Psychologist revealed the reason for wanting to start a new life in September

For many adults, September 1 remains a symbol of a new stage even after graduation from school and university. This date can be perceived as a restart point due to childhood memories, cultural associations, and the so-called new start effect. On September 1, Alexandra Grazhdanov, a psychologist in the AST approach (acceptance and responsibility therapy), a member of the Association of Specialists in the Field of Contextual Behavioral Science (ACPN), told Izvestia about this.

According to the expert, the perception of September 1 is related to the experience that many receive in childhood: the beginning of the school year in kindergarten, school or university. Recurring events become temporary landmarks, so even in adulthood, the beginning of autumn can evoke the feeling of a new cycle.

In addition, parents can live this period with their children again, sending them to school and returning to their usual learning rhythm.

"The first is personal memories and a familiar cultural association. September is the beginning. And the second is what psychologists call the new start effect," explained Grazhdanov.

According to the psychologist, research shows that people are more likely to start moving towards goals after symbolic time lines — the beginning of the week, month, year, birthday or other significant dates. Such moments help to mentally separate the past stage from the new one and create a feeling of being able to start anew.

The expert noted that September 1 in this sense can work the same way as the New Year or the beginning of the week. In this case, we are not talking about the magical property of the date, but about the way in which a person organizes the perception of time.

After the summer period, which is often associated with rest and a less strict schedule, autumn returns the structure: work, education, schedule and regular classes. Therefore, a person has a natural desire to reconsider their goals and habits.

However, according to Citizens, the new start effect only helps to start changes, but does not automatically support them. In the first days of September, a person may experience a strong motivational boost, which is why they are trying to simultaneously change several areas of their lives.

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The psychologist recommends using September 1 not as a date for a complete lifestyle change, but as a launching point for specific actions. Instead of abstract goals, it is better to choose understandable tasks: for example, to determine the time and place of training in advance.

According to Citizens, habits are formed better when a person associates a specific situation with a specific action. This approach reduces dependence on motivation and helps to avoid making the same decision every day over again.

The psychologist noted that there is no universal time limit for habit formation like 21 days. It is more effective to choose a small goal and repeat it regularly than to start many new activities at the same time.

If the initial enthusiasm decreases by the end of September, this does not mean that the goal was wrong. According to the expert, motivation is changing, and sustainable changes are based on a system that helps you act even without inspiration.

The expert called too abstract goals another mistake, such as the desire to "start a new life" or "become a better person." It is important to formulate tasks in such a way that it is clear which specific action needs to be performed.

Citizens are also advised to check whether a person really wants to change, or if his decision is due to external pressure and comparison with others. To maintain the feeling of a new stage, the psychologist recommends that you regularly review your goals and analyze what happened, what turned out to be difficult, and what should be changed.

"It is not necessary to start life on September 1. It is much more interesting to start doing something specific on September 1, and continue until 2, 3, 10 and 30," concluded the psychologist.

According to the expert, it is the regular repetition of actions, and not the symbolic date itself, that eventually leads to changes.

A study of the Skolkovo Park business district on August 28 showed that the beginning of autumn is becoming a period of revision of work habits and plans for many working Russians. According to the survey, 68% of respondents consider September to be a suitable time for changes in their work schedule, and 45% call the period from September to December the busiest time of the year. Among the common ways to prepare for the new business season, Russians named the organization of the workplace, updating the wardrobe, reviewing professional goals and mastering new skills.