It is of course a psychological effect, but it can work and for many people it does. The psychological effect that the start of a new year can have. A clean slate, a new beginning or putting an end to the past.
An unwritten agenda
Electronically or on paper, on January 1, your agenda will be blank and you will have every opportunity to fill it in yourself with matters that are really important. Often, too often, we hear that there is no time for anything. If it is not family activities or the beloved hobby, then it is partners who have too little time for each other. But in fact you determine your own agenda, which also means that whining about an agenda that is too full is not appropriate. Every person has choices in his/her life and depending on those choices you become too full, have a life that is well balanced or you have nothing to do.
Fill in yourself
When you are ready to admit that your own agenda is also your own responsibility and therefore also how full this agenda is, then you are also able to take that next step. That step that is important in your life, that step that you have wanted to take for so long. What matters is that you’re going to do it.
Giving substance
Saying you’re going to do something and then actually doing it are two different things. But the new year with a blank slate can sometimes give you a psychological boost to convince you to do something you have wanted to do for some time. If it is something you have been working on for some time, there is a good chance that you have already thought about how to do it. How and when to take steps or seek help. If you have not done this, it is wise to do so.
What you are going to do may have a significant impact (on yourself and/or your environment) and this means that there is always something that precedes it (regardless of having the courage to do something).
Positive twist
The step that many people take has the direct or indirect aim of giving your life (and that of those around you) a positive turn. This also means that if it is going to be an exciting affair, your body will produce adrenaline.
Adrenaline
Adrenaline comes from Latin and comes from the adrenal gland in that language, Adrena. Adrenaline is therefore produced by the adrenal gland. This hormone can be produced in large quantities and is basically a natural reaction that makes you sharp in precarious situations and causes a fight or flight response. You often see it when people are anxious or when stress increases.
On balance, the production of adrenaline is also good in this situation. Your alertness increases and with a changing situation new aspects usually come into play and extra sharpness is an advantage.
To persevere
While the first step in a new year can provide that initial boost, it is also important to keep it up. You often see all kinds of waste initiatives, quitting smoking or other initiatives for healthy (physical or psychological) activities disappear within a few weeks. That’s where perseverance comes in.
If you say A you also have to say B and that takes discipline and perseverance. What helps in this process is to recall the original plan, on the as yet unwritten agenda sheet, and hold it as the ultimate goal. Here too, the psyche is the decisive factor, because you have started something that was important. What you had enough courage for so early in the new year and which, if all goes well, has not diminished in importance. Try to think about why you would stop doing it, reverse the situation, etc. Is the importance less important, is the goal no longer the goal or do you have other more important matters that need priority.
If you answer these questions honestly, you will also know whether you are fooling yourself and should just move on, or whether the situation has really changed. Ultimately it’s all about whoever takes the initiative to do this and if you break it off for unclear/vague reasons, you’re just fooling yourself. It would just be a shame if you included others.
Finally
In case of any weakness, a bit of self-knowledge, a sparring partner can always offer a helping hand. Think about this in advance, discuss it with the person and use him/her as a sounding board if you really don’t think you can keep it up. You are as strong as you want to be, with or without help.