Need to make a change in your life? Behavioral science can help

Fresh Start Effect

The concept of the "Fresh Start Effect" suggests that beginning new habits at significant time points can enhance motivation. Katy Milkman explains how marking a fresh start, such as a birthday, can increase the likelihood of adopting new behaviors, like saving more money. This psychological boost is evident in various contexts, from gym attendance to financial planning 1. Milkman notes that people naturally gravitate towards fresh starts, like New Year's or birthdays, to set goals, but these can also be artificially created to encourage change 2.

Fresh starts are really powerful. We organize time around events. Like, okay, maybe this was the pandemic year, and that's the pandemic year chapter in your life, or the years in college, or the years in Boston.

--- Katy Milkman

Recognizing these opportunities can lead to significant behavioral shifts.

   

Flexibility in Habits

Flexibility in habit formation is crucial, as too much rigidity can hinder long-term success. Katy Milkman shares insights from a study conducted at Google, where employees were encouraged to form exercise habits. The study found that those who maintained a flexible schedule, rather than a rigid one, were more successful in sustaining their habits 3. This flexibility allowed them to adapt and continue their routines even when their preferred time was unavailable.

A really important component of habit is actually having some flexibility. It needs to be. I have a first, best plan, but when that doesn't work, I'm going to get there anyway.

--- Katy Milkman

By having a fallback plan, individuals can maintain consistency and achieve their goals more effectively.