The Power of Fresh Starts: Helping Your Clients Reset Their Goals in the New Year and Beyond

Table of Contents

• What is a Fresh Start?

• Fresh Start: The Classic New Year Reset

• Fresh Start: New Week, New Month, New Season

• Fresh Start: Milestones and Life Transitions

• Helping Your Clients to Find Their Perfect Fresh Start

• Tools and Strategies for Client Change

Do your clients want to make a change but struggle to find the right moment to take action?

I’m willing to bet you’ve worked with clients who are motivated to improve their health but find that life’s demands always seem to get in the way. Whether it’s the holidays, work deadlines, family responsibilities, or unexpected curveballs, there never seems to be a “perfect” time to start.

When clients hit a plateau or feel overwhelmed by competing priorities, it can feel impossible to regain momentum, even when they’re eager to make progress.

But here’s the good news: Fresh starts are a great tool for simplifying client change—and they’re not just for January!

You’re likely familiar with the mental boost that comes at the beginning of the year, but what if you could help clients experience this same spark at any time of the year? Whether it’s a new week, a new month, or a significant personal milestone, there are endless opportunities to help your clients take advantage of fresh start moments to refocus and take action.

So when is the best time to help clients make a change? Let’s dive into the power of fresh starts and how to leverage them all year long.

What is a Fresh Start?

A fresh start is more than just a new beginning—it’s a powerful psychological reset. Research on the “fresh start effect” reveals that specific moments in time—like the first day of a new year or even the start of a new week—can help people mentally separate past struggles from future possibilities. These moments create a clean slate, igniting motivation and a belief that positive change is possible.

The origins of this idea stem from behavioral science, where researchers have found that both big milestones (like birthdays or anniversaries) and small transitions (like a new month) can act as springboards for goal-setting and make change feel more achievable.

By recognizing the power of fresh starts, you can help your clients embrace these moments not just at the New Year, but all through the year to drive lasting change.

Fresh Start: The Classic New Year Reset

January is the gold standard when it comes to fresh starts. The New Year brings a clean slate, and that collective sense of possibility makes it the perfect time for goal setting and establishing new healthy habits.

Here are three reasons why the New Year is such an effective reset:

• New energy and momentum: The excitement surrounding a fresh year encourages clients to jump back into their goals with renewed enthusiasm.

• A cultural reset: When everyone else is focusing on change, it’s easier for clients to align their mindset with the collective energy of new beginnings.

• New Year, new possibilities: Clients can view January as an opportunity to leave old habits behind and start fresh with their health goals.

But while January is powerful, it’s not the only time to reset. Let’s dive into other fresh start moments that can offer a similar mental boost.

Fresh Start: New Week, New Month, New Season

Clients don’t have to wait until January to harness the power of a fresh start. The beginning of a new week, month, or season can provide the same sense of renewal and motivation.

Here’s how clients can leverage these moments to simplify change:

• A new week: The beginning of a new week offers a small but meaningful reset. Encourage clients to meal prep on Sundays, set weekly intentions, or commit to exercise or meditation first thing Monday morning.

• A new month: The first day of a new month feels like a blank slate. Clients can use this opportunity to start a new habit such as tracking their water intake, experimenting with new recipes, or taking a daily walk.

• A new season: Seasonal transitions bring a sense of renewal. Suggest clients embrace the energy of the season—spring for decluttering, summer for outdoor activities, or autumn for cozy meal prepping and new family routines.

By helping clients identify these mini-reset moments, you can empower them to take consistent action and find motivation throughout the year—no matter the calendar date.

Fresh Start: Milestones and Life Transitions

Beyond the calendar, personal milestones and transitions can be incredibly powerful fresh start moments. Significant life events—like birthdays, anniversaries, or moving to a new home—can also inspire clients to reset their focus.

Ask clients to think about important dates or milestones coming up in their lives. Whether it’s celebrating a birthday, embarking on a new job, or marking a personal achievement, these transitions are full of emotional energy that can be channeled into positive behavior change.

For example, a client celebrating a birthday might feel the urge to take better care of themselves or set new health goals. Likewise, transitions like moving to a new home or starting a new chapter in life can be an ideal opportunity for clients to reassess and adjust their habits.

By helping clients recognize these personal and emotional milestones, you can tap into the energy of these moments and guide them toward meaningful change.

Helping Your Clients to Find Their Perfect Fresh Start

The best time for a reset? It's whenever your client feels ready! Fresh start moments are all around us—whether it’s the start of the year, a new season, or a personal milestone—and you can help clients harness these opportunities to build motivation and momentum all year round.

By reframing these transitional moments as fresh starts and pairing them with small, achievable goals, you can simplify behavior change for your clients and empower them to take action, stay on track, and build a routine of regularly reassessing and adjusting their habits.

Ultimately, the hardest part of any change is taking that first step, no matter when it happens. But with the right guidance, any fresh start can lead to lasting change.

Tools and Strategies for Client Change

Looking for practical strategies to help your clients overcome obstacles and make the most of fresh starts? Check out How To Change by Katy Milkman—and earn 13.75 CDR-approved CEUs with the accompanying How To Change self-study course.

Want even more client change insights? Join the Dietitian Book Club today! It’s a fantastic opportunity to improve your skills, connect with growth-minded dietitians, and feel inspired to take your practice to the next level. I'd love to see you there!