How to use a fresh start to get your goals in motion according to Wharton Professor Katy Milkman.

Knowledge at Wharton

Episode Description

In this clip from the Ripple Effect episode, Wharton Professor Katy Milkman explains the "fresh start effect," where time markers that signal beginnings can help us reset our relationship to our goals and ultimately help us achieve more progress.

EPISODE OVERVIEW Wharton professor Katy Milkman explains the “fresh start effect,” a behavioral science finding showing that moments like New Year’s Day, Mondays, and major life changes increase motivation to pursue long-term goals. She discusses why this motivation fades, how present bias affects decisions, and why tools like automation, defaults, and planning are more effective than willpower alone. She also talks about how organizations can use timing to encourage positive behavior change and how AI may support goal follow-through.

PODCAST OVERVIEW Every day, business scholars answer pressing questions in their research - but what do their insights mean for you? In this podcast, Wharton faculty dive into what inspired their studies and how their findings resonate with the world today. Learn how research insights translate into knowledge you can use, with host Dan Loney.

#BehavioralScience #HabitFormation #BehaviorChange #PsychologyOfSuccess ----- The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is committed to sharing its intellectual capital through Knowledge at Wharton, the school’s online business analysis journal.

Launched in 1999, Knowledge at Wharton offers free access to:

- Articles, podcasts, and videos highlighting Wharton faculty research and analysis of current business trends - Interviews with book authors from Wharton School Press - In-depth series of curated content like Wharton Executive Education’s Nano Tools for Leaders - A searchable database of more than 10,000 articles covering all aspects of business - A weekly newsletter that delivers Knowledge at Wharton insights directly to your inbox

Visit the Knowledge at Wharton homepage: https://whr.tn/3qUpSBE Subscribe to the Knowledge at Wharton YouTube channel: https://whr.tn/3DEAgAU

Brief Summary

Life chapter breaks motivate goal pursuit, especially during New Year's and significant transitions.

Key points

  • The Psychology of Chapter Breaks. We perceive our lives in chapters, motivating us to embrace new beginnings.
  • Fresh Starts Throughout the Year. Chapter breaks occur at predictable moments, like New Year's and birthdays.

Ask about Knowledge at Wharton

Related episodes