There’s something about back-to-school season that feels like a reset button for the whole family. New schedules, new routines, new chances to set up well-oiled systems.
So when The Spruceasked me for my top three habit hacks for this “fresh start” time of year, I thought about the little shifts that make the biggest difference in my house—and maybe in yours too. 1. Morning Routines Are Actually Evening Routines
The secret to smooth mornings? Start the night before. Anything you can prep in the evening—do it. Pack lunches while you’re already cooking dinner, set out clothes, sign the permission slip. Then officially "close the kitchen" and your day. You’ll be amazed how much calmer the a.m. feels when the p.m. version of you was gifting you a gentler, easier morning.
2. Do a “Paper Dump” (Not a Daily Sort)
Instead of stressing over every worksheet and art project your kid brings home, designate one spot for a daily "paper dump"—a bin, drawer, or oversized folder. Let everything collect there without judgment. At the end of each semester, sit down and pick 10 sacred favorites to keep, and kindly release the rest. No guilt. No clutter. Just sweet, curated memories.
After one year of just piling up all papers, I select around 10 or less to be filed away. It's easier to curate once time has passed and not everything feels special just because it's most recent. I keep the best original writing and original artwork, and feel JUST fine tossing worksheets and coloring pages.
3. Ditch the Perfection—Pivoting Is the Plan
So you forgot a supply on the list or just noticed your suddenly-gigantic son’s pants became capris overnight—no worries. Back-to-school doesn't need to mean back to perfection. The most flexible person wins. The school year is a moving river, not a one-time checklist. You’ll be pivoting all year long, so imagine yourself gracefully riding the current instead of fighting it.
They included some of these along with four more from guest experts in this article here.
Now hit reply and tell me your TOP HACK for fresh start season and I'll list them all in next week's newsletter! xoxo- Katie Day
Currently:
August Theme: The "Set Up Shop" Challenge It's another decluttering challenge! Creating a simple "command station" so you are ready for back to school plus a "re-set station" for when you need to go inward and regroup. Grab a 7-day free trial and join us! Group Coaching with me on Zoom! Tuesday, August 26th! Inside the Habit Lab!
Next up:
Ready to feel lighter, clearer, and back in control before the year is even over? My 90-Day Reset is a live 1:1 coaching program that runs September 1 – December 1. Together, we’ll eliminate the foods (or any other vices you want a break from) that are dragging you down, reset your system, and build habits that actually last—so you can roll into the holidays with energy, confidence, and food freedom.
Click the button below to be automatically added to the Interest List. You’ll get first dibs when the offer goes live this Thursday! (There are only 4 seats total!)
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.”
— Dr. Seuss
That's me on the megatron! The MSU Convocation was so much fun! I couldn't have asked for a more supportive environment for my first arena-speech! I shared my "top 3 habits to unlock maximum college magic". (They also happen to be the same three habits to unlock maximum life magic!) I'll share the video once it's available!
The Traditional First Day of school "crazy breakfast". These are "Squiggle pancakes" made by using a bottle to squeeze out the pancake batter. We got up early and had a "pancake bar" waiting with whipped cream and berries and choc chips. My kids officially went back this morning including (gasp) a HIGH SCHOOLER. I have a freshman, you guys! Life is wild.
After hitting rock bottom, I've embarked on a radical journey. For one year, I'm taking a break from all cynicsm and trying out some crazy self-improvement experiments (so you don't have to.)