To me, the idea of going back to school always represented a fresh start. You’d get new supplies, new classes, a new schedule, new people, new clothes—even new hair! If you wanted to change who you were going to be, the beginning of the school year was the time to do it.

That got me thinking about how, as small business owners, we never really have a “back to school” moment. We just keep going without taking time to refresh and renew. Some might argue that New Year’s is the time for rethinking everything, but 9 times out of 10, we’re still recovering from the CRAZY holiday season, and before we know it, we’re back at it again. Fresh starts come from fresh minds—it’s after summer, not after finals, that we start a new school year.

So, before the holiday craziness begins, I encourage you to take a moment and channel some of that “back to school” energy for yourself and your business! Here are a few ways to do just that:

Choose your classes

Education doesn’t have to stop just because we’re out of school! There are so many books, podcasts, and YouTube videos that can help you stay sharp and continue learning—whether it’s about your business, your industry, or success in general. Take a look at your list of books you’ve been meaning to read (mine’s on my phone!), pick one, and start reading! Another way to approach this is to decide what you want to focus on in the upcoming “semester,” then seek out resources that will help you learn the skills or get inspired to move toward your goals.

Get new supplies

When was the last time your workspace or tools got a refresh? Do you need a new planner? How’s your pen situation? Is your desk organized? (I can never keep up with this one!) Can you easily find what you need on any given day? Are there certain colors or elements you’d love to add to your space? You don’t have to redecorate or buy a bunch of new stuff, but adding a little something to your workspace or refreshing your supplies can really bring new energy to your workday routine.

Review your schedule

When was the last time you took a close look at how you spend your days? Are you being as efficient and effective as you could be? Is there something you’ve been doing forever that no longer serves you? You probably have systems in place—intentional or not—that haven’t been reviewed in a while. Take a moment to evaluate whether those systems are still serving you, and make changes if they aren’t.

Refresh your wardrobe

This might seem a little out of place, but trust me—it’s not. EVERYONE feels better in a new outfit, even if you work from home. As a WFH girly myself, I fall into the trap of wearing PJs all day. But I actually focus better and get more done when I make the effort to dress up, even if it’s just switching into a comfy casual outfit. Beyond what you wear day to day, you can also apply this idea to your brand. What kind of image do you want to project to the world this year? Do the images you’re using on social media still feel like “you”? Maybe it’s time for a branding shoot or an update to your marketing assets to refresh your brand’s vibe.

It’s so important to hit the refresh button for yourself regularly. As time goes on, your business will evolve, and so will YOU. If you don’t take a moment to reflect and renew, burnout will catch up with you fast. What do you think? Does this back-to-school approach resonate with you?