Every New Year’s Day, I start with hope, a big resolution, and the best of intentions. I think most of us do. We all love the idea of a fresh start. It might be the countdown to a new year, the first page of a new book, or the opening notes of a favorite song. The excitement of starting over is a universal feeling.
Throughout history, people have celebrated new beginnings. The Babylonians started making New Year's resolutions about 4,000 years ago. The ancient Romans named January after Janus, the god of doors and gates, symbolizing new starts. These traditions show how much we all want a chance to grow and improve.
These celebrations also meet our brain’s need for purpose and connection. Social bonds are key to human survival, and shared celebrations help strengthen them. Dopamine, the "feel-good" chemical in our brain, plays a big role when we start something new. When we set goals or try new things, dopamine is released, making us feel good and motivating us to keep going. This chemical helps us feel excited about new possibilities and gives us the push to face challenges.
The prefrontal cortex (PFC), the part of the brain in charge of decision-making and planning, is also important when we start over. It helps us set goals and control our emotions. When we think about positive outcomes, dopamine helps the PFC work better, making it easier for us to plan and stay motivated. Starting something new helps our brain form new connections, opening the door to fresh ideas and opportunities.
Of course, we can't always feel hopeful, and our brain's job isn’t to keep us happy all the time, even on New Year’s Day. But hope likely evolved to help us set goals, stay resilient, and adapt to change. Hope pushes us to keep going, even when things are tough. Research shows that hopeful people are more likely to overcome obstacles and succeed.
Hope is also something we share with others. In tough times, shared hope can bring people together, helping them solve problems and support each other. Hope encourages us to take risks and explore new opportunities, just like our ancestors did when they faced new challenges. Today, hope helps us adapt and innovate in a constantly changing world.
As the Chief Science Officer for Hatch Immersive Learning & Development Studio in Amsterdam, I am on a mission to humanize the way we learn and lead. At Hatch, we believe that understanding the brain’s role in starting over can help us build more empathetic and connected workplaces. To do things differently. Our work is focused on using the latest neuroscience to create experiences that foster resilience, creativity, and growth. We aim to help individuals and teams harness the power of new beginnings to drive meaningful change.
As we step into a new year with our resolutions and hopes, it’s comforting to know that our brains are wired to support fresh starts. The human desire for new beginnings shows our resilience and creativity. Each New Year offers a chance to rewrite our story, thanks to our brain's ability to change and grow. So, if you’re dreaming of a better future or starting something new, remember that your brain is on your side, cheering you on. Happy New Year!
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