ADHD Goal Setting & Reflection for a September Reset

Sumiko Stacey
2 days ago
3 min read

The Clarity Compass

by Sumiko Stacey, Integative ADHD Coach

As summer winds down and September approaches, life begins to shift again. Schools reopen, work routines pick up, and the steady rhythm of daily life returns.

Whether your summer felt like a whirlwind of busyness or a much-needed slow-down, this in-between moment offers something powerful: the chance to pause, reflect, and realign.

Too often, we jump straight into the “back-to-routine” rush without asking ourselves: What really matters to me right now? That’s where The Clarity Compass comes in. A simple yet profound self-reflection guide designed to help you reconnect with your true self and set ADHD-friendly goals that guide you forward with clarity and intention.

Why September is the Perfect Time to Reset Your ADHD Goals

January often gets all the attention for fresh starts, but September holds its own natural reset. The change of season, children heading back to school, and a sense of structure returning make it an ideal time to re-evaluate priorities.

Instead of slipping into autopilot, this is your chance to zoom out, take a broader view of your life, and ask:

Where am I thriving?
What feels neglected?
What do I want more (or less) of in the months ahead?

💡Science nugget: Research on the “Fresh Start Effect” shows that seasonal shifts and natural life transitions can boost motivation and goal-setting. Our brains are more receptive to change when life offers a new beginning (Hengchen Dai, 2014).

What is The Clarity Compass?

Think of it as a map of your life, offering perspective. Unlike a rigid life-balance wheel, The Clarity Compass isn’t about making every area equal. Instead, it guides you to:

Gain clarity on where you feel strong and where you feel stretched.
Notice neglected areas calling for attention.
See how small changes ripple across your whole life.
Realign your goals with your values so they feel meaningful and sustainable.

💡Science nugget: Reflection activates the default mode network (DMN) in the brain, the system linked with meaning-making and big-picture thinking. This “zooming out” helps ADHD brains cut through daily noise and reconnect with long-term goals.

Why It’s Especially Helpful for ADHD Brains

ADHD brains often chase urgency and novelty, leaving little space for intentional reflection. The Clarity Compass interrupts that cycle by creating a structured pause. It doesn’t demand perfection, it offers clarity, perspective, and choice.

💡Science nugget: ADHD brains show lower activation in the prefrontal cortex, which affects planning and prioritisation. Tools like The Clarity Compass provide external step by step guide that supports executive function, making it easier to offload your mental load, gain clarity, and stay aligned with your values.

Stepping Into September with Intention

Here’s how The Clarity Compass helps you move forward:

Reflect before acting – Check in with what matters most.
Science: reflection increases emotional regulation and self-awareness.
Clarity over chaos – Clear priorities reduce overwhelm and decision fatigue.
Science: reducing decision fatigue helps preserve dopamine, which fuels motivation.
Aligned progress – Values-based goals provide purpose and momentum.
Science: when goals align with values, the brain’s reward pathways are more engaged.

Try The Clarity Compass for Yourself

Before routines tighten again, give yourself the gift of reflection. Download the Clarity Compass Self-Study Guide for only £9, and explore what matters most to you right now.

✨ Step into September with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Let The Clarity Compass guide you toward goals that feel authentic and achievable.