The beginning of a new year has always been seen as a crucial time for personal transformation. Research in psychology has shown that calendar landmarks like birthdays, Mondays, or the new year serve as mental reset points, prompting individuals to reflect on their lives and set new goals. This concept, known as the "fresh start effect", was first identified by researchers over a decade ago.
However, many people approach the new year with less enthusiasm than before. In a world where mental well-being is on the decline, especially among young individuals, the idea of envisioning change can be daunting. Factors such as climate anxiety, political instability, and economic uncertainty can make the prospect of "starting over" seem unattainable.
Furthermore, studies have indicated that repeated or enforced changes can lead to change fatigue, a state of emotional exhaustion that diminishes people’s willingness to embrace new initiatives. Instead of fostering hope, calls for change can result in skepticism, withdrawal, or disengagement.
Our capacity to imagine the future is limited, particularly when we feel threatened or lack control. In such circumstances, our focus tends to narrow towards risks, losses, and worst-case scenarios rather than exploring a range of possibilities. This limitation can hinder our ability to make meaningful changes.
My research at the DCU Centre for Possibility Studies centers on possibility thinking, which involves perceiving alternative options, exploring different paths, and feeling empowered to take action. A study I co-authored in December 2025 highlighted the challenges faced by teachers undergoing a professional development program amidst an imminent school relocation. Instead of excitement, many teachers expressed emotional fatigue and reduced motivation in response to the impending change.
This example sheds light on why fresh starts may feel more challenging in today’s environment. When individuals perceive change as unfair, poorly supported, or potentially harmful, they are less likely to embrace it and more inclined to resist it. This resistance can impede their ability to engage with new possibilities effectively.
Moreover, the failure of many New Year’s resolutions can be attributed to the misconception that willpower alone is sufficient for lasting change. Research indicates that sustainable change is contingent on how goals are established, supported, and integrated into daily life. Contextual factors such as time constraints, financial pressures, and societal norms also play a significant role in shaping motivation.
Instead of focusing on drastic transformations, a more pragmatic approach involves identifying small shifts that are feasible within existing constraints. Possibility thinking entails working creatively within limitations rather than against them. Collaborative efforts, such as shared resolutions within families or communities, have been shown to enhance the envisioning and sustainability of change.
In conclusion, while the new year symbolizes a time of renewal, genuine transformation is unlikely to stem from pressure to "start fresh" or exert greater effort. Rather, it may arise from a shift in perspective – one that involves imagining differently, in collaboration with others, within set boundaries, and in a manner that makes positive, albeit incremental, changes seem attainable.
This article is a reimagined version of the original piece by Vlad Glăveanu, Professor of Psychology at Dublin City University, republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. You can access the original article here.
