In case you haven’t heard, October is the new January. That is, instead of waiting until the new year has rolled in, you can use Q4 to start assessing how your year has gone so far and what you want to change in the coming year. 

The “October theory” gained popularity on TikTok in 2024 and it’s a concept that encourages people to pause and take a look at how life is going: did they reach their goals, or are they close? Do they still need to get started on resolutions they made back in January? Were there life changes this year that are creating a need for other transitions to occur? Ready to end a habit? 

Here’s a little video that explains how this works. 

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Pause, Savor, Consider

The first step in making a change, according to the experts, is to do a self-assessment. 

While we’re not life coaches, we can share what it has looked like for some of our franchise owners who transitioned from corporate careers or independent small business ownership before joining Sticky Fingers Cooking as franchisees. 

1. Ask if you’re happy in your day-to-day work.
2. Look at your earnings and get a sense of how they can grow to keep you on track with other goals such as home ownership, travel, and retirement. 
3. Do you feel like you have a purpose through your work or do you want to make a difference through your work?
4. Are you on an intentional path?
5. What does success look like for you?

Let’s be clear, franchise business ownership is not for everyone, and there are many different ways to define happiness and success out there. 

Also be sure to take stock of your accomplishments too–not just at work, but in your community, through volunteering, and look at what’s bringing you joy in life. 

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Got a Taste for Something New?

By starting today, rather than as the holidays wrap up in winter, the idea is that you can hit the ground running, so to speak, when the new year dawns. 

A common recommendation for choosing a new career, or tackling a fresh challenge, is to write down your why. At first, it might seem obvious: to earn more money. However, dig deeper into why you need more money and how you will spend or save or donate what you earn, for example. 

By starting the process in October, you’ve got a cushion of time to map out this ideal future and determine what steps you will be taking, who you should talk with, and other details before next year has even begun. You can end the year with a pep in your step! 

It’s possible that your goals and dreams fit with the Sticky Fingers Cooking franchise opportunity. We’ve outlined what our philosophy is so you can explore and this as you consider what life changes you want to make–this October or in the coming year. 

We hope to hear from you!