Taking advantage of the new year as an opportunity for course correction carries a certain logic, even if the idea of New Year’s resolutions has its flaws. Well-intentioned resolutions are easily drawn into commercialisation, with January wellness discounts promising dramatic transformations. It’s tempting to think that complete overhauls of habits or identities can be accomplished within the narrow window of a promotional period. This all-or-nothing mindset oversimplifies the gradual, nuanced process of making lasting adjustments.

Still, as rhythmic beings, we are indeed influenced by the natural cycle. We rise and rest with the sun, subtly responding to seasonal shifts, even as modern life increasingly disrupts these patterns. Economist Katy Milkman's research on the fresh start effect explores how temporal landmarks create a powerful sense of a clean slate. Her widely cited 2014 paper demonstrates that this effect can be triggered by a new morning, the beginning of a week, or the transition to a new month or season. These shorter intervals naturally build toward the symbolic reset of a new year, where the fresh start effect is at its strongest.

Self-improvement usually requires a deliberate effort to break free from the inertia of routines and the pressure of external expectations. But January offers a cheat code—a collective pause in the social fabric to seize your chance. If you can stay realistic about the scale and timeframe of change, this designated clean-slate period becomes a rare opportunity to pursue growth with the blessing of mass culture.