Is there any truth in the viral October Theory? We asked an expert

Change is in the air

• In this article

• What is 'October Theory'?

• Why we should embrace goal setting and change at this time of year

• An expert's take on the viral theory

If you’ve felt an urge over the last few weeks to set new goals in motion and make positive changes, you’ll love the sound of TikTok’s latest theory. 

If you’re a Libra like me, October has probably always felt like a time of growth and new beginnings. With my birthday headlining the month, I’ve always entered October feeling a little older, a little wiser, and open to what the next 365 days have in store for me. 

So when I started seeing people on social media talk about the viral October Theory, it took me a little while to reconcile with the fact that perhaps not everyone has always looked at the tenth month as an opportunity to start anew.

Because let’s be real, by October, we’re all basically running on empty tanks, desperately trying to get ourselves through the last few months of the year. We’re exhausted, drowning in work deadlines and facing the impending social and financial toll of the festive season. 

What is the ‘October Theory’?

Naturally, the TikTok girlies have come up with a new hypothesis (because, who doesn’t love a TikTok theory) to explain why October often feels like the perfect time to embrace growth and change.

In short, think of October as a ‘mini new year’.  

Unlike January, when most of our New Year’s resolutions take effect, October is positioned at the tail end of the year. This allows us to look back on what we’ve achieved thus far and assess our emotional, financial, and professional state. 

Then, theoretically, armed with the knowledge of what aspects of life we’re content with – and what things we’d like to change – we’re perfectly positioned to set any changes in motion with 90 days of the year to go. 

From updating their skincare routine and resume to locking down a festive-season fling, the October theory can be applied to almost any area of your life. 

@chloevanberkel

tik tok comes up with a lot of theories but i’m kinda here for this one #october #octobertheory #firstofthemonth #endoftheyear #fallseason

♬ original sound - Chloe Van Berkel

Is there any truth to the theory?

According to psychotherapist Brianna Paruolo, there’s a reason this time of year inspires positive change in so many people. 

“The autumn season often sparks a natural inclination for transformation,” she tells Bustle. “As the leaves change colour and fall, we're reminded of the beauty in letting go and embracing new beginnings.” 

“This combination of environmental changes and societal rhythms creates a perfect storm for personal transformation, allowing us to shed old habits – just like trees shedding leaves – and cultivate new aspects of ourselves.”

@kellysites

I am loving seeing the glow up I do every October. It might be my new favorite month #october #octobermood #octobertheory #glowup

♬ original sound - kelly sites 💛🍉

In turn, while many TikTok theorists are situated north of the Equator in the US (where October is a time of pumpkin-spiced fall goodness) Aussies may also attribute our blossoming desire for change to the warmer temperatures and blooming power of spring. 

Other people on the platform have touched on the value of embracing October Theory before the new year begins, pointing out that a person is far more likely to keep up the momentum of a healthy habit in the new year the earlier they start. 

“Research suggests that it takes an average of 66 days for a new behaviour to become automatic, though this can vary depending on the complexity of the habit and individual differences,” Paruolo continues.

“By beginning in October, you're giving yourself roughly 90 days until the new year – ample time to not only form a habit but to start seeing meaningful progress.” 

Originally published as Is there any truth in the viral October Theory? We asked an expert