September is the new January. For years, business-focused international media such as the Wall Street Journal and Forbes have promoted the benefits of setting goals in the ninth month of the year.
More recently, Krysta Pogge, a former Big4 senior manager-turned-certified coach, shared six reasons on LinkedIn why now is the perfect time to recommit to your goals and desires before 2024 arrives.
1. Less pressure
Pogge says there is less pressure this time of the year. “Less pressure means you get to take the time to be intentional about your goal-setting.”
2. Set realistic goals
When you set goals quarterly, you can focus on setting realistic and achievable goals that have specific timelines that work for you, she adds. “Write down your S.M.A.R.T goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) and you’re 42% more likely to achieve them.”
3. Curate the environment needed to succeed
If you want to lose weight, have a better relationship, or invest time in learning a new skill, you will have to make some upgrades to your current environment. For example, Pogge says, upgrade the food in your fridge, create space in your calendar for your relationship, or more time for studies.
4. Avoid the holiday season slump
For many, the holiday season is synonymous with family gatherings, big lunches, and indulgence. Who hasn’t used that familiar line, “It’s okay, I’ll start in the new year”? Pogge says, when you set goals with 90 days left till the end of the year, you support yourself emotionally, mentally, and physically throughout the holiday season.
5. Build momentum and confidence
As you lean into your goals with three months left of the year, you not only build momentum, but you also build trust with yourself and raise your confidence, Pogge says: “More confidence and belief that you can do it increases the likelihood that you will achieve your goals.”
6. Successful people set goals regularly, quarterly, weekly, and daily
Change requires persistence and consistency. “The more frequently you set and reassess your goals, the easier it is to course correct, make adjustments to support you moving forward, limit self-sabotaging habits, and the easier it is to meet your goals.”
Learn a new skill
According to Forbes, September is a particularly good time to start thinking of learning a new skill. Adding to your skills skill is a proven strategy if you want to restart your career after a break, make a career change, or get a promotion.
In the financial industry, this could mean setting yourself apart from the crowd with one of Moonstone Business School of Excellence’s specialised and accredited qualifications.
Recognised by the FSCA and various professional bodies, the accredited qualifications consist of two semesters. The deadline for first-semester applications in 2024 is 29 January.
This deadline applies to the following five qualifications:
- Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning (NQF 8)
- Advanced Certificate in Financial Planning (NQF 6)
- Occupational Certificate: Compliance Officer (NQF 6)
- Higher Certificate in Wealth Management (NQF 5)
- Higher Certificate in Short-term Insurance (NQF 5)
Apply today at www.mbse.ac.za
For more information, contact us at help@mbse.ac.za
Applicants whose applications for the first semester have been approved are reminded to register by making payment by 29 January, to ensure they can embark on their studies in February.
Options for funding
MBSE now has partnerships with four leading education funding providers that will help you to apply or pre-qualify for different options to fund your tertiary education. They are Capitec, Fundi, Manati Alternate Student Funding, and Student Hero.
Click here to find out more about what these providers offer.
See whether you qualify and get a free estimate in three easy steps, or apply online today.
