Out of the Cocoon: The Wonder of Metamorphosis, Rebirth and New Beginnings!

Let's do a short exercise together. Close your eyes and take yourself back to entering the new year. Allow that sense of newness and a "clean slate" to wash over you. Let's go back a little further. Think back to when you started that new project or it was a new job. Describe what it feels like. Identify the anticipation and the motivation that encapsulated that entire experience. Sisterhood that is the Fresh Start Effect.

The fresh start effect refers to the psychological phenomenon of feeling more motivated to pursue new goals or habits after a significant event that marks a new beginning. These events can include the start of a new year, a milestone birthday, the beginning of a new school year, or even the start of a new week or month. Unsurprisingly, we want the new exercise regime or eating plan to "start on Monday" at the beginning of a fresh new week.

Research has shown that the fresh start effect is a powerful motivator for behaviour change. People are more likely to set and achieve goals at these fresh start moments. This effect is believed to occur because these moments symbolise a break from the past and the opportunity for a new beginning. They create a sense of temporal landmark, which serves as a psychological divider between the past and the future.

Let's pause there for a moment. What's a temporal landmark?

A temporal landmark is a specific point in time that serves as a reference point in our memory and helps us organise and categorise our experiences. They can be holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, or the start of a new year, week, or month.

These landmarks help us distinguish between different periods and create a sense of structure and meaning. They provide us with an opportunity to reflect on the past, evaluate our progress, and set goals for the future. They are a psychological divider between our past and future selves. In other words, "they allow us to mentally distance ourselves from past behaviours, habits, and mistakes, and view ourselves as a new person with a fresh start." 

Research has shown that temporal landmarks can significantly impact our behaviour and decision-making. For example, people are more likely to set and achieve goals, make healthier choices, and engage in prosocial behaviours. Just thinking about Coco Chanel's insightful observation: "A woman who cuts her hair is about to change her life." This is a temporal landmark.

It marks a new beginning. It captures the notion of rebirth or a fresh start. The science of new beginnings is a fascinating field.

When we start a new activity or experience something novel, our brains release more dopamine than usual, giving us excitement and energy. This surge of dopamine makes us feel excited and eager to keep going.

But the brain is also wired to be cautious when facing new situations. Our amygdala, responsible for processing emotions like fear and anxiety, kicks into high gear when we're in unfamiliar territory. This can lead to stress and uncertainty, but it's also an adaptive response that helps us stay safe and avoid potential danger.

As we continue our new experiences, our brains form new neural connections. This process, known as neuroplasticity, allows us to learn and grow. You have to follow Dr Caroline Leaf (South African, based in the USA), who is world-renowned for her work on neuroplasticity. 

The more we practice something, the stronger these neural connections become, and the easier the activity or skill becomes. 

This is why the beginning of a new endeavour can be challenging, but with time and practice, it becomes easier and more rewarding. Evidence suggests that starting something new can have physical benefits as well. For example, studies have shown that taking up a new hobby can improve cognitive function, reduce stress, and even lower the risk of dementia. 

New beginnings are a natural part of life, whether starting a new job or moving to a new country. If we reframe the idea of endings, we will notice they are simply new beginnings.