The Fresh Start Effect 101

As we approach the end of 2023, you may already be thinking about your New Year’s resolutions. You may be rolling your eyes because you quit making resolutions long ago, but as it turns out, setting goals and dates to tackle them is known as the “fresh start effect.” We’re here to discuss this process and ways to ensure your fresh start gets off on the right foot.

What Is the Fresh Start Effect?

The fresh start effect is the phenomenon where people are more likely to tackle their goals immediately following salient temporal landmarks like birthdays, job changes, or the start of a new month. These landmarks take us out of our daily routine and give us a broader perspective on life. They allow us to consider our mistakes and failures as things of the past. Fresh starts tend to be more beneficial after a loss or setback.

What Are the Benefits of a Fresh Start?

• A fresh start often motivates a person to do better when working toward a goal.
• A fresh start can also be a major self-efficacy boost, giving people the power to control their behaviors and social environments.
• A fresh start provides newfound optimism, which can be highly motivating.
• Allowing yourself to start over lets you reflect on what could have been done differently and make changes as you move forward.

Seven Ways to Give Yourself a Fresh Start

Here are a few ways to help you take that leap.

Process Your Thoughts

Whatever change you’re working through, processing your thoughts is always a good place to start. Understand what you’re feeling and why, and accept that your emotions are valid. You can do this by meditating, journaling, or seeking help from a friend, therapist, or support group.

Leave the Past in the Past

Time for a fresh start? It’s also time to leave the past in the past. Draw a line for yourself. What’s done is done, (but hopefully there were solid attempts for forgiveness) – and whether it was your fault or someone else’s, it’s time to move on.

Power Down

Put some space between yourself and your devices, even if it’s just for small blocks of time throughout your day.

Ask Yourself: What Needs to Change?

Before your fresh start officially begins, it’s essential to self-reflect to figure out what needs to change. Once you know the underlying issues, you can tackle them head-on.

Allow Yourself to Worry…to a Point

Fresh starts can be scary, and worrying about your goals and how you’ll achieve them is natural, but you can’t let these worries consume you. Instead, make an “appointment” with yourself to worry; when that appointment is over, so is your worrying.

Go Slow

As you set new goals and priorities, understand that change is slow. You may try to speed things up, but that is a great way to lose patience, become frustrated, and give up. Now is the time to roll with the punches.

Surround Yourself with Positivity

We need others, especially when going through challenging phases in our lives. Surround yourself with positive people who understand, support, and love you through it all.