Why September Feels Like the Real New Year

The article explores the idea that September, rather than January, serves as a more effective time for setting and achieving personal goals. It cites the 'fresh start effect,' a psychological phenomenon where people are more motivated to pursue objectives at temporal landmarks such as the start of a week, month, or year. A 2014 study of about 12,000 U.S. university students found that their likelihood of going to the gym increased by 47.1% at the start of a new academic semester (typically early September), compared to only 11.6% at New Year. The article notes that after summer vacations, people feel more rested and motivated, and the longer daylight hours in the Northern Hemisphere are more conducive to outdoor activities. It also highlights the cultural and agricultural significance of September, including the grape harvest (vendemmia) in wine-producing regions of Europe, and the resumption of school and university courses. The piece concludes that September offers a less overwhelming timeframe for adopting new routines, making it easier to sustain positive changes than a full-year resolution.