Hi readers– it’s now November, with built-in darkness, leaf lossage, and weather that’s heading chillier and windier. October was a very busy month for me, with a bunch of work and other writing deadlines, as well as some fun outings with friends. As a result, I missed out on implementing October theory.
What, you may wonder, is October theory?
As far as I can tell, it’s one of the latest TikTok-dreamed-up fads. This one involves not waiting until almost January to focus on completely revamping your life through resolutions, vision boards, grandiose plans, and perhaps even new gym memberships that can be abandoned even before the new year comes around.
Seriously, what “October theory” (I am wondering, does the “theory” part refers to) seems to amount to is some TikTok users panicking about either a) lack of new content to send out to their followers, or b) that fact that it’s fall and they haven’t cleaned out their closets or been to the gym since March. So, they declare October to be the new New Year, complete with reflection, resolution-making and embarkation on life-changing journeys.
“People are like…if I want to make changes in my life and improve myself before the New Year and before January, this is the time,” Chloe Van Berkel, a New York-based college student with over 72,000 followers on TikTok, in a video on the first of the month. It has acquired over 133 thousand likes and over 500 comments.
Here is “October theory” explained in more detail.
But what’s wrong with waiting until January for reassessment and purchasing gym memberships? Minor celebrity Ryan Seacrest’s online show panelists have an answer.
“They claim that it is an optimal month for a glow-up or a major transformation.” And, to counter the dread of the sunlight hours getting shorter and cold weather coming, taking back some control before January 1st by trying something new may feel empowering. As Seacrest put it, “Starting in January is sad.”
Starting in January is sad? Hmphf. I beg to differ. First, fall is very busy for most of us, what with all the decorating and cooking and turkey-trot 5Ks that we may or may not enter. Who has time for reflection and reassessment of our souls’ desires and needs? Which leads to second, January is a pretty slow month. Apart from searching out linen sales and continuing to vacuum up pine needles from the living room rug, there’s less to do. Perfect time for making life-changing lists. And third, January is, after all, the first month of the calendar year, which ought to give it increased consideration.
Seriously, folks: October theory notwithstanding, I think it’s good to take some time to pause and reflect on our life habits. We may want to make some changes, and giving ourselves some space to think about what to change and what to change into makes sense. And whenever you find time for that process is a good time.
Yes, in some ways January makes sense. It’ is, after all, 1/1. But January has become burdened with the pressure of being the Imma-change-my-life-now month. Both Samantha and I have written about this:
Maybe Februrary is the new January: a case for showing up late to the challenge party
January is fired as the month to start new things. It’s all about February now. Join us!
Honestly, it doesn’t have to be February, either. Any month, any day, any time, is a potential good time for self-reflection and consideration of change.
But not October, please! I’m way too busy.
How about you, dear readers? Did anyone catch October theory fever? Did you ever hear about it? I’d love to hear from you.
Nope. Never heard of it. I’m with you all the way: any month, any day that we feel inspired to take on a challenge is the time you do it. There could well be a lot less failed resolutions if we did things when they felt right – to us. I think your idea that they really needed something to talk about is pretty likely.