Self Improvement Month – Sep. 1, 2026

Self Improvement Month
Submit your updates or photos
Categories:
Tags:
ActivitiesEducation
Where:
United States
Date change rule:
Every September
Holiday emoji:
🌱

Self Improvement Month dedicates the entire month of September to personal growth and well-being. It’s a prime opportunity to assess your satisfaction with life, set new goals, and take actionable steps toward becoming the person you aspire to be. Reflect, learn, and grow throughout this empowering month.

Want to sponsor Self Improvement Month? Learn how

Expected Self Improvement Month Deals

Self Improvement Month in September often sees a surge in promotions from wellness apps, online course providers, and book retailers. While specific 2027 deals are yet to be announced, expect companies like Headspace and Calm to offer subscription discounts, while platforms like Coursera and edX may feature reduced prices on personal development courses. Major bookstores such as Barnes & Noble and Amazon typically highlight self-help bestsellers. Additionally, many local gyms and fitness studios, like Equinox, might run introductory offers or special challenges. Keep an eye out for corporate wellness programs from employers like Google or Microsoft, promoting employee health and development. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as September approaches.

Platform Guide for Self Improvement Month

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #SelfImprovementMonth. Share your progress, daily habits, or inspiring quotes with visually appealing posts and Reels.

LinkedIn

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #SelfImprovementMonth. Share professional development tips, career growth insights, or highlight skills you’re learning.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #SelfImprovementMonth. Join or create a community group to share goals, resources, and support each other’s journeys.

Social Media Tips for Self Improvement Month

Individuals

Choose one area for improvement—be it reading more, starting a new fitness routine, or practicing mindfulness—and commit to a daily action throughout the month.

Creators

Develop a 30-day challenge series on your platform, focusing on a specific aspect of self-improvement like journaling, meditation, or learning a new skill.

Brands

Host a free webinar series or offer a discounted 'self-improvement bundle' of products or services that align with personal development goals.

Organizations & Brands for Self Improvement Month

  1. Headspace

    Founded in 2010 by Andy Puddicombe and Rich Pierson, Headspace is a popular meditation and mindfulness app. It offers guided meditations, sleep aids, and focus exercises to help users improve mental well-being and reduce stress.

  2. Calm

    Launched in 2012 by Michael Acton Smith and Alex Tew, Calm is another leading app for meditation, sleep, and relaxation. It features guided meditations, sleep stories, breathing programs, and masterclasses to support mental fitness.

  3. Barnes & Noble

    Founded in 1886 in New York City, Barnes & Noble is the largest retail bookseller in the United States. It offers a vast selection of books, including a dedicated section for self-help and personal development titles, both in-store and online.

  4. Coursera

    Co-founded in 2012 by Stanford University computer science professors Andrew Ng and Daphne Koller, Coursera is a global online learning platform. It partners with universities and companies to offer courses, specializations, and degrees in various fields, including personal development.

  5. American Psychological Association

    Established in 1892, the APA is the largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United States. It promotes the advancement, communication, and application of psychological science and knowledge to benefit society and improve lives.

  6. Peloton

    Founded in 2012 by John Foley, Peloton is known for its connected fitness products and interactive workout classes. It supports physical self-improvement through cycling, running, strength, and yoga programs accessible from home.

  7. Goodreads

    Launched in 2007 by Otis Chandler and Elizabeth Khuri Chandler, Goodreads is a social cataloging website for books. It allows users to track their reading, discover new titles, and join communities, fostering intellectual self-improvement through reading.

Self Improvement Month Hero

Stephen Covey

Stephen Covey (1932–2012) was an American educator, author, and businessman best known for his 1989 book 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.' His work focused on principles-centered leadership and personal effectiveness, emphasizing proactive living, goal-setting, and continuous improvement. Covey's teachings have significantly influenced personal development and business management worldwide, guiding millions toward more productive and fulfilling lives.

Self Improvement Month timeline

​​February 29, 1960
​Tony Robbins birthday

​Robbins is perhaps the most recognized self-improvement "guru" of the modern era. Thousands attend his seminars at arenas around the world.

August 1958
Self improvement comes to television​

Dr. Joyce Brothers, a psychologist, began her own TV show — offering advice ​to viewers. Brothers also wrote many self-improvement books and was a syndicated advice columnist.

​October 1936
​Winning friends and influencing people

Dale Carnegie published "How to Win Friends and Influence People," the first widely read self-help book and one of the bestselling books of all time.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Self Improvement Month

Local businesses can foster a culture of self-improvement throughout September by offering employee wellness workshops, encouraging skill development, or providing access to learning resources. Consider sponsoring a local charity walk or run, or hosting a ‘lunch and learn’ series focused on mental health or financial literacy. Retailers can curate displays of books, journals, or fitness gear, while service-based businesses might offer discounted introductory sessions for coaching or therapy. Highlight how your business supports the growth of its community and employees during this important month.

Self Improvement Month FAQs

When is Self Improvement Month?

Self Improvement Month 2026 runs throughout September, from Tuesday, September 1, to Wednesday, September 30. It’s a dedicated time to focus on personal growth and well-being.

How large is the self-improvement industry?

The self-improvement industry in the United States is valued at nearly $11 billion. This robust market offers a wide array of books, courses, apps, and products designed to enhance personal, mental, and physical health.

What are common areas of self-improvement?

Self-improvement encompasses diverse areas, including mental health (mindfulness, stress reduction), physical fitness (exercise, nutrition), financial literacy, career development, relationship skills, and creative pursuits. It’s about holistic growth.

Who founded Self Improvement Month?

Self Improvement Month was established by motivational speaker and author Patrick Snow. He created the observance to encourage individuals to take proactive steps towards achieving their personal and professional goals.

How to Observe Self Improvement Month

  1. Adopt an exercise routine

    It happens every year — the annual migration to the gym after the holidays to shed all that turkey weight. Why wait? Get a jump on the holidays and start an exercise routine or join a gym to be in tip-top shape before the holidays arrive.

  2. Read some books

    There are a million self-help books on the market that cover everything from work/life balance — to improving self-confidence — to managing relationships with family members and friends. Crawl up with a book or two that might introduce you to some new and helpful ideas.

  3. Volunteer

    People who volunteer are happier and feel volunteering gives them a sense of purpose. Identify one or two charities that align with your interests and commit to volunteering a few hours a week or month. You'll be helping them, and yourself.

​5 Self-improvement Facts And Figures

  1. Self improvement is big business

    The self-improvement industry, which includes books, magazines, seminars, and a host of other products, is worth $11 billion annually in the U.S.​

  2. Publishers love self help

    Self-help books account for 5.7 percent of all books sold each year in the U.S. ​

  3. Next stop: Mars (and Venus)

    "Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus," by John Gray, is the bestselling self-help book of all time, with more than 50 million sold.​

  4. Women outnumber men in the market

    Women make up 70 percent of the consumers who purchase self-help products.​

  5. The speaker circuit

    There are more than 5,000 motivational speakers on the road each year, some commanding as much as $50,000 per appearance.​

Why Self Improvement Month is Important

  1. It's an annual personal health checkup

    We can think about how to improve our mental and physical health. It acts as a catalyst for us to get better.

  2. It's self-empowering

    Only we have the power to make the choices that improve our lives, whether it's changing our diet or lifestyle, starting an exercise regimen, reading more books, or joining groups or clubs that expand our social circle.

  3. It's an industry

    The self-improvement industry offers many tools. These include life coaches and therapists, books, diet suggestions, and other products that help millions live better lives.

Self Improvement Month dates

Year Date Day
2026 September 1 Tuesday
2027 September 1 Wednesday
2028 September 1 Friday
2029 September 1 Saturday
2030 September 1 Sunday