Special occasions, such as a new year, often inspire people to set new goals or make positive changes. It gives people the chance to turn a new page and start all over again. This phenomenon is known as the Fresh Start Effect.
A fresh start is a great possibility to harness, and research by The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, confirms it has a powerful impact on our aspirations and behaviors. Having the opportunity of new beginnings is compelling because it can help break the barrier from our past mistakes or failings. As a type of psychological reset, the Fresh Start Effect is a strategy that can help one bounce back from a previous failure.
If you are lagging in your personal and professional goals, no need to worry – January 1st is here. You can do a psychological reset starting today!
Here are three suggestions on how to have a Fresh Start:
1. SEE the New You in Your Mind.
It’s vital to visualize the kind of life you want and why. Focusing on your past invariably results in one remaining stuck in the old. Start the year by framing the positive transformation that God wants to see in your life in your mind. Change always starts with visualization. Change your thinking to change your living.
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not PERCEIVE it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland” (Isaiah 43:19).
“If you want something new, you have to stop doing something old.” —Peter Drucker
2. START Small and Be Consistent.
We all know that “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” Similarly, the life you want to formulate won’t happen in one day. It will eventuate in a series of days and consistent actions of working towards your goal. It is crucial to start, however small the steps may be. Be consistent by setting yourself daily or weekly steps will go a long way. You can’t hit a home run if you don’t swing. So it’s never going to work if you don’t start.
“Do not despise the day of small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.” (Zechariah 4:10)
3. STAY The Course.
When creating the life you want, you will encounter many hurdles. One important tip is to accept these challenges and resolve to overcome them. Feeling inspired is an excellent way to overcome difficulties in life. You don’t have to look hard to find inspiration everywhere. From quotes to YouTube videos, people you meet, blogs, friends and family, nature, and the list goes on. Seek motivation from the Scriptures each day and allow it to drive you towards your goal.
“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23
What do you hope to achieve this year? Apply the Fresh Start Effect and track the results to see the tangible impact in your life.
Have a fabulous and prosperous 2021 ahead!
Fred Tokè aka Dr. Tokèmon
EDITOR’S NOTE: Reposted with the permission of the author.
Photo by Tim Foster on Unsplash
