Are you a New Year’s Resolution setter? For those who are and set resolutions on January 1, how’s it going? Last Friday was National Quitters Day; a day less than two weeks into the year when many people have already abandoned the goals, habits, or resolutions they set out to achieve.
While I’m not someone who makes New Year’s resolutions, I am someone who sets goals, identifies priorities, and strives for specific results all the time. The reason I avoid New Year’s resolutions isn’t that I’m against fresh starts; quite the opposite! I don’t believe we need to wait for the start of a new year to begin anew.
Fresh starts are shiny, exciting, promising, and we approach them with renewed energy, motivation and efforts. This is why they’re so powerful; it’s positive mojo!! This is the Fresh Start Effect.
We can declare what we want, focus our efforts, and follow a plan at any time of the year. The start of a new year is a natural time to reflect on the past and decide what you want in the months ahead. Therefore, the turn of the calendar acts as a seasonal prompt for a fresh start. However, the Fresh Start Effect is not limited to January 1.
Fresh Starts Are Everywhere
A fresh start can be sparked by many moments throughout the year. A new season, a birthday, an anniversary, the first day of a quarter, or the start of a new month can serve as a reset. Every Monday can feel like a fresh start. And honestly, every single morning, when you put your feet on the floor and get out of bed, you have an opportunity for a fresh start.
How to Leverage the Fresh Start Effect
Whenever you decide to start fresh, consider taking these steps to set yourself up for success:
- Reflect on the Past Before looking forward, take a moment to think about the period of time that aligns with the future you’re planning for.
- What went well?
- What was challenging?
- What do you want more of?
- What do you want less of?
- Get Specific About What You Want
- Identify clear, specific goals that align with what you want to achieve.
- Use the SMART framework: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Really Wanted, and Time Sensitive.
- Ask yourself why this goal matters to you. Reviewing your compelling “why” will help sustain your motivation.
- Plan for Action
- Decide what actions you’re willing to take to achieve your goal.
- Identify potential obstacles and brainstorm ways to prevent or overcome them.
- Consider what systems, routines, or habits you need to establish.
- Find someone to hold you accountable, whether it’s a friend, coach, or mentor.
- Start Small
- Determine the first small, easy step you can take to build momentum. Big changes often start with tiny actions.
- Celebrate milestones and accomplishment
- When we recognize achievement along the way we reinforce motivation and want to keep going. You’re putting forth the effort and consistently taking action. Not everyone will do that. Celebrate!
Remember: Fresh Starts Are Personal
Whether it’s a new day, a new week, or a new season, any moment can be a turning point. By reflecting, setting intentional goals, and taking deliberate action, you can harness the power of the Fresh Start Effect anytime, not just on January 1.
So, what fresh start will you choose today?
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