The Psychology of Fresh Starts: Why January Makes Change Feel Possible

1 January 2026

Paul Francis

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There is something about January that invites reflection. The calendar flips, routines pause, and the year ahead feels open. Even people who do not set resolutions often feel the pull of possibility.

This feeling is not accidental. It is rooted in how the human brain responds to time, identity, and transition.

Feet with black toenails stand at shoreline; "START" is written in sand. Ocean foam approaches, creating a fresh beginning vibe.

Why fresh starts feel powerful

Psychologists describe the “fresh start effect” as the tendency to feel more motivated after temporal landmarks. These include birthdays, new jobs, new weeks, and new years.

January is one of the strongest landmarks because it represents both an ending and a beginning. It creates distance from past behaviour and makes future change feel more achievable.

Identity and the new year

Fresh starts allow people to mentally separate their past self from their future self.

This creates space for statements like:

“This year I want to be more organised”
“This year I want to take better care of myself”
“This year I want to change how I work”

Even small identity shifts can influence behaviour when reinforced through action.

Why momentum matters more than intention

The danger of fresh starts is that they can inflate expectations.

People often mistake intention for progress. Motivation feels good, but it fades without action.

Momentum comes from small wins. Each completed action reinforces the belief that change is possible.

Sunset over calm sea with scattered rocks, sky orange and yellow, reflecting on water, creating a serene and peaceful mood.

How to use January without burning out

The key is to treat January as a testing ground rather than a transformation month.

Effective approaches include:

experimenting with habits
observing what feels sustainable
adjusting goals based on feedback
focusing on process rather than results

January works best when it is gentle, not demanding.

The role of reflection

Fresh starts also benefit from looking back.

Reflection questions that help include:

What drained me last year?
What supported me?
What do I want more of?
What do I want less of?

These questions guide change without pressure.

Making fresh starts throughout the year

The biggest mistake is believing January is the only chance to reset.

Fresh starts can happen any time:

a Monday
a birthday
the start of a new month
after a holiday
after a difficult period

January is powerful because it is shared, but it is not exclusive.

January does not magically create change. It creates permission.

Permission to reflect. Permission to try again. Permission to imagine a different rhythm.

Used gently, the fresh start effect can be a helpful tool rather than a heavy expectation. Change does not need to be dramatic to be real. It just needs space to begin.

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Deadpool & Wolverine: A Dynamic Duo for the Ages

Paul Francis
Jul 29, 2024
3 min read

The third instalment in the Deadpool franchise, Deadpool & Wolverine, sees Ryan Reynolds reprising his iconic role as the Merc with a Mouth, this time reluctantly teaming up with a freshly un-retired Hugh Jackman as Wolverine. Together, they battle a renegade element of the Time Variance Authority (TVA) to prevent Deadpool's timeline from being "trimmed." The TVA, an organization from Marvel Comics introduced in 1986, monitors the multiverse and ensures the proper flow of time. Fans might remember their prominent role in the Disney+ series Loki.

Deadpool vs Wolverine — Image generated by AI

Deadpool, created by writer Fabian Nicieza and artist Rob Liefeld, first appeared in The New Mutants #98 in 1991. Known for his regenerative healing factor and irreverent humour, Deadpool quickly became a fan favourite. Ryan Reynolds, passionate about the character, pushed for years to bring a faithful adaptation to the screen, culminating in the release of Deadpool in 2016 after a successful leaked test footage went viral.

Wolverine, on the other hand, was created by writer Len Wein and artist John Romita Sr., first appearing in The Incredible Hulk #180 in 1974. Wolverine's gruff demeanour, retractable claws, and healing factor made him a central figure in the X-Men series. Hugh Jackman first portrayed Wolverine in 2000's X-Men and has since become synonymous with the character, despite declaring his retirement from the role after 2017's Logan. Jackman's return for this film marks a monumental moment for fans, given the characters' long-standing comic book rivalry and banter.

The TVA, introduced in Thor #372 in 1986, plays a critical role in maintaining the timeline's integrity within the Marvel universe. Their introduction to the mainstream audience came through the Loki TV series, which further explored the concept of multiverses and timeline management, setting the stage for their involvement in this film.

Beyond their on-screen personas, Reynolds and Jackman share a well-documented real-life friendship filled with playful banter and mutual admiration. This camaraderie is evident in their performances, adding an extra layer of enjoyment for fans. Their social media exchanges, such as the 2019 video where they called a truce on their "feud" to promote each other's ventures, highlight their genuine connection.

Do You Need to Have Seen All the Other Marvel Movies and TV Shows?

To fully appreciate Deadpool & Wolverine, viewers should have watched up to Avengers: Endgame and at least the first season of Loki. While familiarity with other Marvel films and shows can enhance the experience, it's not strictly necessary. Some references might elude those unfamiliar with pre-Iron Man movies, but the film remains accessible and enjoyable.

Review

In my opinion, Deadpool & Wolverine is one of the best movies I've seen in a long time. The wit, action, cameos, and in-jokes keep the film engaging throughout its runtime. Once it really gets going, it REALLY gets going. It's been a while since a Marvel movie gave me goosebumps, but this one did. The film honours both modern Marvel fans and long-time comic book enthusiasts.

The plot is relatively straightforward: something evil is happening, and Deadpool has to stop it. But you're not here for a detailed plot; you're here to see Deadpool and Wolverine kick the crap out of each other and everyone else. The film's strength lies in its characters and their interactions, not in a complex narrative.

Avoiding spoilers is crucial, as nearly every moment could give something away. I highly recommend this film to fans, even if, like me, you've been a bit of a lapsed fan since Avengers: Endgame. This movie will reignite your passion for the Marvel universe.

However, it's worth noting that the film has polarized audiences. Critics on Rotten Tomatoes have given it as low as 1-star ratings, with most fan ratings either 5-star or 1-star, and very few in between. Despite this, it boasts a 97% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Negative reviews often cite excessive violence and juvenile humour, but that's quintessential Deadpool. If you're not into that, this film might not be for you.

As of writing, Deadpool & Wolverine has grossed $438.3 million at the box office, and that number is only going to rise. If you're a fan, get to the cinema before social media spoils it for you.