Why Monday and January 1st Are Best for Setting New Goals
It might seem like New Year’s decisions are completely arbitrary, but in fact it might make sense to wait until January 1st. New research shows that attractions like Monday and New Years help us separate from our old “negative” selves.
In five laboratory experiments, the researchers found that any significant date, such as the “start” of a week, month, semester, or year, leads to more people achieving their goals. They call this the “fresh start effect”, describing any event that helps you leave the past version of yourself behind and hope for success:
People tend to attribute to themselves past negative traits and failures, while maintaining a positive self-image in the present. Dates that stand out as more meaningful, such as the start of a new week or fiscal quarter, a birthday, or a holiday, signal the start of a new, special time period. These “timelines” help people to mentally detach themselves from their past shortcomings and failures.
While the researchers note that this is incidental evidence, it’s worth taking note, given that January 1 isn’t that far away.
Why Monday Is The Best Day To Set New Goals | Association for Psychological Science