TAKE ADVANTAGE OF FRESH STARTS

For many, Labor Day weekend signals the end of summer and the start of a new school year. How can you leverage this change of seasons?

WHAT IS IT ABOUT NEW BEGINNINGS?

"Temporal Landmarks" are demarcations of time that are often viewed as an opportunity to start anew. The most common temporal landmark is New Year's Eve.

You may have developed the habit of creating resolutions at the start of the year to become a 'better' you.  Having this new beginning enables you to put your 'less-than-perfect' self in the past as you embark on efforts towards self-improvement.

But many also view other days and dates as a chance to start over. How many times have you said "I'll start a diet on Monday?" Why do we select Monday? Because it signals the start of a new week...the perfect time to create a new habit.

OTHER TEMPORAL LANDMARKS

Holidays, birthdays (especially big ones), the first of the month, or the start of a new season are all frequently thought of as opportunities for a fresh start. Research shows that these landmarks provide individuals with greater motivation to set and execute goals.

WHICH SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?

Studies done by Professor Katherine Milkman, at the Wharton School, indicate that everyone is a little different in terms of what landmark works best.

In a study looking at the Jewish New Year, they found (no surprise) that while it motivated those who are Jewish, it was not meaningful for others. Fresh starts are not all created equal.

BOTTOM LINE

The multitude of temporal landmarks means everyone has many options from which to choose. If you are open to it, you can view fresh starts as an opportunity to effect positive change in your life.

Wishing everyone a great start to the new school year, the welcoming of a new season, and for those who observe, a Happy and Healthy Jewish New Year.

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