been so much content lately about February and March being the "real" New Year, or people choosing the Lunar New Year over the January 1st New Year. I'll share my feelings on winter socialization patterns later, but it's fascinating to see how people view feeling aligned with time and cycles. For me, I'm more on the side of taking any chance for a new beginning to feel energized. It's about creating more moments to celebrate rather than worrying about whether something is "right" or "wrong."
Here's why this matters for you: Knowing which points in the year feel naturally aligned for reflection and planning can transform how you approach your goals. You don't have to wait until December 31st to feel that spark of possibility. Understanding your own personal rhythm (whether it aligns with mine or looks completely different) gives you permission to honor your energy cycles and make meaningful changes when you're actually ready for them, not when a calendar arbitrarily tells you to.
I'm making my case for November, March, and August to inspire you to find your own strategic review periods. Even if your timing is different, it's worth noting when you naturally pause, reflect, and feel ready to level up. Let's dive into why these three months work so powerfully for me.
Quick Summary:
When to Review Your Year (And Why January Isn't It)
Who This Post Is For: Ambitious professionals, creative entrepreneurs, personal development enthusiasts, and anyone feeling burnt out by traditional New Year planning who wants to align their reflection practices with their natural energy cycles rather than arbitrary calendar dates.
Main Points:
November review periods prevent December burnout: Planning before the holiday chaos gives you processing time and positions you to enter January with clarity instead of exhaustion.
March enables mid-year course correction: Spring's natural renewal energy and Q1 completion make March ideal for identity work and strategic adjustments before you're halfway through the year.
August creates space for emotional processing: End-of-summer reflection before fall's "lock-in season" helps you release what doesn't serve you and step into September with intention.
Key Takeaways:
Strategic year review timing matters more than following traditional January 1st planning. Honor your personal rhythm and energy cycles for sustainable transformation.
Multiple review periods throughout the year create momentum through micro-adjustments rather than overwhelming annual overhauls that often fail.
Understanding when you naturally pause and reflect gives you permission to make meaningful changes when you're actually ready, not when society dictates.
November, March, and August each serve distinct purposes. November prepares you before chaos, March recalibrates during growth, and August processes before new beginnings.
Your ideal review timeline might look completely different. The goal is discovering and honoring your own natural reflection points, not copying someone else's system.
November: The Strategic Planning Month Before Holiday Chaos
November has become my primary planning season, and it's completely transformed how I approach the new year. Here's why this timing works so well:
For me, November has always felt like a natural starting point for reflection, and it's deeply personal. My birthday falls in November, which means I'm already in this contemplative space, looking back at the year I've lived and forward to who I want to become. There's something that feels right about using that personal milestone as an anchor for bigger planning. It's not about following what everyone else does on January 1st; it's about honoring my own rhythm.
And honestly? By the time December rolls around, I'm grateful I've already done this work. December is chaos. Pure, beautiful, exhausting chaos. Even though Canada celebrates Thanksgiving in October, the US has it on the third Thursday of November, and then immediately we're swept into the holiday season. If I tried to do meaningful reflection during December while also juggling holiday parties, family obligations, gift shopping, and year-end work deadlines, I'd just be setting myself up to feel overwhelmed. By starting my review in the first two weeks of November, I'm working with my energy instead of against it.
Then there's the reality of January and February, which I think people underestimate.
Everyone talks about January like it's this fresh start, but in my experience, it's more like a recovery month. We're all collectively exhausted from the holidays, yet there's this intense pressure to immediately transform into our best selves. And February? Depending on what industry you're in, it can be just as packed. I've noticed this especially in fashion, beauty, and entertainment. There are endless awards shows, the Super Bowl on the first Sunday, Valentine's Day, and often the Chinese New Year falls somewhere in that window too, depending on when the Aquarius new moon happens. These months are already full. They're not the blank slate people imagine them to be.
What I've realized over the years is that December through February are actually incredibly social times, which goes against this cultural narrative that winter is about solitude and hibernation. I see it differently: winter mirrors summer in terms of how social we are, except the socializing happens in more confined spaces instead of the free-flowing outdoor gatherings of warmer months. Once I understood this pattern in my own life, I could plan around it instead of constantly feeling surprised by how busy these months are.
When I do my review in November, I have time to actually process what I'm learning about myself. I can sit with insights, set intentions that feel genuine, and create action plans that I'll actually implement once the new year chaos settles. Come January 1st, I'm not scrambling to figure out what I want. I already know. I'm ready.
Additional reasons November works well for year-end planning:
Many companies close out their fiscal year in November or December, making it a natural time for professional reflection
Black Friday and holiday shopping can trigger financial reviews and budget planning for the coming year
Shorter days and cooler weather naturally encourage more indoor, introspective activities
You can take advantage of end-of-year sales and promotions to set up systems and tools for your goals
Planning in November gives you a head start on New Year's resolutions, increasing your likelihood of success
You have time to communicate your plans and boundaries to family before holiday gatherings
March: Mid-Year Course Correction for Sustainable Success
March has emerged as my strategic mid-year checkpoint, and the timing couldn't be more perfect for recalibration. I've noticed over the years that early March always carries this specific energy. We're transitioning from Pisces into Aries season, and there's usually a Virgo full moon somewhere in there too. I'm not someone who makes every decision based on astrology, but I can't ignore that both Pisces and Virgo are mutable signs, and there's something about that mutable energy that makes me want to organize my thoughts and check in with my dreams. It feels like the universe is giving me permission to adjust and adapt. And because this happens just before Aries season (which marks the astrological new year), I get this natural window to prepare myself for that energetic shift.
What I love most about March is that it's a genuine slowdown after the intensity of December through February. Those months are exhausting in ways I didn't fully understand until I started paying attention to my own patterns. But March? March feels quieter. Yes, there are still holidays coming (Easter usually falls in late March or April), but early March specifically has always felt like a breathing room moment for me. It's like the collective exhale after months of holding our breath through holiday chaos, New Year pressure, and winter social obligations.
There's also something about the time change that happens in March (when we spring forward and officially transition out of winter) that completely shifts my motivation. I don't know if it's psychological or genuinely biological, but that extra hour of daylight makes me want to refresh everything. Not just my physical space (though yes, spring cleaning is real), but my mental and emotional landscape too. I find myself naturally asking: What's working? What needs to change? This isn't forced reflection; it's this organic urge to reorganize that the season itself seems to inspire.
March has become my time for deeper identity work. I'm not just looking at my goals or checking off accomplishments. I'm asking bigger questions about who I'm becoming. I sit with what aspects of myself really served me well over the past few months and what I'm ready to evolve or release. It's less about what I want to achieve and more about who I want to be as I move forward into spring and summer. There's something vulnerable and honest about this kind of reflection that only seems to happen for me in March.
The beauty of doing this review in March is that I still have time. I can course-correct before I'm halfway through the year and feeling like it's too late to change direction. I can celebrate what's genuinely working, adjust what isn't, and realign with my intentions while I still have momentum and energy to make meaningful changes. It's not about starting over; it's about staying connected to myself as I evolve.
Additional reasons March is ideal for mid-year reflection:
Tax season prompts financial reviews and can reveal spending patterns from the previous year
Many people have completed their Q1 goals and can assess what's working before it's too late to adjust
Warmer weather and longer days boost energy levels and motivation for new initiatives
Spring break provides natural downtime for reflection if you have school-age children or work in education
The renewed sense of possibility that comes with spring can reinvigorate stalled goals
It's far enough from January that you can honestly assess which resolutions stuck and which didn't
August: End-of-Summer Reflection Before Fall Reset
August might seem like an unconventional time for reflection, but over the years, I've realized it's when some of my most important inner work happens. It took me a while to understand why.
There's this feeling I get every August, this sense of things naturally winding down. I watch students in my life preparing to move back to college, summer jobs coming to an end, the energy shifting from those long, lazy days into something more intentional. I remember when I was in school, that third week of August when everything changed. The supplies were bought, the routines were about to begin again, and there was this collective exhale before the inhale of a new school year. Even now, without being in school, I still feel that rhythm in my bones.
What I've come to realize is that every summer, I live through this very specific arc. It's not that I'm someone who "lives for summer" in the traditional sense, but something about the warmth and the light and the possibility of those months always pulls a specific journey out of me. And most of that journey is shaped by everything I poured into my life from December through May: the planning, the effort, the showing up even when it was hard. By the time August arrives, I need to take it all in. I need to sit with what happened, with who I became during those months, before I move into what I've started calling my "lock-in season."
Because here's what I've noticed: September always feels like stepping into a new version of myself. Not in a superficial "new season, new me" kind of way, but in this deep, almost cellular way where I can feel myself shifting. And if I don't give myself space in August to emotionally process everything that came before (the wins, the losses, the lessons, the growth), I end up dragging unnecessary weight into that fresh start. I've done that before, skipped the August processing, and every time I do, I can feel the difference. It's like trying to step into new shoes while still carrying old baggage.
August has become my time to ask myself the questions that matter: What actually worked this year? Not what I thought would work, but what genuinely made a difference in my life? What felt important at the time but turned out to be less effective than I expected? And the deeper questions too: what parts of my identity do I want to keep building? What am I ready to let go of? This isn't just checking boxes or reviewing goals. It's integrative work. It's me sitting with myself and being honest about who I was and who I'm becoming.
I think of my August review as a bridge. It's where I honor my summer self (the adventures, the experiments, the expansion) while also creating space for the more focused, intentional version of me that emerges in fall. It's both a celebration and a release, and I've learned that I need both to move forward with clarity.
Additional reasons August works well for pre-fall planning:
Back-to-school sales and promotions make it cost-effective to set up new organizational systems
Many people have used vacation time and can reflect on what truly recharged them versus what felt obligatory
Summer projects and goals have either succeeded or stalled, providing clear data for assessment
The transition from vacation mode to work mode is less jarring when you've intentionally prepared
September scheduling (classes, activities, meetings) often requires August planning anyway
You can leverage the "fresh start" feeling of a new school year even if you're not in school
It's a chance to evaluate summer habits before they become entrenched fall patterns
Creating Your Own Strategic Review Timeline
The best thing about strategic review periods is that they're personal. While November, March, and August work powerfully for me, your rhythm might be completely different, and that's exactly as it should be.
What matters is that you're not waiting until December 31st when you're exhausted and overwhelmed. What matters is that you're creating multiple opportunities throughout the year to pause, reflect, celebrate, and recalibrate. Each review period serves a different purpose and catches you at different energy levels, which means you're always working with yourself rather than against yourself.
Regular reflection throughout the year creates momentum rather than making annual reviews feel overwhelming. When you check in quarterly (or according to your own natural rhythms), you're making micro-adjustments that keep you aligned. You're not trying to course-correct an entire year's worth of drift; you're staying present and intentional as you go.
Some questions to help you find your own strategic review periods:
When do you naturally feel reflective or contemplative?
Are there seasonal transitions that affect your energy or motivation?
When does your industry or lifestyle tend to slow down?
Are there personal milestones (birthdays, anniversaries) that could anchor review time?
What times of year do you feel most creative or clear-headed?
The goal isn't to add more pressure or create more "shoulds" in your life. The goal is to honor your natural rhythms and create space for the kind of reflection that actually leads to meaningful change. Whether that's November, March, and August like me, or completely different months that align with your life, what matters is that you're giving yourself permission to review, reset, and realign whenever you need it, not just when the calendar tells you to.
So as we step into March, I invite you to consider: What would it feel like to check in with yourself right now? Not because you "should," but because this might be your natural pause point. And if March isn't your time, that's okay too. Just start noticing when your time is.
Episode 65 Description:
Ready to transform how you approach the new year? In this comprehensive episode, we explore the art of conducting a meaningful year review that goes far beyond surface-level reflection. Discover how to extract powerful insights from your experiences and use them to create a foundation for intentional planning.
💫 Key Topics:
Key sources and areas to collect data from throughout your review process
Five transformative questions to uncover patterns and insights about yourself
Turning your review insights into actionable strategies for the year ahead
Special card pull
🎯 Perfect for anyone who wants to make the most of November's reflective energy, break free from planning paralysis, and create a year ahead that's aligned with who they truly are. Whether you're a planning enthusiast or someone who's struggled with traditional goal-setting, this episode offers a fresh, atypical approach to year-end reflection.
Follow my socials
Tik Tok- @Simplylayxx
YouTube- @SimplyLayxx
Instagram- @Simplylayxx
Twitter- @Simplylayxx
Pinterest- @Simplylayxx
Check out my blog post www.SimplyLay.com
Music by Remil - Evening Tea - https://thmatc.co/?l=DFECB5D4
Frequently Asked Questions About Year-Round Reflection and Goal Setting
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and personal development purposes only. It is not intended as professional advice (psychological, financial, medical, or otherwise). The reflection practices, goal-setting strategies, and seasonal planning approaches described are based on personal experience and should not be considered a substitute for professional guidance. Individual results may vary. Always consult qualified professionals for matters requiring expert advice. By reading and implementing any suggestions from this content, you acknowledge that you do so at your own discretion and risk.
When is the best time to do a year-end review?
The best time to do a year-end review is actually before December. November offers the ideal window for annual reflection because it allows you to process insights and create actionable plans before holiday chaos begins. Starting your year-end review in November gives you the mental clarity and time needed to set meaningful intentions for the new year without the pressure and burnout that comes with late December planning.
How often should you review your goals?
Research shows that quarterly goal reviews are significantly more effective than annual reviews alone. Strategic reflection periods in November, March, and August create natural checkpoints throughout the year. This approach to personal development allows for mid-year course corrections, seasonal energy alignment, and consistent progress tracking. Regular quarterly reviews help you stay connected to your intentions and make micro-adjustments that prevent end-of-year overwhelm.
What is a mid-year review and why does it matter?
A mid-year review is a strategic checkpoint typically conducted in March or June to assess progress on annual goals and make necessary adjustments. March reviews are particularly powerful because they coincide with spring's natural energy shift, providing the perfect opportunity for course correction while you still have momentum. This personal growth practice ensures you're not waiting until December to realize something isn't working. Mid-year reviews are essential for achieving work-life balance and maintaining alignment with your authentic goals.
Why is August a good time for reflection?
August serves as a critical transitional reflection period between summer and fall. This pre-fall planning time allows you to process summer experiences, evaluate what worked, and prepare emotionally for the focused energy of autumn. August reflection is particularly valuable for back-to-school planning, habit evaluation, and identity work. It creates a bridge between your summer self and your fall intentions, making September transitions smoother and more intentional.
What are the benefits of quarterly planning over annual planning?
Quarterly planning creates sustainable momentum and prevents the all-or-nothing mentality that often derails New Year's resolutions. Benefits include: increased goal achievement rates, reduced burnout, better alignment with seasonal energy cycles, more opportunities for celebration and course correction, and decreased end-of-year pressure. This approach to intentional living and mindful goal setting honors natural rhythms rather than forcing artificial timelines.
How do I find my own strategic review periods?
Finding your personal strategic review periods requires self-awareness and observation. Notice when you naturally feel reflective, when your energy shifts seasonally, and when your industry or lifestyle slows down. Consider anchoring review periods to personal milestones like birthdays or anniversaries. The most effective reflection schedule is one that works with your natural rhythms rather than against them. This personalized approach to self-improvement and personal growth ensures your planning actually serves your life.
What should I include in a seasonal review?
A comprehensive seasonal review should include: goal progress assessment, wins and lessons learned, identity and values check-in, energy and wellness evaluation, relationship inventory, financial review, and forward-looking intentions. The key is making reviews both celebratory and honest. Focus on what actually worked versus what you thought would work, and give yourself permission to adjust or release goals that no longer serve you. Effective seasonal reviews support holistic wellness and authentic personal development.
How long should a quarterly review take?
A meaningful quarterly review typically requires 2-4 hours of focused reflection time, though this can be spread across several days. The goal isn't to rush through a checklist but to create genuine space for introspection. Many people find that scheduling a full morning or afternoon for their review, away from distractions, yields the deepest insights. This time investment in self-reflection and intentional planning pays dividends in clarity and direction for the coming months.
What's the difference between goal setting and reflection?
Goal setting focuses on future aspirations, while reflection examines past experiences and current reality. The most effective personal development practice integrates both. Reflection provides the data and self-knowledge needed to set meaningful goals, while goal setting gives direction to insights gained through reflection. This balanced approach to mindful living and personal transformation ensures your ambitions are grounded in authentic self-understanding rather than external pressure.
Can I do year-end planning if I missed November?
Absolutely. While November offers optimal timing, you can conduct meaningful year-end reflection whenever you have mental space. December reviews are still valuable; just be mindful of holiday pressure. Early January can also work if you give yourself permission to move slowly. The key is creating genuine reflection time rather than forcing rushed planning. What matters most is developing a sustainable reflection practice that serves your personal growth journey, regardless of when you start.
How does seasonal energy affect productivity and goal achievement?
Seasonal energy patterns significantly impact motivation, focus, and goal achievement. Understanding these natural rhythms allows you to work with your energy rather than against it. Spring typically brings renewal and creative energy, summer encourages expansion and experimentation, fall supports focus and implementation, and winter invites rest and introspection. Aligning your goal-setting strategies with seasonal energy increases success rates and reduces burnout. This approach to holistic wellness and life design honors biological and psychological needs.
What are the most common mistakes people make with New Year's resolutions?
Common New Year's resolution mistakes include: waiting until January 1st to plan, setting too many goals at once, choosing goals based on external pressure rather than authentic desires, failing to create implementation plans, and lacking regular check-in periods. The biggest mistake is treating January as the only opportunity for change. Effective personal development and sustainable transformation require year-round attention, realistic goal-setting, self-compassion, and regular reflection practices.
How can I make reflection a regular habit?
Building a consistent reflection practice starts with scheduling specific times and creating supportive environments. Begin with monthly mini-reviews before committing to quarterly deep dives. Use prompts or journaling templates to guide your thinking. Connect reflection to existing habits, like Sunday evening planning or monthly budget reviews. The key is making reflection nourishing rather than obligatory. When reflection becomes a valued self-care practice rather than another task, consistency naturally follows. This approach supports mindful living and continuous personal growth.
---
About the It Girl with an IQ
I'm Lay, a writer, podcast host, YouTuber, and lifestyle content creator exploring the intersection of beauty, wellness, and personal development with intellectual depth. Through A Little Atypical, I create content for deep feelers and unconventional thinkers who want substance beyond surface-level advice. I believe you don't have to choose between being glamorous and being thoughtful. You can embody both.
Comments