08.01.26 — The Significance Behind New Beginnings

Why is it that we feel more motivation on the first day of the month rather than any other day?

To welcome August 1 - as well as the starting of a new work and school session — I thought we could talk about the science behind starting. Why is it that we feel more encouraged by the first of the month rather than the second or third? They are just days next to each other, nothing special really. But because numerically we give a certain day its significance, such as the 1st or 31st of a month, we feel the ability to be able to start fresh or to binge on all our desires before we have to “repeat” a month, a year, or any cycle really.

This effect that I state here is known as “The Fresh Start Effect” by researchers, with a general definition being “a mental pattern that involves temporal landmark and cognitive resets”. This effect can be used to describe any major event such as birthdays, first days of the month, New Years, and essentially any special day that creates an opportunity for an individual to create a new identity.

There are a couple of key reasons why this effect resonates so deeply with people:

1. Creates a division with one’s past and future: For individuals that have had a rough past, whether that be through mistakes, struggles, or just personal frustration, a special event can help create a divider for a person to celebrate hopeful possibilities and move beyond their past. Therefore, special events provide an enticing opportunity to create anew identity and hold a significant place.
2. Dopamine Rush: This can translate into anticipating a new day or milestone can create internal and external excitement for future possibilities. While this may sound similar to the first reason, a key difference is that a dopamine rush is generated in anticipation for this divider and is not contingent upon separating one’s old self to their new self. An example I like to think of is how a toddler may be excited for their upcoming birthday for the cake and gifts they would receive rather than creating a new identity.
3. Reminding us of the Big Picture: A special event can also help us keep our center in the turmoulous world we live in. It’s a reminder to ground us in the big milestones and accomplishments rather than focusing on the small mistakes or trips we have in life.

Whichever reason yours may be, a special day, even the beginning of a new month is a new opportunity we mustn’t take for granted. But we also have to reminder ourselves that every day we are given is already a special day full of possibilities and what ifs. So I hope you wake up tomorrow and treat it just as special as today. This is day 5 of building my identity as a writer through my habits. As always, be respectful and see you tomorrow.