‘Plot twists’ and ‘new opportunities’: Why TikTok is buzzing about the ‘October theory’

If there’s one thing TikTok loves, it’s a theory. First there was the “invisible string theory,” then the “orange peel theory.” This month it’s the “October theory.” The start of October signals the first full month of fall, filled with pumpkin spice lattes and cozy evenings. Over on TikTok, however, people are taking things a step further.  The October theory suggests that people start treating October 1st the same as they would January 1st. Remember those resolutions you set at the beginning of the year? Well, you only have three months left to see them through. This sudden realization means that, for many, October becomes a month to reflect, set last-minute goals, and work on personal growth, much like the New Year’s resolution mindset. It’s like cramming a year’s worth of ambition into three months to end 2024 on a high note. TikToker @chloevanberkel describes October as “The time when people are going to be making a lot of big life changes, a lot of major life decisions, and a lot of canon events will be happening for a lot of different people at this time.” Make sure to watch out for those.  @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 “The past two Octobers I have gotten and started a new job that usually shakes my life up in a huge way,” @herculeankate explains. “I just learned about October Theory and typed ‘October’ in my photo app to review everything that happened over the last five Octobers of my life and it’s SO true,” @haleyhoffmansmith chimes in. “There are plot twists, plot thickens, new opportunities & characters appear – life CHANGES in October.” @herculeankate idk how much i believe in october theory tbh but i have a strong feeling i’ll get a job offer so this is what i’m going to do to make sure happens ????‍↕️ #octobertheory #octobertheoryexplained #howtogetajob #postgradjobhunt #socialmediamarketingportfolio #creatorsearchinsights ♬ original sound – kate | post grad life While some are waiting for a big life change to hit them like a bus, others are busy planning their glow-up for the final quarter, booking in the workout classes they might’ve been slacking on, organizing their living space, and reprioritizing their long-forgotten goals from the beginning of the year. In her video, @chloevanberke also points out how the last few months of the year tend to flash by quickly, and the importance of being intentional during this time. Blink and it’ll be 2025.