This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s senior fall editorial intern Lauren Sanchez. Find her on Instagram at @lauren.sanchezz. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
When it comes to changing lifestyle habits and setting new goals for yourself, most people often wait till the clock strikes midnight on January 1st to work towards bettering a new version of themselves. Whether it’s developing a new exercise routine, setting a new goal to read more books or wanting to pick up a new hobby, people often make these resolutions to kickstart a brand new chapter. However, with TikTok’s new viral “October Theory” trend, people have started naming October as the month for resetting and getting motivated before the end of the year.
What Is The “October Theory” Anyway?
Think of October as the unofficial “second New Year”— a time when everyone’s suddenly buzzing with energy to tie up loose ends and chase those goals. Especially with the year’s end speeding towards us and the holiday season coming up, it feels like everything wraps up in one big and chaotic whirlwind of time, making it a little more difficult to focus on ourselves.
While Fall can be such a beautiful season with the leaves changing color and a time to finally bring out the cozy sweaters and cardigans, Fall can also bring on tons of emotions as well. From “autumn anxiety” to the start of seasonal depression, it can definitely be a tough season to get through. Yet due to this trend, people are starting to take advantage of the craziness that Fall can bring and use it as a way to regroup and make meaningful changes to their lives without completely revamping their life.
October has everyone feeling like this month is made for big shifts, major choices, and, yes, a serious glow-up. It’s as if everyone’s in a rush to squeeze in those last self-improvement moves before the year wraps up. So, if you’re feeling inspired to shake things up or take life in a bold new direction, consider yourself fully in sync with the October Theory!
What Makes The October Theory Different Than A New Years Resolution?
The October Theory brings a fresh, no-nonsense vibe to self-improvement that New Year’s resolutions just can’t really match. When January rolls around, there’s A LOT of pressure to make sweeping changes with that “new year, new me” energy, but it can often feel forced, overwhelming or just unrealistic. On the other hand, the October Theory approach is more about grounding yourself in the here and now. With just three months left in the year, there’s no time for endless planning or hesitation—it’s more so about taking action and embracing progress over clear, cut perfection.
And let’s be real: the October Theory isn’t about creating a grand list of resolutions to hold for the next twelve months. While New Year’s resolutions are often steeped in long-term goals, October is all about getting results in the present and setting yourself up to make better changes for yourself for the new year.
Small Yet Mighty Ways To Improve Your Life (October Theory Style)
With this whole trend being about making small but meaningful changes to your life, if you’re looking for ways to improve your life and commit to the October Theory, here are a few ideas on where to get started!
Declutter Your Space
Unlike getting rid of everything at the beginning of the year or waiting for the terrifying “spring cleaning” season, decluttering your space in small increments can be incredibly beneficial to your mental health! Whether it’s going through your junk drawer, cleaning out the fridge or making space in your house for the upcoming holiday season of gifts, tidying up and cleaning your space can lead to a clearer mind.
Reading Something New Every Day
If you have a never-ending “To-Be-Read” list that rarely gets any love, setting those high expectations can feel a bit discouraging. But recently, I’ve started reading at least one new thing a day. Whether it’s an article, a blog post, a chapter from that book I’ve been slowly chipping away at, or even the lyrics to a favorite song, it makes me feel productive and gives me a daily dose of something new. Instead of challenging myself to finish 20-30 books a year (major props to those who do!), carving out a little time each day to read has made all the difference!
Start (Or End) A Relationship
If you’re like me and found yourself eating grapes under the kitchen table on New Year’s Eve, hoping to manifest a relationship, but somehow never made it into the dating scene—guess what? It’s never too late to start putting yourself out there. Dating apps might feel cursed and stepping out of your comfort zone isn’t always easy, but taking small steps to meet new people can work wonders for your mindset. And this isn’t just about dating! Friendships are just as essential, and opening yourself up can lead to meaningful new connections in all areas of life.
But, while starting new relationships can be exciting, it’s also perfectly okay to decide it’s time to end one! Letting go of relationships that no longer serve you before the new year can feel like clearing emotional space for new, positive experiences. Saying goodbye to someone can be difficult, but remember, it’s an act of self-care and growth! Embracing this space can open you up to healthier relationships and allow you to enter the new year feeling lighter and more aligned with what you truly want.
Working Out Doesn’t Have To Be Stressful
Working out doesn’t have to mean committing to a pricey gym membership you’ll barely use! There are endless ways to move your body that are simple, accessible and low-pressure. From free YouTube workouts that you can do right at home to taking a quick 20-minute walk outside, staying active doesn’t have to be all time-consuming. Try exploring a workout or dance class, or maybe give Pilates a go—anything that gets you moving and feels enjoyable! Exercise can fit right into your lifestyle without eating up too much time, making it a great way to care for your body and mind without added stress.
October Theory is all about living for right now, skipping the pressure to completely reinvent ourselves come January. It’s inspiring people to start those glow-ups and fresh routines in small, doable ways that actually stick—no giant overhaul required. Whether it’s setting mini goals, switching up daily habits, or finally trying that one thing you’ve been putting off, it’s a reminder that self-improvement doesn’t need to wait for the new year!
What do you think about the viral October Theory? What are some small yet mighty ways you’ll try to improve your life? Let us know in the comments below!
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