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Why You’re More Motivated on January 1st (And How to Use It to Actually Follow Through This Time)



What I'd Do Differently If I Was Starting My Fitness Journey






This time of year is filled with messages around how January 1st is just another day and why New Years Resolutions don't work.


I'm calling BS on that. In this episode of The SweatSimple Podcast I break down why that popular advice is actually missing a key piece of psychology that could help you stay more consistent with your health and fitness goals — especially fat loss goals — this year.


Because January 1st is not just another day. And your motivation right now is not fake. It’s rooted in something real: temporal landmarks.


What Are Temporal Landmarks (and Why Do They Matter)?

Psychologists use the term temporal landmark to describe moments in time that create a mental separation between your “old self” and your “new self.” Think:

  • Birthdays

  • Moving

  • Starting a new job

  • Mondays

  • The first of the month

  • And yes… January 1st


These landmarks give us what’s called the clean slate effect. This is that boost of optimism, motivation, and belief that we’re capable of change that you experience.


So if you feel more motivated this week? You’re not imagining it. AND we need to take advantage of that!


Why You're More Motivated on January 1st (And How to Use It to Actually Follow Through This Time)


Resolutions don’t “fail” because the New Year is a bad time to start. They fail because people:

  • Don’t create a plan for when motivation dips

  • Rely on all-or-nothing thinking

  • Set overly aggressive goals

  • Skip the mindset and behavior foundations

  • Try to do everything perfectly

  • Don’t have accountability

  • Don’t anchor their goals to their values


It’s not the calendar date. It’s the lack of structure after that initial spark fades.


In this episode we're walking through how to harness this New Years momentum for the rest of the year.



🎧 Listen to the Full Episode



Loved this episode? Ready to build lasting habits without starting over every Monday?


Picture having someone in your corner helping you apply it all to your life.

I help busy women break free from yo‑yo dieting and build habits that actually stick.


If you’re ready for personalized support, let’s make this the last program you’ll ever need.



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