(Even if you’re not the one catching the bus)

Remember that first-day-of-school feeling? Fresh notebooks, sharp pencils, maybe a new outfit that made you feel unstoppable? You can absolutely tap into that same energy for your business this fall. The end of summer is the perfect time to shake off the sunscreen, refocus, and set yourself up for a strong finish to the year.

1. Declutter Your “Backpack” (aka your workload)

Kids’ backpacks are magical black holes—one minute they’re empty, the next they’re stuffed with stale granola bars, wrinkled permission slips, and a single sock. Your business can be the same. Audit your commitments, clients, and to-do lists. Archive the things you’re “maybe someday” doing and toss anything that’s just taking up mental space.

2. Stock Up on Supplies

Your “school supplies” are your business tools—templates, software, and gear. Are your social media templates feeling tired? Is your Canva folder a mess? Have you been limping along with a janky mouse since 2022? This is the time to upgrade your toolkit so your systems run smoother.

💡 Pro tip: I’m rounding up my favorite office goodies, from my ride-or-die pens to the laptop stand that saved my neck—[FAVORITE THINGS].

3. Shop for New School Supplies (The Fun Part)

Remember the thrill of walking into the school supply aisle? Let’s recreate it. Treat yourself to things that make working feel better, easier, or prettier. Maybe it’s a new desk chair, wireless keyboard, pretty file folders, or an extra-long charging cord for those couch-work days. Practical, yes—but also a little dopamine hit every time you sit down to work.

4. Revisit Your Class Schedule

Summer has a way of throwing routines out the window. Now’s the time to build a schedule that works for your fall energy and commitments. Block time for CEO thinking, client work, marketing, and rest (yes, actually put it on the calendar).

5. Review Your Curriculum

Think of your business plan like a class syllabus. What’s on deck for this “semester” (aka Q4)? Are you launching something new? Wrapping up a big project? Decide now what’s worth your focus, and what can wait until next semester.

6. Make New Friends

New school year, new social circle. September is a great time to network—people are back from vacation and ready to connect. Schedule coffee chats, join a mastermind or community, and pitch yourself for collaborations or podcast interviews.

7. Set Your Semester Goals

Instead of “I’ll grow my business this year,” think “I’ll add 100 new subscribers by November” or “I’ll book three new clients before the holidays.” Shorter timelines with clear numbers are way more motivating.

8. Get Your Outfit Ready

Whether that’s updating your headshots, refreshing your website, or just swapping your hoodie for something that makes you feel pulled together, a confidence boost goes a long way.

Back-to-school season is a reset button for your business. You get to sharpen your pencils, refill your pencil case, and step into the rest of the year feeling prepared, inspired, and ready to ace whatever’s next.