In psychological experiments where people are asked to pick a random number between 1 and 20, 17 is chosen far more than any other number. This happens so much that 17 has come to be known as the least random number.
A valid Sudoku puzzle cannot be made with fewer than 17 clues.
A traditional Haiku in English follows the 17 syllable (5–7–5) pattern. It’s seen as a compact way to capture the ‘essence’ of a moment.
In NBA numerology, 17 championships was the record (until last year!) held by both the Boston Celtics and the L.A. Lakers.
17 is the sum of the first 4 prime numbers: 2 + 3 + 5 + 7 = 17.
In Hebrew, the word tov (good) has a numerical value of 17, so it’s considered a positive, lucky number in Jewish tradition.
In blackjack, 17 is the “sticky” number where players have to decide about drawing another card – depending on whether the 17 is ‘hard’ or ‘soft.’
And, in math, 17 is one of the few numbers where a regular polygon with 17 sides (heptadecagon) can be constructed exactly with just a compass and straightedge.
Why am I telling you about the number 17?
You’ll see.
For almost 50 years of my life, the start of school in the fall was part of my regular rhythm. I would have various types of summers but always go back to the structured way of life when school started. And that structure was especially apparent after Labor Day.
Even with a job that now does not have a cyclical feel, the feel of September being a new beginning is deep in my bones.
Sara Caputo says, “For those whose New Year’s resolutions have faded, September offers a second chance. It’s an opportunity to revisit those goals with fresh eyes and renewed energy. The timing is ideal for making meaningful changes before the holiday season arrives, ensuring you finish the year on a high note. In many ways, September embodies the spirit of new beginnings just as much as January does.”
This is not my idea, of course. Many people, like Caputo, feel the same.
But here are my reasons why September is the perfect time for a reset:
1) Fresh-start psychology.
September feels like a clean page. A new season, a new school year, a shift in rhythms. That “temporal landmark” effect of Labor Day helps our brains create distance from old patterns and approach change with more energy and optimism.
2) Predictable structure returns.
After the moving parts of summer, our calendars settle into something steadier: schedules, recurring meetings, rehearsals, etc. Predictability is rocket fuel for habit design because we can anchor behaviors to fixed cues.
3) Built-in on-ramps everywhere.
Communities relaunch in September: classes, groups, leagues, schools, book clubs, volunteer teams, faith-centered programs. Joining a fresh cohort – or even that online course we purchased but haven’t started! – adds accountability and can make a routine social, which boosts our follow-through.
4) Seasonal energy shift.
The change in light, air, and temperature brings a different feel. Cooler mornings and earlier sunsets create a natural cue for us to reset. September’s atmosphere nudges us toward steadier routines.
5) Momentum without pressure.
Unlike January, which comes with heavy expectations of resolutions, September offers a quieter reset. We get the energy of a fresh start without the “big resolution” hype — making it easier to choose changes that feel sustainable.
6) Alignment with harvest themes.
Historically, September is harvest season — the time of reaping what’s been planted. Symbolically, it’s a perfect moment for us to ask: what do we want to “harvest” in our own lives over the next few months? What practices will help us gather the outcomes we want?
7) Natural bridge to the year’s final quarter.
September opens the door to the last stretch of the year. It’s a strategic moment for us to look ahead, ask what matters most before the year closes, and line up practices that carry us into January with intention instead of drift.
Which brings us to that number, 17.
This year, September gives us a clean 17 weeks from Tuesday September 2nd until Tuesday December 30th. Yes, 17.
Caputo gives us an idea we can try with those 17 weeks:
“Take this Labor Day weekend to commit to something new and different. It need not be something grand or with a lot of fanfare, and the commitment only has to last through December 31. Come January 1, you may find that your 2026 is already off to a smooth start.”
I can’t wait to hear about what we’re all going to do with our 17 weeks. And if you’d like a little help making your “prime” number of weeks really count for you, I’m here.
PS My sweet Momma’s birthday happens to be September 17.
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PPS If you liked this post – or any others, I’d love you to pass me and my work on to a friend. They can find out much more about me here if they’re interested!
