The Fresh Start Effect: Why January Can Be a Great Time for Change
New Year’s resolutions have a bad reputation. Most of us have made them, broken them, and then quietly decided they’re not worth the effort.
Honestly, I get it. If you want to make a change, why wait? Plus, so many resolutions are forgotten by February.
But here's one good reason to set goals in January: The Fresh Start Effect.
Research shows that people feel more motivated to pursue goals at the start of a new time period—a new week, month, or year.
The key isn’t in when you start but in how you keep going:
Make your goals visible—write them down somewhere you’ll see them daily.
Choose a word for the year to remind you of your goals and, again, keep this visible.
Review your goals regularly—a weekly check-in can help you reflect on progress and adjust as needed.
Be fair and flexible—life happens, and your goals can adapt.
January can be a meaningful fresh start if we approach our goals systematically and sustainably.
So whether it’s January 1st, a random Tuesday, or the first day of a new month, give yourself permission to start fresh.
