September Is The Best Month for New Beginnings

According to researchers.

There’s something about September. 🍁

To me, it’s more of a beginning than January. 

In fact, when it comes to new beginnings, authors & researchers say it’s better than January.

“Researchers at the University of Scranton, in Pennsylvania, estimate that less than 10% of New Year’s resolutions are actually achieved. Christmas can be an emotional time for many families for a number of reasons, not to mention expensive, exhausting and – let’s face it – sometimes a little awkward around that dinner table. Pinning a lot of hope onto making big life changes will likely be met with disappointment.

By following the traditional academic calendar, from September through to July, we can learn from our children to chase down our own goals. Think about how they go in eager to soak up information at the beginning of the new term, and keep working hard – steadily and surely – until they break up for their summer holidays; this can be applied to your life, too. 

Don’t crash diet to lose weight quickly (and inevitably regain the weight once you realise this is not sustainable), but make smaller, consistent steps to achieve your weight loss goal over a longer period of time, positively aiming for results in a realistic time frame. Don’t get disheartened if you don’t get what you want straight away. See the outcome as a learning experience with long-term effects.”—NYT Best-Selling author, Gretchen Rubin 

To start doing again after the summer haze; I’ve always looked forward to it: as a student and an employee in a season-dependent business. 

I’ve also always loved the back-to-school shopping when it’s not out of the question to ask for new clothes, even if you know new clothes are a luxury. 

And all the notebooks, new pens… Seeing friends again that you didn’t see all summer… Ahh, what’s not to love about September? 

Plus, I was really good at school. Never had a problem doing what was asked of me and achieving top results. 

Same with jobs. 

But then solopreneurship kicked my ass. 

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How did you do at school? 

I’ve noticed most of my subscribers have done great either at school, at their jobs, or both. 

Satisfying someone else’s requirements comes easy, but solopreneurship catches us a bit off guard. 

The problem is, there’s no structure to solopreneurship other than the one you set for yourself, and then how could you be sure that would work? 

Solopreneurship literally means going at it alone: no one there to show you the way, give you the task, be the example. 

That’s why I’ve devoted so much time and attention lately to developing the Smarter Solopreneurs community: a place to share wins, disappointments, questions — and leave recharged, clear and determined. 

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Which brings me to my new announcement. 

If September is a great month for new things, here we go.

I’m so excited to be announcing a new bit of structure to help you grow confidently and sustainably: monthly themes. 

You think it’s easy to come up with writing ideas for you guys twice a week? You’re smart and you have a lot of options, on Substack and off. I can teach you a lot, but what do I teach you? It’s nerve-wracking, trying to keep you interested but also making you do even the boring stuff because I know they’ll help you succeed. 

To put things in order, I’m introducing Monthly Themes. Every month, we’ll dive deep into something that you want to learn & do, and by the end of the month, you’ll see tangible results. 

Not to say we won’t be repeating themes from time to time, but I’ll try to keep things varied and logical so everyone gets what they came here for. 

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Our September theme: selling like crazy. 

If you want to make money online, everything you do is a sale: whether you’re selling your ideas, the opportunity for someone to read your article, your paid subscription, or your products or services. 

It’s all a sale. 

I know this sounds sleazy as hell and it’s probably the last thing you want to be doing. 

But let me tell you this: I’m selling something every newsletter and still have people who open them all, read them top to bottom and love them. 

So could it be that sales really isn’t what you think it is? 

Sales isn’t about pushing or begging or evoking cringes. Sales is really about being you: which is so simple, most people get it wrong.

In our sales-themed month, you’ll learn: 

• How to get more people to recommend you on Substack 

• How to get more free subscribers 

• How to get more paid subscribers 

• How to sell more of your products or services 

• How to write so you get fans, not just readers (aka, how to sell your ideas)

• And a lot more… 

I’m also preparing a webinar that will blow your socks off so keep another pair of socks real close because it’s almost autumn and I don’t want you to catch a cold. 

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Reminder for paid subs: 

You have until this Sunday to send me your stretch goal for the next 12 months. Next week, I’m putting everyone’s goals in a spreadsheet and building a plan on how to help you get there. Some things will be group sessions, when goals and challenges match. Some things will be direct messaging coaching so I can help you 1–1. 

Want to join the best online solopreneurship community? Remember: now is the time to start fresh, approach goals the right way and achieve what you never thought you could.

Consider becoming Smarter Solopreneurs paid subscriber. ❤️