A new week or month can provide an occasion to start a goal.
Limited evidenceSupporting studies exist, but they are few and conditions matter.
Example
Editorial example: retain the past week while starting a smaller plan for the next one.
Why it works
Dai and colleagues examine temporal landmarks in goal-related searches, exercise and commitments, motivating a fresh-start account.
On the web
Offer review at a user-chosen landmark. Track subsequent action over an equal period in addition to starts.
When it backfires
Initiation is different from long-term maintenance. Never erase history or accumulated work at a calendar boundary without consent.
Sources
Examines temporal landmarks and aspirational behavior across several studies.
Dai, H., Milkman, K. L., & Riis, J. (2014). The Fresh Start Effect: Temporal Landmarks Motivate Aspirational Behavior. Management Science, 60, 2563–2582. Open source