The start of a new year has traditionally been seen as a key moment for personal change, with psychological research identifying a 'fresh start effect' around calendar landmarks. However, many people, particularly young people, are approaching 2026 with less enthusiasm than in the past.
Mental wellness is declining, and factors such as climate anxiety, political instability and economic precarity make the idea of 'starting over' seem unrealistic. Research also shows that repeated or imposed change can lead to 'change fatigue', a state of emotional exhaustion that reduces willingness to engage with new initiatives.
Studies on anxiety and uncertainty indicate that when people feel under threat or lack control, their future-oriented thinking narrows, focusing on risks and worst-case scenarios. This can make it difficult for hope and imagination to operate, according to researchers at the DCU Centre for Possibility Studies.
A December 2025 study involving teachers facing a school demolition found that many reported emotional fatigue at the prospect of 'starting over' yet again. The dominant response was depletion and reduced motivation, rather than excitement.
Experts suggest that rather than focusing on dramatic reinvention, people should consider small shifts within their constraints. For example, adding a 10-minute walk into a daily routine and adjusting it weekly. Shared resolutions within families or communities can also help distribute responsibility and expand what feels achievable.
