The Illusion of New Beginnings
Why Real Change Requires More Than Just Motivation
Items:
Sabzeh: Wheat, barley, or lentil sprouts: symbolizing rebirth and growth.
Samanu: Sweet pudding made from wheat germ: symbolizing sweetness and fertility.
Senjed: Dried oleaster fruit: symbolizing love.
Seer: Garlic: symbolizing medicine and health.
Seeb: Apple: symbolizing beauty and health.
Somagh: Sumac: symbolizing the sunrise and new beginnings.
Sekkeh (coins): Symbolizing wealth and prosperity.
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Goldfish: Symbolizing life and the flow of time.
A mirror: Symbolizing reflection and self-reflection.
Candle(s): Symbolizing light and happiness.
Holy book(s): Symbolizing spirituality and faith.
1. Nowruz: More Than Just a New Year
As the world wakes up to spring, millions celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year. Rooted in over 3,000 years of history, Nowruz isn’t just about a new calendar—it’s about renewal. The blooming of nature mirrors the longing within us to start fresh, shed old burdens, and embrace transformation.
But here’s the question: does flipping the calendar truly change us? Or is it just another illusion, a momentary spark that fades before real change takes hold?
2. The Allure of Fresh Starts: The Science Behind Motivation
New year, new me. Sounds familiar? The start of something new—whether it’s a year, a job, or even a Monday—triggers a surge of dopamine, our brain’s reward chemical. This is why we feel energized and ready to conquer the world at the beginning of a journey. But here’s the problem: dopamine is fleeting. It gives us a rush of excitement, but once it fades, we’re left with the same habits, the same struggles, and the same internal doubts.
This is why most people abandon their resolutions within weeks. They mistake the feeling of motivation for actual change. And when that feeling inevitably disappears, they assume they’ve failed. But failure isn’t the issue—the real problem is how we approach change.
A more sustainable approach is harnessing momentum rather than relying on motivation alone. Instead of chasing the high of a new beginning, we need a deeper understanding of what drives us.
3. Self-Knowledge: The Missing Key to Sustainable Change
The Quran states, “Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.”(13:11) Change isn’t something that happens to us—it’s something we consciously build from within.
Before setting goals, ask yourself:
Why do I want this change? Is it for me, or am I influenced by external pressures?
Does this align with my deeper values and long-term vision?
Will I still pursue this when no one is watching, when it gets difficult, when the excitement is gone?
A powerful practice is writing your "Why" statement. Take a goal you’ve been thinking about and write down:
Why this change matters to you.
What will happen if you don’t change?
How your life will look if you succeed.
This exercise forces you to confront whether your motivation is deep enough or just a fleeting impulse.
4. The Science of Habits: Where Real Change Happens
Motivation may start the journey, but habits determine the destination. Neuroscience shows that repeated actions strengthen neural pathways, making behaviors automatic. This is why brushing your teeth requires no effort—it’s a habit deeply wired into your brain.
To rewire your brain, follow the Habit Loop framework:
Cue: A trigger that initiates the habit.
Routine: The behavior itself.
Reward: A satisfying result that reinforces the habit.
Example: If you want to start reading daily:
Cue: Place a book on your pillow each morning.
Routine: Read even just one page.
Reward: Allow yourself a small treat or acknowledge the progress.
Small, consistent actions compound over time. Instead of chasing massive transformations, focus on one small habit at a time and let it grow. As James Clear points out:
Making a choice that is 1 percent better or 1 percent worse seems insignificant in the moment, but over the span of moments that make up a lifetime these choices determine the difference between who you are and who you could be. Success is the product of daily habits—not once-in-a-lifetime transformations.
The Role of Identity in Habit Formation
One of the most overlooked aspects of lasting change is identity-based habits. Instead of focusing on what you want to do, shift your mindset to who you want to become. For example:
Instead of saying, “I want to exercise more,” say, “I am someone who prioritizes their health.”
Instead of saying, “I should read more,” say, “I am a reader.”
Aligning habits with your identity makes change more sustainable. Your brain naturally resists behaviors that conflict with how you see yourself, but when your new habits become part of your identity, they require less willpower.
Final Thoughts: The Art of Intentional Change
Nowruz teaches us that renewal is natural, but true transformation is intentional. Instead of relying on fleeting motivation, build a system that sustains your progress.
So ask yourself today: 👉 What’s one small, meaningful change I can start today that aligns with my true self?
Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your journey. 💬
Also you can join us in the Chats to discuss how you approach a change in your life.
In future updates we’ll talk about self-awareness and healing, stages of knowledge, lifestyle changes and habits and much more. So if it’s something you’re interested in, or you know someone who might be, stay tuned and spread the word.
This was a great reminder to start small.