Happy New Year
Yes, you read that right. No, this is not late.
Though I hoped to get it to you for the start of our 2024 new year, then for the astrological new year and my birthday in March, now it’s May. And here we are.
“Making future plans does not address what is happening right now.”
I wrote this last year as inspiration for an email topic, and it somehow feels relevant today.
At the end of 2023, a woman I work with who is a Behavioral Scientist introduced me to the Fresh Start Effect, a research-backed psychological phenomenon in which we feel more motivated to go for a goal at the start of a new year, our birthday, or the beginning of a week.
Behavioral Scientists are fascinating and relatable. They study our behavior… how we make changes, decisions, and habits. The lovely woman I work with has since suggested a book by fellow Behavioral Scientist Katy Milkman, How To Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be. I just finished reading it, and the Fresh Start Effect is the first concept Milkman covers.
Though sustainable behavior change does require a wide range of deep-rooted habits (which is part of the reason why New Year’s Resolutions have a low percentage of sticking), starting fresh can really get us going toward a goal. There is always a “before” before the after… Hitting the reset button. Cleaning the slate. Leaving the past in the past. All of these things. Feeling like today is Day 1 may be daunting, but it sure is motivating.
So, Happy New Year! Happy Day 1. Happy Fresh Start.
