What’s on your fall to-do list?

Perhaps it’s an old habit left over from our school days, but September is a time when many of us look to try something new or resolve to start fresh — a “new year” of sorts.

Looking for a little inspiration? We’ve got some tips:

Activities to try

Learn a new skill. Get caught up in the back-to-school spirit by taking a class or learning a new skill. Continuing education courses and classes are back in session, but learning doesn’t have to be limited to the classroom. There are many opportunities to learn on your own schedule, and in the comfort of your own home. (See Back to school for Zoomers for resources and tips.)

It’s a good opportunity to try a new hobby — there’s enough time to make gifts for the holiday season. Or maybe this is the year you learn a new card game or institute a “games night” every month.

Shape up. Before the snow flies and winter zaps our motivation, try settling into a fitness routine now. There are many classes, sports leagues and fitness activities starting up again after a summer off. If the idea of a “boring aerobics class” doesn’t appeal to you, many gyms and recreation centres are getting creative with their fitness classes this year. (See Fall into fitness for more information.)

Volunteer. You’ve probably noticed that there are many major fundraising events and drives during the fall and winter holiday season. Now is a good time to get in on the action and donate your time to a worthy cause. Check out your city’s website for more information about community groups and volunteer opportunities.

Plan big adventures… The popularity of books such as 100 Things to Do Before You Die and Twenty Wishes and movies like The Bucket List have people of all ages drawing up their own lists of places they want to see and things they want to do during their lifetime.

It doesn’t hurt to dream big — in fact, it can help you set financial goals. For example, if a trip to see the Great Pyramids is on your mind, now is the time to start planning and saving. The important thing is to keep those big dreams in sight.

…And small ones too. What would you do if time and money were no object? Perhaps that’s a moot point. Money and time, as well as work and family obligations, are always a factor… But you don’t need weeks of free time or thousands of dollars to indulge your adventurous spirit. Explore your area or take a short trip for a day or a weekend. Try making a checklist of local events and attractions to visit this year. They’re closer to home, less expensive and ultimately more manageable.

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Tips for success

Sound overly ambitious? We can’t do it all. Here are some tips to help:

Write it down. Make your goals “real” by getting them out of your head and onto paper. You don’t have to accomplish everything, but a list can help you see where your interests and priorities are — an essential step for planning. A calendar is also a boon. Keep it with you and jot down any interesting events or ideas you see.

Dream big, but start small. One of the reasons resolutions fail is we try to take on too much change at one time — and then we feel like a failure when we can’t do it all. Choose one activity to start, and try to dedicate a few hours a week or a month. Let your success motivate you to do more.

Use the “buddy system.” There’s a good reason to share your plans: many activities are more enjoyable when you’ve got company, and friends and family can help support your efforts. If you’re taking a class, you’ll also have outside help if you have questions or want to practice a skill.

Adapt. The spirit of your big dreams doesn’t require a big budget or a big block of time. Think about what you love to do and how you can indulge within your schedule and budget. For example, your love of art doesn’t have to mean flying off to Europe when there are many first-rate museums and galleries close to home. The trick is to focus on experience, and find places close to home to get it.

Push your boundaries. You’ve heard the saying “if you do what you always do, you’ll get what you always got.” Maybe it’s time to get out of your “comfort zone.” Get out your local recreation guide and look for activities that you’ve never considered before, whether it’s a workshop on car maintenance or a yoga class. Where health and safety aren’t factors, take a close look at the classes you think you’d “never” take.

If you’re a frequent traveller, try a different “style” of travel like renting an apartment and living like a local for a few weeks, or volunteering abroad.

Document your experiences. There’s something inherently satisfying about crossing an item off your list, but you can also go a little further and take pictures, create a scrap book or even blog about your experiences. It’s time to reward yourself for your efforts and share what you’ve done with friends and family.

Whether it’s a small change or a new routine, fall is a good time to get started when we’ve got the mind-set for new routines and there are no New Year’s obligations.

Got a tip to share? Post it in the comments.

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