The arrival of fall brings forth a revitalizing energy inspiring people to get their lives back on track before the new year. With seasonal festivities and social gatherings to look forward to, people are reminded of what they have yet to accomplish this year.
A new term called “October Theory,” coined by content creator Chloe Van Berkel, explains why the fall season motivates people to revisit their goals and reset their lives before the end of the year. The urge to accomplish these procrastinated goals, combined with the stress of the upcoming holiday season, can make for a busy few months.
In Berkel’s explanation of the October Theory, she mentions “October is like the second New Year’s of the year.” She explains that many people begin to think about what they have done this past year and what they have yet to do because there are only a couple of months left in the year.
According to Forbes magazine, most people’s New Year’s resolutions only last about three and a half months. After spending most of the year pushing off specific goals, many people feel the urge to make major life changes to make up for lost time.
To understand if motivation during the fall season is heightened among college students, Savannah Morris, a freshman studying psychology, offered her insight.
“I would probably say that the cold weather definitely affects my motivation,” Morris said. “It makes it a lot harder to get out of bed in the mornings, so I’m not as motivated to go to my classes and do my schoolwork.”
Contrary to what Berkel predicted, the fall weather can have the opposite effect on an individual's desire to make major changes in their life before the new year.
“I wait until the New Year again to set goals for myself because honestly, towards the last few couple months, I lose motivation,” Morris said.
Although the fall season can seem stressful, it can also be a time to unwind and reflect on how to improve for the upcoming year.
However, Chasity Frizzell, a junior studying music education, supported Berkle’s theory.
“I like it colder,” Frizzell said. “I actually practice outside on the balcony on the sixth floor more in the fall.”
Unlike Morris, Frizzell seemed to accept the first part of the October Theory. As a music education major, Frizzell said she finds the fall weather uplifting and stimulating for her to practice music. The colder months impact her views on her education positively.
“If I haven't finished any of my goals for finishing off this year, I'll try to finish them,” Frizzell said. “But, I also don't try to stress myself out because school is really hard.”
Similar to Morris, reaching the goals Frizzell set out to accomplish this year is not her top priority. Instead, she chooses to focus her fall-induced motivation on her education.
To build on her theory, Berkel adds that many people feel pressure to be in a relationship during the holiday season. She explains this pressure as “hot girl summer is over and it is now cuffing season.” In other words, summer was spent focusing on ourselves, but it is now time to find a romantic partner.
This relatable phenomenon of holiday loneliness stems from the constant love surrounding the holiday season. According to a survey from ValuePenguin, 55% of people suffer from loneliness during the holidays. Due to the sentimental atmosphere lingering during the fall and winter months, it becomes easier to be emotionally vulnerable.
Morris supported the second part of Berkel’s theory.
“I do feel a sense of loneliness when I go out and see other people doing (fall) activities with their significant others,” Morris said. “I wouldn't really say that I feel pressured or anything, but it's definitely something that I think about.”
Similarly, Frizzell said, “I don't feel any pressure (to date).” Though recently single, she expressed she has decided to use the refreshing fall energy as a way to focus on herself. She also mentioned that due to recent family grievances, “the last four years have been a little less bright.”
The influence to think about a seasonal relationship mainly comes from seeing others in happy relationships. Though the holiday season is meant to fill people with love and joy, it can be a reminder of an individual's lack of affectionate relationships in their own lives. According to Texas Health, factors such as seasonal depression and grief can also contribute to holiday loneliness.
Though Berkel’s October Theory predicts that the fall season is a period for personal development and reflection, it fails to recognize that it can also be a time for rest and preparation. It seems as though the individual’s perception of the fall season determines how they decide to spend the last few months of the year.
