The desire for a fresh start is a powerful motivator in our lives. Events like New Year’s, birthdays, or even the start of a week can inspire us to make changes. Essentially, these “temporal landmarks” help us push past old failures and begin anew.
A 2015 study from the U.S. National Institutes of Health found that people are more likely to start new habits—like diets or exercise—on these significant dates. It’s fascinating how this impulse is widespread. For example, as we entered 2026, about one-third of Germans planned to make New Year’s resolutions, according to Statista. Similar trends were observed in the U.S. and the U.K.
While health-related goals lead the pack, many also focus on learning new skills, like playing an instrument or professional development. Yet, there’s a catch. Although these fresh starts may ignite enthusiasm, they don’t always result in long-term habit formation. Research from Skoove and DataPulse highlighted this issue by examining the behavior of over 1.1 million piano learners from 2021 to 2024.
Interestingly, the data showed that spikes in motivation often coincide with low rates of sustained practice. Starting a new skill in January may actually set you up for failure. The highest retention rates were found when learners began in the spring or early summer, specifically in May, June, and April. This period sees fewer external pressures, allowing for genuine commitment.
- Those who started in December had retention rates 28% lower than average.
- January starters fared slightly better, with rates 21% below average.
- In contrast, learners who began in May were 23% more likely to stick with it for six months.
This data challenges the idea that a New Year’s resolution is a solid foundation for skill-building. It’s often not about the day you start but how you transition from intention to consistent practice. For instance, Fender CEO Andy Mooney mentioned that half of their guitars go to first-time players, but around 90% quit within the first year. This highlights a common difficulty—the early stages of learning can be challenging.
For those looking to make their resolutions stick, research suggests a few practical strategies:
- Choose music you love: Learning songs you enjoy boosts motivation and focus.
- Set realistic goals: Break down your learning into short, medium, and long-term objectives to keep things manageable.
- Be consistent: Regular, small practice sessions often yield better results than sporadic, long ones.
Ultimately, success in acquiring a new skill comes down to your daily routine rather than just the starting point. The fresh start gives you a spark, but it’s the habits you build afterward that fuel your progress.
For more information on the study mentioned and others like it, you can visit Skoove and DataPulse Research.
