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September and October always feel like the start of a new year for me. Autumn is a temporal landmark; it represents change. The orange colours, the falling of leaves, shift in light and the drop in temperature might feel like the end of a season but they can symbolize a fresh start in nature and ourselves. Research shows that if we want to change any behaviour or make a habit stick, we should do so at the beginning of a cycle, like Autumn. That’s why this week we’re rethinking making personal changes happen (and stick!)

More on the topic of change below, after a Rethink Recap:

• I was really proud that my podcast series Rethink Moments was nominated at the British Podcast Awards last week. It’s a series full of conversations with incredible guests from Susan Cain to David Chang about cultural moments that made them rethink something in their life or career. You can listen here.

• Thanks to rethinker

  for his thoughtful comment on my last newsletter about ‘Learning the power of giving back ‘The Conn’. If you struggle with trying to control everything, do have a read.

• And a big warm WELCOME to all new subscribers. Please introduce yourself here so that I can get to know everyone in this wonderful community!

Amongst the books I’ve read on habits and behavioral change, there is one that really stands out. No, not Atomic Habits by James Clear (although that is a good rethink read!) No, not The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg or Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg (both classics that Atomic Habits is based on!) It’s called How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be by Wharton behavioural economics Professor Katy Milkman. As the title suggests, change is a journey, not a list or a goal. Milkman’s research shows that those journeys are best started at the beginning of cycles including the start of a new term or season.

Interestingly, people also increase their pursuit of change following birthdays and public holidays. What do these events have in common? In some way, they mark a passage of time – a demarcation of 'old you' from 'new you'. Put differently; they highlight the gap between a current behaviour (I spend too much time procrastinating on social media) and our desired future behaviour (I want to be more focused with my attention.)

Researchers aptly called this psychological phenomenon the 'fresh start effect.' It creates the feeling of wiping the slate clean. As Milkman writes:

"People are more open to change when they feel they have a fresh start." 

To learn how to put the ‘fresh start’ effect into practice please upgrade to become a paid subscriber. I promise that this simple principle has changed how I make changes in my life.

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