September is a month of changes for our interior plants. The plants are able to sense the changing light levels outside and respond by a marked shift in their water needs and growth habits. This change happens very suddenly, overnight it often seems. In a similar sense the coming of fall in September affects people with changes as well, often with mood changes. A sense of melancholy can overtake some with the end of the warmth of summer. Just as the words “back to school” evoke a visual image of achievement and learning new skills that go back to our early childhood days, the season of autumn is tied to growth and change. It is a time of harvest and turning things over. Leaves change color and flowers prepare for the coming change in weather. September is a great time to take stock of ourselves and re-evaluate our work and work habits.

Unhappy? Do something about it!

Happiness is within your power and is possible for you to achieve — starting today. We and we alone are responsible for how we are treated by others and how we resolve situations we don’t like. A sense of well-being comes by believing in yourself and taking charge of your life. Take the following quiz and use it to set goals and make changes in the months ahead. Refer back to those goals daily. Post them where you will see and read them frequently — your refrigerator may be a good spot.

  1. On a scale of 1 to 10 (10 is perfectly happy), how happy are you in your current job?
  2. On a scale of 1 to 10, how much are you committed to your job?
  3. If neither of the above is 10, what changes would you need to see happen to make them a 10?
  4. What are the strengths you can and do bring to this job?
  5. List three areas to improve your job performance that would create pride and happiness, and set goals to achieve these changes.
  6. What is success to you? How can your current job help you get there?

It is time for the change in seasons to help us take a new look at our lives and accept accountability for our own lives. Look inward first and create positive change for yourself.