The Science of Breaking Patterns

It's the last month of the year, and some of us have already started making plans, goals, and resolutions for the new year. The new year brings a new hope for fresh possibilities, and that's what makes us excited. But I feel we don't give October as much credit as we should before starting a new year. I am talking about the October theory.

The October theory suggests the last three months of the year act more as a transition period for many. It's an ideal time to reflect on your old patterns and break them in order to achieve a strong finish. That's why the collective of these three months is usually called the Second New Year. October acts as the Assessment period, November acts as the goal-setting period, and December acts as the of converting goals into habits period.

It's an interesting approach many people practice because epiphany is a funny thing, and it hits you hard when the year comes close to an end, and you don't see the result as you expected in the beginning of the year. I am no different. I like closing chapters and leaving behind things in the year they stopped making sense. It's not about convenience. It's more about outgrowing a certain pattern, people, habits, and mindset. That's why the number of break-ups increases between September to mid-November. The number of gym memberships increases post summer due to the energy of the new season.

By the way, did you know that peak break ups happens in months March and October? Now, go revisit your breakups and try to remember the month things ended!

Psychology explains that seasonal transition affects our emotional state, such as perception of love, attachment patterns, and our approach towards things. You can say that October makes us think deeper because of Seasonal Affective Recalibration. Scientifically, when the season changes from Summer to Autumn, our body also changes and reacts to the outer environment. The reduction of sunlight, cooler climate, and change in daily routine silently affect our hormones and mood. This change allows us to change our emotional energy, mindset, and the way we view things. I call it the Reflection and Realignment process. I love how this process allows people to communicate clearly about everything.

When you see people changing or starting a new thing or a relationship, that usually happens during the 'BER months", aka September to December. This also goes for ending things. If Diwali is known for its pre-festival cleaning spree, the BER months should be known as the self-reflective period. By the time it's January, people who follow this method are at ease making drastic and meaningful changes. Rest, wait for the new year, and delay the process for a life-changing experience.

You can say that October slows you down to listen to your thoughts, and that's why it's essential. It gathers courage to walk in the direction of progress and end things that don't fit. Clarity begins with intention. So before the new year arrives, take time to sit with yourself. You will be surprised to see how much the season is guiding you. 

See you one more time before the year ends

The Queen of Random Things