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Fresh Start tip 3: Choose a clear goal, not a vague intention

Summer vacation behind us. Suitcases unpacked. Enjoyed life and all its pleasures for weeks. And then I always hear around me the following statement: “I’m going to get back to healthy living and get quite a bit fitter”. And honestly, I often utter that phrase somewhat cautiously myself. Sounds good, but in the end it doesn’t do you much good. Here’s why.

The parks are bustling with joggers and the gyms are also getting busier again. But are we a few weeks down the road, all of a sudden calm seems to have returned. What underlies this? I can be clear about that. Because a vague intention during your Fresh Start Effect does not provide clear direction. A concrete goal does work, such as: “I want to run five kilometers in thirty minutes within eight weeks.” This makes progress visible, motivates and gives direction.

Sports fans, rest assured. Those vague intentions can be found everywhere. Also in the social field. Agreeing to “someday organize something together” often remains non-committal: loose ideas, good intentions, but little movement. As soon as a concrete date for an event or activity is set, the energy changes: there is a plan, roles are divided and the commitment gets direction. Working together acquires meaning.

Make your goals concrete and achievable

In my experience, business is no different. After a summer break, you often hear, “We need to communicate better” or “We want to work better together.” But without a concrete goal, everyone remains expectant. Want to really take advantage of the fresh start? Choose a tangible and achievable goal. For example, “We will visibly improve one process within two weeks.”

Why this works. A clear goal makes success visible. Your team knows what it is working toward, can celebrate results, and immediately experiences a sense of progress. This creates positive energy and confidence in their own abilities.

Provide visibility

So, then another practical piece of advice: also make the first sprint or month after the vacations as concrete as possible. Link a visible result to it, however small. For example, choose one improvement that everyone contributes something to every day. Make this visible with a simple task board or during the daily start.

In short, vagueness makes lazy, concrete makes active. Want a stronger start? Choose focus, be concrete and create a tangible moment of success in your first weeks of work.

Back to Fresh Start Effect Tip 2: Celebrate the beginning, not just the end

Back to Fresh Start Effect Tip 1: Start with rhythm, not speed