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How to ensure a new start is a resounding success

How to ensure a new start is a resounding success

We all have a very real power to begin again but how can we give ourselves the best chances of success? According to the experts, this is what makes the difference.

Behavioral scientists have outright proven “The Fresh Start Effect”. A recognised psychological phenomenon, it occurs when we embrace a clean slate and experience an associated upwards drive in motivation, productivity and focus. Research shows those embarking on a fresh start are more likely to achieve their goals in record time and do so with a positive mindset. Fresh starts also have a direct impact on our mental wellbeing and boost optimism because in initiating a new beginning, we are exercising our under-utilized freedom of choice. In summation, we should keep starting again, often. 

 

Embarking on a new mission feels exciting and hopeful; you know what you want to change and why, but how to then give yourself the best possible chances at that working? Once you’ve drawn the line and made that decision, it’s time to establish how to follow it through. But motivation is a fair-weather friend who cannot be relied upon, and guaranteed she will bolt at some point. Instead, the way to establish change is brick by brick because that momentum you build will instill the new mindset you need to slowly turn the ship and bring about powerful change. 

How long does bringing about change take?

The time it takes for new behavior to embed differs according to our personalities and the nature of the challenge. In a study published in the European Journal of Social Psychology, researchers found that participants all had their own unique habit-building timelines, taking anywhere from 18 to 254 days for that new habit to form. No matter how long it took them though, consistent repetition was the biggest factor influencing whether a behavior would become part of an automatic daily routine.

 

Moreover, those who had fun with their goals, split them into stages, instilled rewards and created a positive support environment, were more likely to be on the 18 day end rather than the 254 day end. Somewhat reassuringly, it was also proven that working towards goals is not an all-or-nothing process and falling short or missing a day here or there, does not affect the overall result. 

 

So whether it be weeks, months or years, how do we keep the faith and keep on keeping on? 

An authoritative voice on helping people achieve their personal goals, we asked expert psychotherapist Nadia Addesi to give her most realistic, and science-backed advice on how to make true change happen in our very real lives.  

1. Start small & stay consistent 

If you try to change everything at once, you’ll burn out fast. The key is starting with something so small it almost feels too easy, like adding one extra glass of water a day, or stretching for five minutes. When it’s simple, you’re far more likely to stick with it. 

 

2. Pair new habits with existing ones

The easiest way to make a habit stick is to attach it to something you already do. When you take your LYMA Supplement every morning, stack another habit on top, like drinking a full glass of water or applying your skincare products straight afterwards. This makes the new habit feel automatic, instead of like another thing on your to-do list.

 

3. Focus on identity, not just outcome 

Instead of saying, “I want to have better skin,” tell yourself, “I take care of my skin every day.” When you shift the way you see yourself, the habit becomes part of who you are, not just something you’re forcing yourself to do. That mindset shift makes all the difference, not just for skincare, but for anything you want to be consistent with.

 

4. Anticipate & plan for setbacks 

You’re not going to be perfect, and that’s fine. What matters is how you handle the off days. If you skip your skincare routine one night or forget to take your LYMA Supplement, don’t make it a big deal, just pick it back up the next day. The habit isn’t ruined, and you don’t have to “start over.” Just keep going.

 

5. Make it enjoyable & rewarding 

You’re never going to stick with something you hate. If your habit feels like a chore, tweak it until it feels good. Turn your skincare routine into a self-care ritual, play your favorite music while doing it, or use products that actually make you excited to show up for yourself. When it feels good, you’ll keep doing it.

 

Our own tissue paper-thin excuses aside, there are no barriers to a fresh start; it happens by placing ourselves firmly on Square One and setting the wheels of change into motion. Due to being short, its proximity to the start of the year, and the collective sense of ‘can’, February is considered the most promising month to start anew but in truth, it doesn't have to be the first of anything. You have the power to begin again right now. So really, why on earth not? 

 

Go ahead and choose your challenge, LYMA has got your back. 

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