There’s something about starting something with a clean slate. The ability to have a fresh start shows up more often than we realize each day.
When we wake up in the morning, that’s a fresh start. When we come back from any sort of break in our workday, we’re offered a fresh start. When we end our day of work and transition to the remains of the day at home, the opportunity shows up again.
I started fresh in my application when writing this piece. My recently repaired MacBook Pro had a clean install of its operating system, giving me the chance for a fresh start with it. Whenever I turn the page in one of my notebooks, a fresh start presents itself too.
A trip to the grocery store provides the possibility of a fresh start with your eating habits. A statement from your credit card company gives you the chance to start fresh with a new payment philosophy. The day your birthday rolls around can trigger a fresh start as well.
According to Vocabulary.com, a fresh start is defined as “an opportunity to start over without prejudice.” While you can’t control the prejudices of others for every single fresh start you decide to make, you can do your best to control yours.
Aaron Sorkin has a rather quirky way of creating a fresh start multiple times per day.
“I take anywhere between six to eight showers a day. I’m not exaggerating. I’m not a germaphobe: it’s all about a fresh start.”
The potential of a fresh start is tremendous. It can offer clarity and, in turn, focus. A fresh start gives you space to move, think, and breathe. It doesn’t just create freedom; it contains freedom.
