September Reset Framework:

A Guided Reflective Tool for Business Owners

Welcome to the September Reset Framework!


As the seasons begin to shift, now is a great time to pause, reflect on the year so far, and set fresh intentions for the months ahead. This framework is designed to help you realign your energy, reconnect with your business goals, and reset your mindset as we move towards autumn and winter. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or ready to soar, this exercise will help you create clarity and momentum for the rest of the year.

Take your time with each section. Approach this reflection with self-compassion, giving yourself credit for the wins and learning from the challenges without judgment. This is your opportunity to reset with intention, kindness, and focus.

Part One

Reflecting on the Year So Far: Acknowledging Wins & Growth

We often get so wrapped up in our to-do lists that we forget to acknowledge how far we've come. Before moving forward, let’s take a moment to appreciate your progress and recognise the lessons.

Reflective Questions:

  • What are your top 3 accomplishments from the year so far?
    (Big or small, every win counts!)

  • What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
    (Were there moments of resilience or resourcefulness that you can celebrate?)

  • In what ways have you grown as a business owner and as a person this year? (Consider personal development, new skills, or shifts in mindset.)

Exercise: Celebrate Your Successes

Write down your wins on sticky notes or a journal page and put them somewhere visible. Take a moment to feel gratitude for each one. Even if they seem minor, they are part of your journey. If you’d like, share one with your community or a close business friend—spreading positivity helps solidify your success!

Part Two

Reconnecting with Your Business Vision: Resetting Goals

With your successes in mind, it’s time to reset your focus for the next few months. What do you want to achieve by the end of the year? This part of the framework will help you clarify your goals and create actionable steps for the months ahead.

Reflective Questions:

  • What aspects of your business do you feel most passionate about right now?
    (Is it time to double down on that area, or do you need to diversify your focus?)

  • Which goals or projects have you been avoiding, and why?
    (Consider whether fear, perfectionism, or lack of clarity has been holding you back.)

  • If you could accomplish one key thing by the end of the year, what would it be?
    (Think about a meaningful goal that would bring you satisfaction or move your business forward.)

Exercise: Set 3 clear goals for the rest of the year

Use the SMART method (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to map out 3 main goals to focus on from now until the end of the year. Then, break each goal down into smaller, manageable steps. Commit to taking one step each week and set a monthly check-in to track your progress.

Part Three

Refocusing Energy & Momentum: Shifting Your Mindset

As a small business owner, your mindset is one of your greatest assets. This section is about refocusing your energy, setting boundaries, and staying aligned with your inner vision.

Reflective Questions:

  • Where have you been spending energy that isn’t serving your business? (Is social media draining your focus? Are you overcommitting to things that don’t align with your values?)

  • What limiting beliefs or inner criticisms have held you back, and how can you accept them, and refocus? (Think about the stories you tell yourself when things don’t go as planned. What thoughts do you really want to listen to instead which will be more helpful?)

  • What boundaries do you need to establish to protect your energy and focus? (Do you need to say no more often, set clearer work-life boundaries, or manage client expectations?)

Exercise: Create an energy plan

Write down 3 things that energise and motivate you in your business and 3 things that drain your energy. For the next month, commit to nurturing what energises you and minimising or delegating what drains you.

Take it further by setting one new boundary to protect your time and focus—whether that’s blocking out “deep work” hours, limiting time on social media, or automating tasks that take too much mental energy.

Part Four

Self-Compassion & Well-being: Caring for the Business Owner

You are the heart of your business, and your well-being directly impacts its success. This section is all about checking in with yourself and practicing self-compassion.

Reflective Questions:

  • Where How have you been taking care of yourself this year? (Physically, mentally, emotionally—are you giving yourself the care you deserve?)

  • What does self-compassion look like for you right now? (This could be setting gentler expectations, taking breaks, or showing yourself grace during tough times.)

  • What one self-care practice can you commit to for the next three months to nurture your well-being? (Consider something that brings you joy, relaxation, or a sense of fulfillment.)

Exercise: Create a self-care commitment

Write down one self-care practice that you will incorporate regularly for the rest of the year. It could be as simple as a 10-minute morning meditation, weekly nature walks, or setting a digital detox day. Treat this commitment with the same importance as any business task—it’s an investment in yourself and your business.

Part Five

Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Autumn and Winter Months

The final part of this reset framework is about future visioning and setting the stage for what’s to come. As we look toward the end of the year, it’s a chance to anchor your dreams and create a clear roadmap.

Reflective Questions:

  • How do you want to feel at the end of the year? (Instead of focusing solely on achievements, think about the emotional and mental state you want to cultivate.)

  • What does a successful autumn/winter look like for your business? (Paint a picture of success that aligns with your values and lifestyle goals.)

  • What one mindset shift will help you navigate the remainder of the year with grace and focus? (This could be embracing imperfection, practicing patience, or learning to trust yourself more.)

Exercise: Write your future vision letter

Imagine it's the end of December. Write a letter to your future self, describing how you feel, what you’ve achieved, and how your business and life have evolved. Be detailed and positive. This practice can help solidify your intentions and serve as a powerful reminder to stay aligned with your vision.