Future Business Leaders: Are You Ready to Embrace Your Fresh-Start Moment?
Summer 2025 is more than a chance to leave that backpack – textbooks sprawled – languishing for a few months on the floor. It’s an opportunity to change and grow.
When Angel R., a senior at Southwest Miami Senior High School in Florida, U.S., began exploring Wharton Global Youth summer programs, he thought, “I’ve always been the type of person to jump into the fire and throw myself into new experiences. What better way to gain more business experience and financial knowledge than going to another country, adapting and learning everything I could?” Ultimately, Angel attended our Strategy and International Management program in Cambridge, U.K.
“Research shows that once people are taught the truth of the malleability of almost every trait and that they are growable, they can improve their performance.” –Katy Milkman, Professor, the Wharton School
Angel embraced the possibilities on his path to business leadership by doing something entirely new. Katy Milkman, a professor of operations, information and decisions at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, says summer is a perfect time to make a fresh start.
“These are the moments in life when we perceive chapter breaks in our stories,” notes Milkman, who co-directs the Behavior Change for Good Initiative at the University of Pennsylvania and is the author of the book How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be. “Chapter breaks motivate us to pursue our goals, because they give us a sense of a discontinuity. We feel like we’re separated from who we were before the chapter ended — that was the old me and this is the new me. That separation gives us a sense of optimism that whatever wasn’t quite clicking for us before or that we hadn’t quite achieved, is no longer holding us back. We can do it in this new chapter. We have all sorts of data showing that in every domain, from exercise to healthy eating to educational, environmental and financial goals, upticks happen at fresh-start moments.”
Here are a few data-driven strategies that Dr. Milkman and her colleagues have studied to make the most of those moments:
- Set specific, measurable goals that stretch you slightly beyond your current abilities. Dr. Milkman points to SMART goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound.
- Create detailed action plans with clear triggers and cues for when you’ll pursue your goals, because vague intentions are easy to procrastinate on. “A bad goal would be: Get healthy. A good goal would be: Exercise three times a week for 30 minutes after class, at 5 p.m. at the gym on the elliptical while watching my favorite TV show,” says Milkman.
- Build social support by finding partners or mentors who can help you stay accountable (this might even be new friends you meet in a summer business program). “The social support piece, a partner in goal pursuits, can help with your confidence,” notes Dr. Milkman. “Ideally, it’s a partner who’s a little ahead of you on the course, so you’re being pushed by them, but who also can learn from you to some degree, so that you’re not just the mentee.”
- Adopt a growth mindset and begin acknowledging setbacks as learning opportunities rather than failures. “We can intentionally recognize and adopt a mindset that believes missteps are not a mark of our incompetence or our abilities, but rather opportunities for growth,” notes Milkman.
- Break larger goals into smaller, manageable weekly or daily tasks.
- Choose goals that are challenging but not exhausting, maybe 10% harder than your current performance. Think of this as leveling up. “It should stretch you a little bit beyond what you’re already achieving, but not to the point of collapse,” suggests Milkman.
As you chase new opportunities, it’s essential to believe in your capacity to grow. “Ideally, people want to intentionally adopt a growth mindset when pursuing their goals,” stresses Professor Milkman. “Research shows that once people are taught the truth of the malleability of almost every trait and that they are growable, they can improve their performance in things like math at school. It’s helpful to understand that you’re not born with innate intelligence or innate anything. Almost everything is growable with work and effort, and recognizing that gives you a leg up in goal pursuit.”
How will you make the most of your fresh start this summer?
Conversation Starters
Dr. Milkman’s Behavior Change for Good Initiative uses the science of behavior change to help individuals and organizations achieve goals that are good for the world, and it speaks to her deep interest in behavioral economics. Read this past Wharton Global Youth interview. How do Dr. Milkman and her colleagues use the mega-study methodology to study business? What do you find interesting about their research?
Which of Dr. Milkman’s fresh-start strategies resonates most deeply with you and why?
We often label ourselves or believe the labels that others give us. Does this concept that all traits are growable surprise you? How does it change the way you will approach new opportunities?
How did you make the most of your chapter break this summer and how did it help shape your path toward business leadership? Share your story in the comment section of this article.
After reading this article, I have come to understand that goal targeting is not just ambition but also strategy. Using various triggers like time and place really highlighted how much success is based on these factors. I used to make vague goals such as “be more productive”. Looking back now, this was a structure I feel I was setting myself up for failure because I could always just postpone or forget about something if I did not have a defined structure. I thought the advice to focus on goals that are only marginally more difficult than things you already do was also interesting, since it shifts the ideology of making progress slowly and steadily, rather than taking shortcuts and missing the value of the work that is done. I think it also offers a unique perspective when the world we live in seems to match burnout and tiredness, with immense progress and growth. Overall, I think this framework for goal targeting is balanced, realistic, and could be motivating.
Your insight about vague goals really resonated with me. We also used to set goals such as “work harder” or “be better at time management” without a system in place. Dr. Milkman’s point about using time/place triggers and choosing slightly harder goals reframe how we as a society perceive self improvement and confidence. This strategy can improve growth rather than burnout.
Hi Aarav, your reflection on structure versus vagueness really resonated with me. You’ve captured a core insight: goals anchored with clear triggers are far more likely to stick than abstract intentions.
I felt this firsthand in my summer fintech internship. Instead of “improve user retention,” we rephrased our objective: conduct a weekly user-feedback session every Thursday at 4 PM, take note of participant feedback, and release one improvement every week. That slight adjustment—from vague to specific—created a 12% retention bump in two months and built a measurable process of continuous iteration.
Dr. Milkman’s pacing insight (10% harder, not crippling) is equally valuable. In my nonprofit and AWS work, when we introduced aggressive objectives too quickly, participation dropped. When we introduced weekly sprint goals—each one only moderately more challenging—team energy and motivation soared.
Your pacing comment to avoid burnout aligns with behavioral economics studies: incremental, consistent progress is more durable than big, sporadic pushes.
I’m curious—what would your ideal weekly goal look like right now? Perhaps pairing a SMART goal with a social accountability partner could unlock even greater long-term growth?
The idea that leadership a lot of times begins in times when people are uncertain really resonates with me. I just started a small business called NoteLift, where I sell my notes from the classes I took in high school each year to help other students excel in difficult subjects like precalculus and AP classes. It began as a way to support classmates during exam season, but it has quickly became something a lot more meaningful. It’s now a platform where I’m learning how to lead and adapt to the real world.
Like many student entrepreneurs, I had doubts: would anyone pay for notes? How would I organize my business? There were countless moments where I thought to myself that I could have stopped. But as the article points out, fresh starts aren’t always flashy, they’re usually when we choose to move forward and stay persistent instead of just giving up. Starting NoteLift was my fresh-start moment. It really pushed me to think outside the box and to most importantly, lead with a purpose. I also connected with Malcom Gladwell’s ideas about discomfort and how it’s fueling innovation. I have found that when I learn into what feels uncertain, no matter if it’s learning of a new subject area or responding to customer feedback, I’m growing as both a leader and a learner. I see challenge not as setbacks but more as an invitation to learn to be the best version of myself.
This article reminded me that leadership isn’t just for big companies, it begins wherever you are, even with an idea as simple as sharing notes to help others succeed. I’m really excited to continue developing this business and experiencing every fresh-start moment that comes with it!
I am so excited to hear about your recent startup Notelift, congratulations and best of luck! It is amazing how your fresh start moment similar to the podcast wasn’t a huge announcement but you chose to keep going when it got tough. I can relate because I am also a startup founder (Green Guru Project). But keeping the car driving when things get tough is such an underrated part of leadership that people don’t talk about enough. This ties back into Gladwell’s idea of discomfort sparking growth.
Dr. Milkman’s point that “almost everything is growable” really stuck with me. I used to think people were either naturally good at something or not, but now I see how much growth comes from being intentional. This summer, I’m focusing on improving in areas I’ve struggled with before, like time management and consistency. I’m treating this as a reset, not just a break, and setting goals I can actually follow through on.
Your analysis and reasoning really got me thinking and sparked some general questions regarding a “reset” for the general. I totally agree with that everything is growable with intention, but would it be in environments with limited opportunities? For example, how can students with fewer opportunities still access the tools they need for that growth? Maybe Dr. Milkman’s work could also look at how his fresh start theory ideas can apply to different socio economic backgrounds.
I agree with your view Tanisha. I also had this idea that people were naturally gifted at certain things, and that maybe business or entrepreneurship wasn’t for me. Dr Milkman’s advice really resonated with me due to my personal experience. Last year I attended the Wharton Global Youth Startup Culture and Innovation program and this fresh start moment really inspired me. I realized that even for me, someone who previously had no intention of beginning my entrepreneurial journey, was able to grow my experience and actually commit to the journey.
This article explores the concept of “fresh-start moments” that are the points in time that offer individuals the opportunity to reset and pursue new goals. Drawing from behavioral science, it highlights how these moments can lead to improved outcomes in various areas, including health, education, and finance.
Dr. Katy Milkman, a behavioral scientist at the University of Pennsylvania, emphasizes that fresh-start moments create a psychological separation from the past, fostering optimism and motivation. She suggests that individuals can capitalize on these moments by setting specific, measurable goals and creating detailed action plans to guide their efforts.
The article encourages future business leaders to recognize and seize these opportunities for personal and professional growth, leveraging the momentum of fresh-start moments to achieve their aspirations.
Your absolutely right Aanya! Your comment about psychological separation really sticks with me because the best way to move on is truly by tricking the brain. Our best asset is our mind; therefore, finding a way to make it forget about the past and move on is a game changer. Future business leaders around the world can utilize these fresh start moments to grow and ultimately use finance and business to empower the world.
This article made me think differently about how I can use my summer to grow. I realized that I don’t need to do something overwhelming or extraordinary to make progress. What matters is believing that I can grow and improve with intent and effort, even if it’s just a little above what I’m doing now. I liked how Dr. Milkman explained that traits like intelligence or confidence aren’t fixed-they can grow, and that really motivates me. It makes me feel like I don’t have to be perfect right away, just willing to try and keep learning. I also found it helpful that support from others can make a big difference-it shows me I don’t have to do everything alone, and having people around me can actually help me reach my goals faster. This summer, I want to set clear and achievable goals that won’t burn me out and spend more time with people that inspire me.
Summers are one of the best time for personal development. There are no restraints during this time. However, you do have to have a great self control and discipline in order to utilize your summers perfectly! Dr. Milkman truly explained the wonders of traits-in that you can grow your traits positively! Best of luck with your goals this summer!
The article’s introduction of “fresh-start moments” as both a mindset and a strategy couldn’t be more opportune for new leaders today. I especially appreciated the distinction between emotional resets and practical pivots—how we move forward with intention, not just optimism.
I especially enjoyed the reference to temporal landmarks. In work, quarterly profits, fiscal year resets, and product cycles seem to have a way of acting as default times to review and recharge. I adore thinking about personal development in precisely the same way—where milestones aren’t just symbolic, but structural. Can we design our own performance cycles, feedback loops and reflection checkpoints included?
This idea reminded me of how I’ve approached learning technical skills. When I was studying AWS Data Engineer training, I planned my progress in OKRs (Objectives and Key Results)—just like a company would. I measured development not in terms of completion, but in terms of mastery and impact. Similarly, when I was interning with a nonprofit this summer, I treated each campaign review like I would a product postmortem: What went well? What didn’t? How can this be re-purposed or improved?
I also found the article’s link between fresh starts and leadership particularly resonant. Real leadership, as the article suggests, often shows up after a pivot—when you’ve made the decision to begin again, rebuild, and take others with you. In writing my novel, switching from linear storytelling to nonlinear formats was frustrating at first. But that “restart” gave my story depth and re-energized my process.
My takeaway: New beginnings aren’t so much about moving on from the past as they are about translating lessons learned into more focused, intentional forward motion.
What I’d like to know from others: How do you decide when you need a clean slate—and how do you balance experimentation with discipline?
Hi Hrithik — your comment really resonated with me, especially the way you wove together emotional resets and structural discipline. I think you’re absolutely right: real leadership often begins at the inflection point, not the highlight reel.
I had a similar experience when I tried to launch a social-impact hackathon — completely free, because I knew what it felt like to be excluded for not being able to pay. I didn’t raise enough sponsorship that year, and part of me saw it as a failure. But reflecting on it now, it was my own “chapter break.” I realized that outcomes don’t always define growth — sometimes the willingness to pivot and recommit does.
Your use of OKRs reminds me of something I’ve been experimenting with — what I call “mission loops.” Instead of just tracking results, I focus on the cycles of purpose that keep recurring in my work. Whether it’s equity in access or dignity in design, those loops help me recalibrate when I drift off-course.
To your question about clean slates: I think we don’t always decide when we need one — sometimes they hit us like a wall. But we can decide what we make of them. Discipline gives our experiments direction, but it’s the courage to rebuild (even when the metrics aren’t pretty) that makes the growth real.
Thanks for a comment that challenged me to rethink structure as a narrative, not just a metric.
Wow Hrithik! I can tell you put a lot of thought and connections into your comment. Your explanations, combined with Dr. Milkman’s findings, really helped me to understand the underlying mechanisms of my recent encounter with grief and my future motivations.
A month ago, my 6-year-old rescue bird, Lemon, passed away due to an unknown cause. I have spent my happiest 6 years with him, and his death struck me with utter defeat in life. I used to experience waves and waves of nausea and hollowness, picturing his resemblance every opportunity I had. I got my first taste of depression from this incident and found that the scar can never fully heal. It was a draining and despondent sensation that lasts even today (even now), and I was always wondering when I could return the the previous “me:” passionate, lively, and curious.
Before Lemon left me, my overall interest prompted me to sign up for one of Penn’s SAS summer programs investigating biomedical research. I was first doubting whether I should still go due to the incident, but now that the program was almost over and I’ve spent 3 weeks at Penn, I found this “chapter break” totally worth it.
Instantly connecting to your comment, I love how you used the word “pivot” to mark the start of a new “chapter” instead of simply temporal measures. It’s just like a “distraction” where you can momentarily escape from your current worries and embrace a new perspective. My days during the summer program allowed me to see hope again after being exposed to stories of the newest research projects, wild and crazy ways people think “outside the box,” and beautiful instances where wild birds sing on campus, matching exactly with Dr. Milkman’s descriptions.
Now with the new motivation, I have started on building my own organization on providing free and accessible self-coping resources for other teens like me. Since I did not get as much help as I hoped during the pitfall of my early life, why not help others? In some way, this “fresh start” did ignite leadership, as you said, Hrithik. But to add on and relate to the business world, I believe “fresh starts” can catalyze the discoveries of new business niches and needs. Perhaps a small break from the original routine can pivot us to a brand new field.
I personally find your comment extremely insightful. I appreciate the way you highlighted the importance of moving forward with intention while balancing emotional resets and practical pivots. I was especially moved by this part as it basically reflects my summer break. This summer, I was very determined to become an intern in order to develop my skills and gain experience. My motivation was partially due to the fact that everyone around me seems to have some kind of summer internship. I was moving towards my goal pretty quickly because of my networking skills and everything seemed to go well. I was offered a market research internship which made me finally feel a sigh of relief. What I didn’t expect was that my school delayed the process of sharing essential documents. As a result, I lost the internship. It was hard for me to deal with this situation until I finally understood that rejection is just redirection. This was when my fresh-start moment occurred. Milkman’s quote “We can intentionally recognize and adopt a mindset that believes missteps are not a mark of our incompetence or our abilities, but rather opportunities for growth,” has proven to be true in my case. After going through rejection, I decided to redirect my goal from becoming an intern to building something on my own. Currently, I am in the process of designing my app, creating a non-profit organization and learning multiple new skills I’ve never tried before. Also, regarding your question about balancing experimentation with discipline, I am not sure how to achieve this balance, but what matters most is that I’m a step closer towards my goals every day and it is because I live to work instead of working to live. Thank you for your comment!
I absolutely loved this article! As a person creating my own app, NeuroEd, while preparing for the CFA Investment Foundations, the concept of having a “fresh-start moment” resonates with me deeply. I can see how doing a fresh start—like making my app or preparing for CFA—allows me to have clear objectives and remain motivated. Katy Milkman’s SMART-goal concept is one that I already practice: I dedicate two hours each week after school to working on NeuroEd’s AI capabilities, for instance. Reading this made me reflect on how much of a difference it makes to combine that plan with a growth mindset—to celebrate small victories, think ahead to when things go off track, and have guidance from mentors and team members. It has motivated me now to take each step as its own chapter break—prepared to continue.
Suriya,
I really enjoyed reading your comment. What you said about the importance of having a growth mindset really resonated with me, and I think you articulated it very well. It is essential to give yourself credit for what you have accomplished thus far, accept help from others, and acknowledge what you can improve. As Dr. Milkman said, setting SMART goals and using the principles of a growth mindset can help you get a fresh start, especially this summer. I wish you the best of luck with your app and the CFA Investment Foundations!
Sincerely,
Ella
By reading this article, I realized that the idea that resonates most with me is choosing goals that are challenging but not overwhelming, similar to “leveling up” in a video game. I’m a big fan of gaming, and nothing motivates me more than the fun of reaching a goal. This article has helped me understand that fresh starts can happen at any time; it’s never too late to embark on something new. Whether you’re starting a small business, enrolling in courses, or pursuing any new endeavor, what truly matters is that you grow as you work toward the goals you set for yourself. Treat your goals like quests you need to complete and have fun along the way!
In the past, I set goals that didn’t truly motivate me or were too challenging, which led to burnout. I often discouraged myself by thinking, “Oh, it’s too late,” or “I can’t do this, it’s too difficult.” However, I’ve found that aiming for goals that are “10% harder” and gradually growing feels realistic and empowering. This approach allows me to stretch just a bit beyond what I’ve already achieved, pushing my limits in a healthy and intentional way without jeopardizing my mentality.
This summer, I plan to apply a strategy that involves setting specific goals designed to challenge me just enough for personal growth. I’ve decided to organize these goals in a table, similar to quests in a game, where I can complete each task to earn points and level up, becoming a stronger version of myself. By taking small but steady steps forward, I will build both my skills and confidence while maintaining momentum. I want to encourage other people who are reading my comment to think of reaching their goals as a game rather than a boring way to add things to their resume. This focused approach to growth seems like the ideal way to make my fresh start, and others’, meaningful. I want to thank Dr. Milkman and her colleagues for helping me adopt this mindset through their article.
I really enjoyed reading your comment—it was an honest motivator. Your commentary on how goals could be like a quest in a video game was spot on. As soon as you said that, it struck me so much, because it represents a shift in the lens on growth. Growth is not so much a panic-stricken uphill struggle, but rather a fun, deliberate, engaging, customized process. Your 10% harder is also reminiscent of the Flow Theory in psychology, which in essence states we grow the best when we have enough challenge without having it be overwhelming. I’ve had some monumental goals before just to say I could do it, and then completely burned out.
I think it is so cool how you are gamifying your goals using a point system. It made me think, what if we actually designed our lives more like a game, with the built-in, intentional milestones, reflection points along the journey, and rewards that are not grades/extrinsic things, but joy, learning, confidence, etc. I truly believe that if even a few more students adopted a similar mindset to yours, “resumes” could be the intentional by-products of authentic growth rather than the goal.
I also appreciated what you shared, because it challenged my perceptions around a new beginning. I typically believe that a new beginning has to be something big or dramatic in some way. But as you’ve pointed out, all the small steps are relevant as long as you’ve made them with intent. Thank you for reminding me that momentum is more important than intensity.
One question I would love to ask you – how do you hold yourself accountable when the “quest” gets boring or difficult? Do you build in milestones or rely on people? I think many people (myself included) could learn how to stay in the process while also acknowledging the inevitable dips in motivation.
Thanks again for such a thoughtful reflection. You are right—growth can (and should) be fun. You’ve got my mind firing off all kinds of conversations about how I am going to construct my own goals this summer.
What I identified with most in this article was the idea of “fresh-start moments” like summer or a major life transition. Dr. Katy Milkman explains that these moments represent a psychological break from the past, where the “old me” is left behind, making space for a “new me” filled with optimism and motivation.
The part that impacted me the most was when she talked about the practical steps to make the most of this fresh-start phase: setting SMART goals, creating actionable plans with clear triggers, relying on social support, adopting a growth mindset, and breaking big goals into smaller, manageable steps. That deeply resonated with me.
For example, in my NeuroEd project a study support app I’ve been developing alongside my preparation for the CFA Investment Foundations I try to apply exactly those principles. I’ve already set specific goals, like dedicating two hours a week to improving the app’s AI features, and I’ve established fixed days and times to work. I’ve also been seeking mentors and partners to help boost my motivation and keep me focused.
The article reinforces the idea that by embracing this “restart” mindset, I can face challenges as opportunities for growth, rather than as failures. Even more, I feel that my current experiences like improving the app, studying for certifications, and getting involved in innovation are exactly the kinds of transitions Dr. Milkman describes.
In summary: the article not only strengthened my personal strategy but also inspired me to make even better use of these “fresh-start moments,” especially during natural cycles like the end of a semester or during more intense learning phases. It makes me feel more confident and energized, with clear goals and a realistic plan to achieve them.
Hi Carolina,
Congratulations on your amazing comment! Your connection of the fresh-start moments, the “new me” concept, and your personal experience really resonated with me, as I found it very relatable. The idea of taking practical steps to reach a new, desired version of ourselves was the most impactful part of the article for me as well.
The “new me” concept transcends business and academics—it can deeply shape our personal life journeys. From my perspective as a teen with ambitious aspirations similar to your goals with the NeuroEd app, the importance of taking practical steps is something I cannot ignore. It’s essential to manage both my personal and academic life effectively to be able to reach the goals I aspire to achieve.
This is where SMART objectives and embracing restart moments come in—they provide confidence, a path, and a motive to rely on when the journey is long and uncertain. Almost unconsciously, SMART objectives and the idea of fresh starts can grow on us through failures, experiences, and successes. But becoming aware of them is incredibly important to recognize restart opportunities and take action by setting a clear path toward our goals.
Your experience is a perfect example of that. Reading it reinforced my belief in the importance of taking practical steps with structure, to avoid getting lost along a journey that is certainly not linear. Although it’s still a bit far away, I’m now sure that this New Year’s Eve I won’t be making the mistake of saying “New year, new me” without really thinking it through and in the upcoming months, I’ll be taking advantage of every fresh-start moment I can spot!
I loved the way the author, Diana Drake, represented us with thoughts that we, as high school students, usually think about being on vacations. She let us know that there’s so much more to it than just leaving behind that backpack, textbooks or sprawled. It’s an opportunity to find ourselves and redefine who we really are, from our tastes and preferences, to our goals and passions.
When we set a new goal to pursue, an achievement that excites us, we are also diving into a challenging process full of doubts, burnout, demotivation, discipline and more. However, among all the strategies introduced, I find the third one very effective because it helps a person grow in different ways, not just through support, but also through pressure (not in a bad sense). Committing with another person that knows what you want to achieve and when you want it, is a useful tool to boost your motivation and perseverance on days when you’re struggling with laziness, willpower and the loss of focus. This sense of mutual responsibility pushes you not to disappoint the other person.
Meanwhile, this strategy is even more effective when money is involved. For example, If someone doesn’t meet their goal to go to the gym four times a week, they might have to pay their accountability partner $20. As you may know, no one likes to waste money or feel guilty, so this creates another powerful reason, a monetary one, that keeps you from giving up when your journey gets tough.
This article has reminded me that success doesn’t always lie in discipline alone, but in strategic actions we take by ourselves and by recognizing our behavior patterns that affect our pursuit. It’s about creating effective plans that prepare us to face the moments when negative thoughts or feelings try to take over our mind, heart, and beliefs.
Changing can suck. Whether it’s starting a new hobby or leaving behind your old habits, it can feel uncomfortable and even scary. Like Dr. Milkman said, change often feels like a separation from your past self. But what I’ve learned is that sometimes, discomfort is a sign that you’re moving in the right direction.
In 6th grade, my grades were awful—Bs, Cs, and even Ds. My family urged me to try harder, but I refused. I didn’t know where to begin, and part of me was afraid I wouldn’t like who I became. Then one day, I asked myself: what if I just tried?
At first, not much changed. I made a plan with my mom: one hour of math after breakfast, vocabulary and writing at lunch. It sounded simple, but I started losing hope after a few days. That’s when she showed me one of my old math quizzes—filled with mistakes and a big red 67. When I looked at it again, the problems suddenly felt easy. That one moment helped me realize how far I had come, and it gave me the motivation to keep going.
Dr. Milkman’s strategies—like goal-setting, having a support system, and adopting a growth mindset—mirrored exactly what helped me transform. My “fresh-start moment” wasn’t dramatic. It was quiet and gradual, but powerful. That summer, I fell in love with writing, finished algebra, and learned geometry.
This article reminded me that change doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You just need to take that first step—and keep going even when it gets hard. Fresh starts really can happen at any time, and now I feel more prepared for the next one.
Hi Ryan — thank you for sharing such a vulnerable and powerful reflection. Your story reminded me that not all transformations arrive with fanfare; some come quietly, disguised as effort.
I was especially struck by the line: “part of me was afraid I wouldn’t like who I became.” That hesitation — the fear that growth might mean losing a version of ourselves we’re familiar with — is something I’ve felt too. When I started building my social-impact startup, Tirare, I was scared of failing not just publicly, but authentically — of discovering that maybe I wasn’t the kind of leader I thought I could be.
But like you, I learned that change isn’t always dramatic. Sometimes it’s one email. One conversation. One moment when you look at an old test, or reread your code, or revisit your first design — and realize you’ve grown without even noticing. That “quiet power” you talked about? That’s what builds real momentum.
I also really resonated with how your mom became part of your support system. It reminded me of Dr. Milkman’s emphasis on accountability partners — but in your case, it was rooted in love. There’s something deeply moving about that.
Your story isn’t just a testament to hard work — it’s a blueprint for how change feels before it becomes visible. I’m walking away from your comment with a stronger belief that the next “fresh start” doesn’t need to be big — it just needs to be brave.
Keep writing. You’re already leading.
Dr. Milkman brings a point of having specific goals in her second point, stating that having vague goals is what makes us procrastinate the most. I think this is an excellent point she brings up, because vagueness can make us think we have a sense of instability, which can lead to putting off work because we don’t have a solid plan to work off of. Procrastination is an issue most high schoolers face, whether it is because of no motivation, lack of sleep, or mental health issues, and having vague goals only adds onto the mountain of reasons for putting off work. Having ultra specific goals sets up a solid path for us to follow, and it makes it harder to diverge off of the path. However, having vague actions can also make students think more critically, thus helping us make our own judgement and decisions in the future. A metaphor we can use to describe this process is the yellow brick road from the Wizard of Oz. The Good Witch tells Dorothy to follow the yellow brick road after the Wicked Witch of the East is killed. Those were very simple instructions, which Dorothy absentmindedly followed. However, there were no instructions about what to do when she encounters obstacles on the road. Dorothy had to find her own solution when the flying monkeys snatched her and her friends up and took her to the Wicked Witch of the West. She had to think critically in the moment to rescue herself and her friends, and eventually came up with a solution to get them out of the situation. If the Good Witch said “follow the yellow brick road, don’t go off the path, pour water on the witch if you’re taken away, and help people on the way” to Dorothy before she left, then Dorothy’s mind would only be focused on following those instructions and not focused on doing what she desires. Dorothy decided to help the scarecrow, the tin man, and the lion out of pity and the good in her heart, and encountering them also helped her grow as a person by learning about their fears and desires. Although having solid goals can keep us on the right track without wandering, having vague goals can also give us an opportunity to grow and make critical judgments.
Most comments always seem to applaud the article or lift up the spirit of the article in some way. Although this comment does include this aspect. It also goes against the article by supporting the fact that vague goals are benefial while also acknowledging the articles position. This kind of ciritcal thinking is rare. Instead of going with the crowd, the comment truly put its on voice in the conversation.
As a growing teenager, the whirlwind of changes that are presented now is almost too extreme. From not just emotional and physical changes but also social changes that ultimately have led to a state of utter hopelessness. Hopelessness in true glory is something that one cannot shake off as it goes beyond the ability of not being able to do something. But more in the mentality that you are not able to do anything on your scale. I and many other teenagers, especially during the drastically changing state of our world right now, may relate to this on many different scales, whether that’s bigger or smaller.
These changes are almost like a horrendous wave taking over a perfectly peaceful stillness of the once calm ocean that may be our childhood or more. However, as I read this article and looked at all that I have experienced during these changing days. I have realized that so much of this utter hopelessness is no more than its definition; it’s a mentality. In which you perceive change in so many ways. The most beneficial one is that, even as Angel R states, without change, there would not be natural gaining of more knowledge and experience. I have realized in many ways that perhaps that wave may not be the ugly face we or I might give it. But rather that change or wave may bring a whole new world that may exceed your previous. It showed me that stepping outside your comfort zone is scary — but the rewards can be life-changing. I have realized such an important message to truly reach your potential, no matter your age, but especially as a teenager.
In your changing world, where rules might seem too confining and people might seem too complex. Hopelessness can truly take over. However, embracing change and powering through that hopelessness by trying out things you never would, especially during the summertime, might allow you to leave that hopelessness behind. Because truly, it will make you realize that it was always just a mental block and never a hole in your ability and voice. You are not hopeless. Ever
As Dr. Katy Milkman’s powerful words express, chapter breaks allow a kind of separation that differs you from what you were before. These chapter breaks are not only essentially changes but also moments that give us permission to grow, and experiences from them can allow so much optimism and so much less hopelessness. That I don’t remain who I was yesterday. That each choice can start a new chapter and experience in my life. One that can build my education, career and so much more.
Our domain is essentially endless when you let go of certain mentalities and put yourself out there to allow yourself to grow. And one huge way you can do this is by taking steps towards embracing change, towards putting yourself out there, towards not feeling hopelessness. Whether those are baby steps or more, each of them will be so much more valuable than you realize. So truly set goals and steps for these for yourself this summer and conquer them! Specifically, this summer I cannot wait to explore my own passions of writing and social impact! I’m not hopeless and I can make a difference in this large world! And so can you. Change will not be my enemy instead for me and many others, it’s just a beginning.
Hi Maryam,
Your words carried the kind of weight that lingers — not because they were heavy, but because they were honest. Thank you for speaking so openly about the quiet, sometimes invisible ache of hopelessness that many of us feel but don’t always have the language for.
I was especially moved by your description of change as a wave — one that initially feels like it’s drowning the calm, but eventually reveals a whole new ocean beyond the storm. That metaphor captures something profound: change isn’t just disruption; it’s reformation. And just like tectonic shifts make mountains, sometimes it’s the most jarring moments that carve out new strength in us.
Your reflection made me pause and consider how many times I’ve labeled my own limitations as permanent — when in truth, they were just temporary mentalities, as you put it. I recently started working on a social impact mobility initiative, and there were nights I felt like I had no voice, no right to build something that might affect others. But reading your comment reminded me: hopelessness isn’t a lack of ability — it’s a lack of perspective.
I hope you continue writing, not just as a passion, but as a way to give that voice within you to others who might need it too. Your comment wasn’t just a reply to an article — it was a fresh start for everyone who read it.
Thank you for helping me reframe my own waves.
Hi Maryam,
I’ve read your comment about a dozen times—I’m still in awe. It’s raw, brave, and deeply moving in ways that feel both personal and strangely universal. You put into words something so many of us carry in silence: that haunting sense that maybe we’re not enough—not even by our own measure.
What stuck with me most was your point that hopelessness doesn’t strike hardest when we cannot reach for stars. No—it strikes when we stumble trying to do things that ‘should have’ been within reach. When you fail not in the grand, cinematic ways, but in the small, quiet, everyday things that is ‘your scale’.
And it left me wondering: is hopelessness truly the enemy? Or is it something else—a signal, a turning point?
You spoke beautifully about the need to embrace change, and I wholeheartedly agree. But I’d like to add another layer to it—a perspective that, for me, shifts the meaning of despair. What if hopelessness isn’t just something to escape, but something that prompts change in the first place?
A friend once told me, “Life knows how to always push us to the limit.” And it has been lingering in my mind since then. Because no amount of knowledge or motivation ever shifted me. I didn’t change because I read the right book or found the right mentor. I changed because I hit a wall—because staying the same became more painful than the fear of changing.
I used to see being introverted as a kind of quiet power—that I could keep my head down, work hard, and succeed alone. I believed connection was optional, even distracting. That was delusional—a comforting lie. In all four years of secondary school, I made very few friends, and even fewer memories. And when I got into my dream high school, which should’ve been the proudest moment of my life—I felt empty. I walked into a fast-moving, community-driven world… and froze.
Two days into this new, socially vibrant environment, I broke down. The school culture revolved around events, teamwork, and visibility. If you didn’t show up, you were left behind. I was overwhelmed. It wasn’t just that I felt excluded—I began to fear that I would pass through life unnoticed, without connection or joy. And oddly enough, that despair saved me.
It didn’t make me fearless. But it made me desperate enough to try. I started talking. I joined clubs. I went out of my way to show up. I messed up a lot. I said awkward things. I didn’t know how to belong. But I stayed. And little by little, I became someone I didn’t think I could be: a team captain, a club president, someone people come to—not because I was confident, but because I finally let myself change, and that I tried to improve myself daily. Had I been just “okay” at soft skills, I don’t think I would have had the fuel to push this far.
So yes, change is scary. But sometimes, it’s the hopelessness that gives us the courage to make it. I completely agree with you that we must welcome change—but I’d also say, don’t fear the dark moments. They might just be the sign we need to move.
You wrote, “Hopelessness can truly take over.” And it can. It’s not an end, but a threshold. A painful, necessary pause before something cracks open.
Thank you, Maryam, for putting your experience into words so beautifully. Your story reminded me not only of my own journey, but also that these feelings we try so hard to hide are the very ones that connect us all.
Hi Maryam,
Thank you for sharing this. Your reflection is so beautifully written and deeply relatable, especially the metaphor about change being a wave overtaking the stillness of childhood. I really felt that. I think many of us can connect with the feeling of hopelessness creeping in when life feels uncertain or overwhelming, especially as teenagers navigating a rapidly shifting world.
I’m drawn by how you framed that hopelessness as a mindset rather than a fixed truth– that shift in perspective is powerful. It reminded me of something I’ve been trying to remind myself lately: that discomfort doesn’t always mean danger– sometimes it’s just growth in progress. I’ve definitely had moments where I felt stuck or overwhelmed by change, especially this past year. Between balancing school, leadership roles, and preparing for the future, it’s easy to feel like everything is too much.However, reading your reflection reminded me that change isn’t always the enemy– it’s often the start of something better.
This summer, I took my own “chapter break” to reflect and grow. I leaned into opportunities that used to scare me, like applying to competitive programs, sharing my writing, and speaking up in rooms where I used to stay quiet. I still get nervous, but I’ve started to realize that growth doesn’t come from playing it safe. Like you said, we can set goals, take small steps, and little by little, rewrite the story we tell ourselves.
I also love that you mentioned your passion for writing and social impact, I’m drawn to those same things too. It’s encouraging to know that we’re not alone in this journey, and that there are other students out there embracing the hard parts of growth with honesty and courage.
Wishing you the best as you keep pushing forward. You’re right– change isn’t the end, it’s just the beginning. Wishing you the best as you start your new chapter!
I used to think that some people were simply “born with it,” whether it was intelligence, talent, or just a knack for socializing. However, this article has challenged that, particularly with its insights on growable traits and the true freedom of a “fresh start” moment.
In the past, I used this as an excuse for not trying. I don’t think it was laziness; rather, a fear of failure and of never measuring up to others is what held me back. I seriously believed that no matter how hard I worked, I could never exceed those deemed “smarter”. With that mindset, I eventually stopped trying, as I was convinced that it wouldn’t lead to anything.
I believe my struggle resonates with the article’s emphasis on chapter breaks. For years, I would try to take that first step to make a fresh start, especially every summer before the upcoming school year. I would tell myself, “I will study more consistently. I will start exercising more,” but it never happened, and I would inevitably fall back into my old habits and routine.
Thank you to Dr. Milkman for sharing these useful tips, as I now feel certain that I can prevent myself from falling back into that cycle. I can be free from that past version of myself, which I wasn’t proud of, and become someone with better habits and qualities. This article served as a reminder that, although it may sound cliché, anything can be achieved if you’re willing to put in the time, work, and effort.
Going forward, I will continuously work towards my goals through increased self-awareness. I will recognize my own potential and that I can achieve anything I desire, by no longer letting fear hold me back. Although it might take some time, as this shift in thinking doesn’t happen overnight, slowly adopting this new perspective makes every “fresh start” for me another exciting opportunity to achieve things I previously thought were beyond my reach.
“These are the moments in life when we perceive chapter breaks in our stories.” What interests me about this quote is the fact that Milkan explains that “We feel like we’re separated from who we were before the chapter ended.” I like to think of this in mathematical terms. Most people believe life to be an exponential curve, or linear or quadratic depending on the path of such a life. That is what I believed too. But this article opened a way to a new graph: the piecewise graph. This is the graph we learned in 8th grade and never touched again: a set of discontinued graphs. Each discontinued point is a climax leading to the next chapter. It is a jump, or a fall. This means that life doesn’t have to just be an exponential curve, or linear or quadratic. It can be all, with each discontinuity being a shift, a learning moment, a new world.
This article really opened my eyes. I used to just make goals like “do better in school,” but I didn’t think much about how I would actually reach them. After reading this, I realized that small steps and clear plans are more helpful than just motivation.
For example, this summer I decided to improve my writing and enter more competitions. Instead of just saying “I’ll practice,” I now write for 30 minutes every day after lunch. It’s simple, but it works.
I think other students should try this too. Don’t wait for the “perfect moment” — just start small and be consistent. Progress doesn’t happen in one day, but it always starts with one step.
Summer 2025 isn’t just a school vacation or a time to push my backpack onto the ground and forget about it. It’s a reboot to me a chance to do something new, challenge myself, and be a better me.
I was deeply touched by Angel’s attitude when I learned of him, the student who signed up for the Wharton summer program in England. In the same way, I love diving into new things. I believe that the summer is the ideal time to risk it, learn something entirely new, and just go for it. I am interested in business, and I’ve learned that I don’t necessarily have to wait until I go to college to learn. Wharton classes are an excellent opportunity to challenge myself out of my comfort zone and actually get a head start now.
I also really loved what Professor Milkman had to say regarding “chapter breaks.” That just really speaks to me. Summer is a new chapter where I can leave behind anything that held me back all school year and just begin anew. It’s kind of motivating to be able to think, “That was the old me, and now this is the new me.”
One of her recommendations that hit home for me the most was setting definitive, concrete goals. I’ll always tell myself I want to get better at time management or be more organized, but I don’t always stick to it. Now I’m realizing it’s because I wasn’t setting actual, concrete goals. Just changing that one thing making my goals concrete and attainable might actually help me stick to them.
This summer, I want to work on development. Whether it’s learning more about business, volunteering, or overcoming something personal like confidence or public speaking, I know that it all counts. I’ve learned that everything is malleable not intelligence, not leadership, not even things I once believed I was “bad” at. Anything can grow if I put in the effort.
That mindset shift has already made a difference. This summer, I’m not just taking a break I’m starting a new chapter.
Dr. Milkman’s advice to find “partners or mentors who can help you stay accountable” really resonated with me. I used to think that the process of setting goals and achieving them had to be an individual process, that independence was somehow part of what made the goal legitimate. However, after reading this article, I realized that finding the right partner can actually add to the achievement of the goal rather than detract from it. Not only might they help you achieve your goal, but you also might gain a friend who you can rely on in other parts of life. This summer, I am working as a camp counselor at a golf camp for the first time, and my goal has been to make sure I go above and beyond in helping set up, hang out with the kids, and clean up the mess left behind. I feel so lucky to have bonded with two of my fellow counselors who have slightly more experience working at this camp. On my first day, they showed me the ropes, and from then on, we have been helping each other stay on task. These new friendships have made my job so much fun. Having two great partners to help me achieve my goal has been a true blessing.
I agree with you on aspects of finding a reliable partner or mentor and keeping yourself accountable for your mistakes. Like you mentioned, while partners can be distractions to achieving your overall goal, they can also benefit you. I think it is very important to have a stable support system where you can exchange advice and tips. Humans are fundamentally social beings who rely on each other for almost anything, and having that kind of strong connection with someone to go through or guide you on your growth process is crucial and beneficial. On top of your experience, when I first joined orchestra, I was lost. Thankfully, there were section leaders to guide me throughout the process. Our principal was the core and pillar to our “teamwork,” as one would call it, as we harmonized and matched each others’ pitches and rhythms to bring the orchestra to life. In every process that involves working together, there is a leader that is there to guide the group. In this case, it was both our section leader and conductor. Our section leader followed the guidance of our conductor, silently communicating to work together and recreate the beautiful melody written hundreds of years ago. Humans, like I stated earlier, are reliant on others to make change and difference to the world, even if it seems inconsequential. By being a support system to those around us, it can help us become better beings and accomplish great achievements that we cannot do alone.
Dr. Milkman’s idea of the “fresh-start effect” really stuck with me because I’ve always had a complicated relationship with change. I used to think transformation had to be dramatic, like reinventing yourself from scratch. But this article reframed it for me. Change can be as simple as turning a page, not rewriting the whole book.
The idea that almost every trait is growable really hit home. I’ve caught myself saying things like “I’m just not good at public speaking” or “I’m not a natural leader,” but this helped me realize I don’t have to be born with those skills. I can build them.
One strategy that really resonated with me is setting specific, time-bound goals. Now that summer has started, I set a goal to become a better speaker. Instead of just hoping I’ll magically feel confident by fall, I’ve been practicing five-minute speeches in front of my mirror each night. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s consistent. I’ve already started to feel more comfortable speaking up in conversations and group settings. That small daily habit is starting to snowball.
The article also reminded me that leadership isn’t something you wait to be ready for. You grow into it. Slowly. Intentionally. And sometimes awkwardly. But that’s okay. I’ve started to view each day as a chance to improve by just one percent. That mindset alone has helped me try more things, fail with confidence, and bounce back faster.
This summer isn’t about reinvention. It’s about momentum. I don’t need to become a whole new person. I just need to believe I can keep moving forward, little by little.
Hi Eric,
I really appreciated the calm clarity in your comment. The way you described change as “turning a page, not rewriting the whole book” resonated with the gentle strength many people need to hear.
That said, I’ve found myself walking a different path. For me, change has rarely been quiet or subtle — it’s been disruptive, uncomfortable, and, strangely, something I’ve come to embrace. Where some fear burnout, I sometimes seek what I call “constructive collapse”: the point where your old limitations break down entirely, so you can build something radically new.
Don’t get me wrong — I see the wisdom in momentum and incrementalism. Your five-minute mirror speeches are a brilliant example of that. But for me, transformation has come in the form of whole-life shifts — starting a public venture from scratch, rewriting my value system, or completely overhauling how I learn. I think the difference lies in how people recharge: some by building slowly, others by breaking and rebuilding entirely.
What we both share, though, is belief in agency — that traits are growable and leadership is not inherited, but practiced. Whether you reinvent or evolve, it’s about owning that process.
Your comment reminded me that there’s more than one tempo to transformation. And I’m grateful you shared yours — it helped me reflect more deeply on mine.
Dear Dr. Katy Milkman and Diana Drake,
Thank you for your informative article! It was nice, short, and straight to the point.
I am a rising senior, which means that this summer, the summer of 2025, will be extremely significant. As mentioned in the article’s opening, “ Summer 2025… is an opportunity to change and grow”, and that’s why I am determined to make the most of it.
The idea of “chapter breaks” deeply resonated with me. I view every summer as an opportunity to change, both academically and physically, driven by the idea that you mentioned: “that was the old me and this is the new me”. Even before reading this, I have long felt that summer break is like a springboard that leads to change. By utilizing the 3 months wisely, I will be able to improve my skills, both academically and physically, and develop the qualities that I desire to achieve.
Last summer, as I was scrolling through social media, I came across an “idol project” show, and I was instantly hooked. It was basically a survival show where fans would vote for their favorite contestant to “debut” as a pop star. Almost instantly, I became a fan of one of the idols – let’s call them S. S was extremely self reliant, determined, persistent, ambitious, and most importantly, inspiring. Watching them, I felt motivated to become “a better me” by the end of the summer. Motivated by this, I drafted a packed, weekly schedule:
9:00 – Breakfast
10:00 – Exercise for 90 minutes while watching TV
12:00 – Complete assignments and test prep
2:00 – Lunch
3:30 – Exercise for 90 minutes while watching TV
5:00 – Extracurricular classes
7:00 – Shower
8:00 – Dinner
9:00 – Complete chores
10:00 – Watch TV with family
Without realizing it, I had perfectly aligned my schedule with Dr. Milkman’s strategy number 2! By creating a detailed schedule, I knew exactly what I wanted, and how I was moving towards that goal. Even so, I would see the statement about how “vague intentions are easy to procrastinate on” slightly differently. I think this statement depends heavily on the person. Personally, I know someone who simply writes “Homework”, “Exercise”, “Diet”, and “Social” on their schedules, and somehow, even though they use vague wording, they never procrastinate!
I experienced both methods firsthand last summer. At first, I tried the specific, detailed, action plan method, and it worked brilliantly! As I repeated the same activities for a month, waves of pride washed over me, day by day. This feeling is kind of indescribable, but it can be compared to seeing a rainbow after a day of pouring rain. Later on, I was not as proactive so I tried simply writing single-word tasks instead. Although I was able to commit to my schedule, it was more so motivated by my admiration for S, the idol project contestant. S debuted in the end (Yay!), but they had to take a hiatus for academic reasons. This further inspired me: whenever I started to procrastinate, I would think about S, and how they’re still practicing and working towards their goal.
Time slipped like sand in an hourglass, and it’s summer again. Except, this summer is slightly different from all my past summers. Everyone around me seems to have started prepping for senior year and college apps way earlier, but it is too late to start regretting that now. Instead, I’m focusing on what I can do, and what I should start doing. I plan to utilize strategies 4 and 6 this summer, before the school year officially starts. By intentionally recognizing that missteps are opportunities for growth, I can embrace challenges as part of my development. Following strategy 6, by “leveling up” and “stretching” myself, I will be able to break through barriers and achieve new breakthroughs.
Thank you so much for sharing these extremely valuable strategies to help us embrace our summer while feeling prepared and ready. In return, I would love to share a quote that has helped me feel less stressed about everything. Recently, on the social media app Douyin, I came across this quote that I really liked:
“You are in your own time zone, you’re neither early nor late. You have your own pace just like how others have their own schedules. No one is ahead of you and you’re not trailing behind anyone. Fate will deliver its gifts: whether it be misfortune or blessing. Do not worry because everything will unfold exactly as it should, with time.”
I hope that whoever sees this quote and comment, can stop stressing about everything in their lives! Whatever may be ahead of you, just remember that if you give it your best, then you have nothing to regret. Best of luck to you, to myself, and everyone else.
Hey Stephanie,
I really enjoyed reading your comment and your perspective on this article. The way you connected with S really resonated with me.
When I was younger, I also idolized a K-pop artist – let’s call them J. For a while, I thought that becoming like J would make me a better person. A more desirable person. But I soon realized that I didn’t want to be more like J. I wanted to be better. I needed to be. Not by copying someone else, but by becoming the best version of myself. After all, it’s not about changing what you do, but changing the values you live by.
So let me ask you this: What are your interests beyond self-improvement? How can you look beyond yourself to make a positive impact in the world?
Your interest in self-improvement through fitness, academics, and spending time with your family shows your hard-work and dedication! It can also be used to organize self-development programs for people struggling with mental health. By sharing your journey of discipline, you can create a platform to inspire your community to take action and shape their futures.
Awesome work! Keep going on your journey of self-improvement. Your community needs leaders like you.
“I appreciated the concept of ‘your own time zone’ as growth is not a race,” Furthermore, “it’s a journey unique to each of us.” Hi Stephanie, Thank you so much for posting that screenshot and sharing your thoughts as it was very moving! Stephanie, your idol story really drives to show how people can inspire growth in others. It is so surprising how much other people’s journeys can ignite the fire to overcome procrastination and self-doubt that many people face. I admire your willingness to try out both detailed and simple schedules; that is not the approach most people would take and highlights that there is no one size fits all. Ultimately, it does come down to the strategy, and your adaptivity demonstrates growth and maturity. Your approach to view setbacks as chances to “level up” is very recognizable. I have experienced that adopting lower expectations of oneself provides a greater relative sense of achievement on every step forward, no matter how small. Self-doubt is an all-too-common problem for most people out there, and that is the quote from Douyin you just mentioned, so thank you. It will be a nice reminder to be patient with oneself, especially when it seems like everyone else is racing ahead. I love the quote Douyin and will make a point to quote hold on to it. Have a nice summer, I can imagine it will be an amazing one for you.
Summer break is a period almost every student looks forward to. This is often caused by how pressuring and stressful school, constant learning and socialization is tiring. Though people initially think that they’re going to spend the break relaxing (myself included), people actively change, they search for and take opportunities to grow, not only because they are rising in grade level, but also because they feel that if their peers grow, so should they.
This article pointed out that all traits are growable in a sense, personally I wasn’t really surprised by this fact. Humans are naturally adaptable creatures, that is what has allowed us to prosper for so long. If almost everything about us was made to adapt to different scenarios shouldn’t the traits we have be able to change as well? Obviously we can’t change these traits with the snap of a finger, like humanity has always been. We have to work hard to do this, and as pointed out in the article, working with someone like a friend can really help someone on their path of improvement. From my personal experience doing something with a friend is substantially better than doing it alone, my most common example would be going to the gym. Working out alone can be difficult for a lot of people, especially me. I get distracted and unmotivated very easily, but when you work out with someone you feel that you have to be at a certain standard. Constantly pushing each other to improve. This article has truly reinforced the ways I think, not that I see that other people also find this approach good. I feel more confident in myself. I plan to work with people more over the summer, either for working out, art, studying, and many other activities.
Summer break is a period to take a hold of the opportunities you have been given, and turn them into something both memorable and beneficial. Whether caused by a yearn to improve one self for personal reasons or simply to not fall behind their peers, I believe this article has likely changed and helped many people understand how they can approach life. Myself included.
Thank you for sharing such thoughtful reflections. I completely agree with your perspective on summer break as both a well-deserved rest and an opportunity for meaningful personal growth. It’s true that while many of us initially plan to relax, the drive to improve ourselves and keep pace with our peers often motivates us to use this time productively.
Your point about the adaptability of human traits resonates deeply. Recognizing that growth is a gradual process, requiring consistent effort rather than instant change, is an important mindset for anyone pursuing long-term goals. I also appreciate your insight into the power of social accountability—whether in fitness, academics, or other pursuits, working alongside others can provide motivation and maintain commitment.
Your experience reinforces the value of community in personal development, and your confidence in embracing this approach is inspiring. I look forward to applying similar strategies to my own summer plans, aiming to balance reflection, learning, and collaboration.
Thank you again for your insightful contribution.
This summer, I’m not just trying to “take a break”—I’m trying to hit reset. Reading about this article made me realize that change doesn’t need to be dramatic to be meaningful. Sometimes, It can begin with small decisions that shift the way we see ourselves. Katy Milkman’s words about chapter breaks really stuck with me: “We feel like we’re separated from who we were before the chapter ended– that was the old me and this is the new me.” I’ve felt that in my own life, especially after finishing a tough semester where I didn’t feel like my best self. I’m not trying to become a whole new person– but I am trying to level up the one I already am. One strategy that stood out was the idea of setting SMART goals and attaching them to clear routines. I’ve always said I want to improve my writing, but now I’ve actually started doing something about it– writing 15 minutes every morning, even if it’s messy. I even leave my notebook on my desk as a visual cue– just like Milkman’s “clear triggers” tip. What I love most about this article is that it made growth feel possible. Not just for someone like Angel who traveled across the world– but for anyone willing to show up, stretch 10% past their comfort zone, and believe in their ability to grow. This summer, I joined a local youth entrepreneurship program, where we worked in teams to design mini business plans. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me that leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice– it’s about listening, helping others, and being willing to grow. My plan is not to escape who I was, but to build who I want to become– one fresh-start moment at a time.
Hey Bailey,
I found your reflection very honest and grounded. I really liked your take on summer as a chance to grow, and the feeling of “that is the old me and this is the new me” really stood out. Like you, I have often entered summer vacation with the feeling that I will be able to change for the better, over the 2-3 months span.
I completely agree with you that utilizing SMART and specific goals drive progress and success. When assigning specific goals, my mind knows exactly what needs to be done, which increases the overall productivity and the chances of me actually finishing the task. Changes that start off as small intentional approaches will allow us to realize that growth does not require a massive overhaul. Changes may start off slow and small, and won’t be obvious at first. But when we stop and think about it closely, we may realize that some of our previous habits(usually bad ones) have changed for the better, or that we are now much closer to our goals!
Similar to your experience, I joined a Business Institute last summer (through my school), and it also pushed me out of my comfort zone. My instructor assigned us groups for our final presentation, an investment pitch. By leading with attentive listening, I was able to bring everyone’s ideas together in our presentation, which ultimately helped us win the competition. However there are many other things that could have gone better, and the article’s tips show a clear roadmap for improvement. In the future, I plan to create detailed action plans so that I and my group members know exactly what we need to do. To avoid procrastination from occurring, I also plan to schedule tasks at specific times. But most importantly, I hope that I will always challenge myself to stretch about 10% beyond my current abilities. This way, I can grow steadily without feeling overwhelmed!
However, I would like to disagree with a point that you brought up – summer being a reset. Not just you, but many other commenters have also used the terms reset and fresh start. I was a little puzzled when I saw everyone’s opinions because – yes, although I do view summer as a time to change, I never thought about resetting anything! Personally, I view summer more as a chance to grow, than reset. In fact, they are quite the opposite. Learning is cumulative and builds on past learning/experiences, whereas reset is like erasing everything and starting over . Growing builds on to our past knowledge enabling us to enhance ourselves, ultimately creating the version that is satisfying to oneself. Resetting risks removing valuable progress that we’ve already made. True growth comes from acknowledging where we are and where we have been, using those experiences as support to improve, rather than wiping the platform clean, which risks losing valuable momentum. At the end of the day, growth is about progression, not perfection!
Warm regards,
Stephanie Zhao
I’ve never really thought of summer break as a “chapter break.” It’s always just been a blur of trying to be productive without burning out—of making random lists in my Notes apps titled things like “Glow Up Ideas” or “Do Over Summer”—and then completely ignoring them by week two. But reading this made me realize that I treat summer like a reset without ever actually resetting anything. I just sort of hope I’ll magically become more focused or motivated without really changing how I approach things.
I’m not the kind of person who thrives off of a long-term “grinding” energy. I’ve tried writing out intense plans in the past: self-study next-year’s classes, get better at time management, maybe even going back to art, but it usually never sticks. The article’s point about vague goals being easy to procrastinate on hit a little too close. Like how “get better at” things isn’t exactly a good strategy. And neither is waiting until I feel like I’ve become a “better version” of myself before trying in the first place.
The part that stuck with me the most, though, was about how we label ourselves and the reminder that “most traits are malleable.” Like telling myself “I’m not leader material,” or “I’m too shy for this,” or “I’m not built for business.” It’s weird how those thoughts sneak in and start to feel like facts. It’s not like someone stamped a label on me. I just accepted them like they were true.
So maybe that’s what a “fresh start” actually looks like: not becoming a totally different person, but challenging the version of myself I’ve been defaulting to. Maybe that means introducing myself to new people, or applying to something I’d usually scroll past, or even just speaking up when I normally wouldn’t. I don’t expect to become some wildly transformed person by the end of August. But if I can stop letting old labels take over, I think that itself already is progress.
Hi Sherry,
Your honesty moved me. The way you described treating summer like a “reset without actually resetting anything” felt painfully familiar — like staring at those old “glow up” lists, expecting them to kickstart a new version of ourselves by sheer force of hope.
But you said something important: “Maybe that’s what a ‘fresh start’ actually looks like — not becoming a totally different person, but challenging the version of myself I’ve been defaulting to.” That line alone is worth printing out and pinning to a wall. It’s deeply true for most people.
And yet, reading your words made me realize something: I do want to become a totally different person. Not because the old me was worthless — but because I believe in rebirth, in reinvention through effort. For me, summer isn’t a soft reset; it’s a crucible. I don’t fear the burnout. I fear stagnation.
You talked about the weight of self-labels — “too shy,” “not built for business” — and I’ve been there too. But the only label that ever mattered to me was the one I hadn’t earned yet. I started chasing change not because I thought I was ready, but because I wasn’t. And that’s what made it real.
You don’t have to wait for motivation. You don’t have to wait for proof that you’re “leader material.” Sometimes you just start. You show up. And then you become.
Your reflection isn’t just progress — it’s ignition. Whatever version of yourself you grow into next, I hope she’s loud, brave, and entirely unexpected. Because that’s the kind of growth the world never sees coming — but always remembers.
Here’s to burning the script — and writing your own.
Dr. Milkman’s words explaining how we should plan SMART goals struck me the hardest. We all make big assumption thinking we can do this or that and set big goals but when we actually start doing it, we understand the real challenge and usually drop it within a week or two. My parents have always taught me – “Consistency is key” and this point made me resonate with those words. This is going to be one of my biggest key takeaway from this article about making SMART goals and going one step at a time to ultimately reach our goals.
As a student, I’ve always been sort of confused between ambition and procrastination. But this line — “almost everything is growable with work and effort” — gave me hope. It reminded me that I don’t need to be perfect, I just need to start somewhere.
One thing which made me smile was the last point stated by Dr. Milkman that we should grow gradually by pushing ourselves just 10% each day rather exhausting ourselves on the first day and stop it form the second day.
In this social world, people have started living as if they are living for others, not for themselves. They see some of their friends posting stories on Instagram about a fancy restaurant they recently visited and now all of a sudden they also want to go there, and not to sit and eat or enjoy, but to take hundreds of photographs and posting them on their stories to show it to others and prove that we are not “Uncool”.
The concept that “All traits are growable” made me reflect upon the tasks that i had labelled as ‘Not for me’. It made me believe that with the right mindset and discipline and making a SMART goal and pushing ourselves by just 10%, we can achieve anything.
This summer, I used my chapter break not just to rest, but to reset. I took time to reflect on where I stood, especially in terms of leadership and personal growth. Instead of wasting time endlessly scrolling, I challenged myself to start reading business articles and keep my mind busy at all times learning something new.
Your reflection resonated with me, especially the part about confusing ambition with procrastination. I think so many of us get stuck in that trap, setting these huge goals that sound amazing on paper but feel overwhelming when we try to start. Dr. Milkman’s emphasis on SMART goals and pushing just 10% more each day is such a game-changer. It’s a reminder that progress doesn’t have to be perfect or lightning-fast; it just needs to be steady and intentional.
Your point about social media culture is so real. Sometimes it feels like we’re chasing validation more than actual happiness or growth, and that constant comparison can really derail our focus. The idea that traits are growable—and that even the stuff we’ve written off as “not for me” can be developed—gave me a fresh perspective, too. It’s empowering to think discipline and mindset can rewrite what we thought were fixed limits.
I love how you used your summer break as a reset and a chance to build leadership and knowledge rather than just downtime. That kind of self-awareness and dedication is what sets people apart. Here’s to all of us making those small, meaningful steps every day and turning this summer into a real chapter of growth.
Thanks for sharing such a thoughtful and inspiring take!
This article about Dr. Katy Milkman and the Wharton Global Youth summer programs really drives home the idea that summer isn’t just about a break, it’s a chance for growth, new experiences, and preparing for our future. Angel R.’s experience at Wharton’s Strategy and International Management program is a strong example of embracing new challenges and broadening your own horizons. The connection between growth and fresh starts, whether it’s through a summer program or a personal goal, feels powerful to me.
The concept of a “growth mindset” is something that stood out to me the most. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking some traits or skills are fixed, but the idea that almost everything is “growable” is empowering and really changed the way I thought. That change in perspective can have a huge impact on how we approach challenges, setbacks, and even our own potential. For me, I was able to attend the Brown Summer Program this year. Even though I felt as though my knowledge for understanding articles was at its maximum I realized that in the duration of my stay at Brown I grew much stronger in new ways of understanding articles, especially scientific ones. In school, most articles are usually not too difficult to understand but once facing real scientific articles I’ve come to learn, grow, and understand the basics on how to tackle difficult words or phrases within articles.
Like many, summer has always been a time I look forward to. It always starts off the same, with unrealistic expectations and broken sleepover promises, but it somehow always results in time being wasted unproductively. But this summer will be different. This summer I’ll be moving. Just like Dr. Milkman said, it’ll be a “chapter break”- something that’ll transform me into a new person. This wouldn’t be the first time I moved. From China to Canada, and now to the US, immigrating almost feels as intrinsic as birds migrating during a new season. A new country, a new house, a new school, and new friends, it’s the perfect definition of a fresh start.
Amidst the many changes, there has always been a constant. From a very young age, I’ve been practicing rhythmic gymnastics, and it’s stuck with me since. The thing is though, it’s not just a sport to me, rather a sanctity providing me comfort and something to look forward to daily. This sport serves as something so dear to me, as if it’s connected to me by extension. I’ve always been one who believes things shouldn’t define us, but whether for better or for worse, rhythmic gymnastics has truly been a part of how I define myself.
When ice breakers and personality quizzes ask me to describe myself in three words, I’ve always been able to confidently and honestly say I’m passionate because of my relationship with rhythmic gymnastics. But when I moved to the US, that was no longer true. I was excited for the change, honestly, I was! And granted I was filled with nostalgia from my old rhythmic gymnastics club, I still looked forward to creating another home within my new club. But, no matter how many trial training sessions I took, I never was able to rekindle the passion I used to feel. Coaches would yell at me, make comments about my body, gossip about me to their peers, and glare when I wasn’t perfect. I was surrounded by other gymnastics who were happier, prettier and skinnier, making me feel like I no longer belonged in my sport. Dr. Milkman talks about all of the opportunities that change provides to us, but she never mentions just how hard those changes could be. Reaching our goals isn’t a linear process. No amount of planning and goal setting can take into account the inevitable setbacks that we will face.
Now, a year later, I’ve realized that, like Dr. Milkman said, it’s about time I adopt a mindset that fosters a new me, rather than seek an old version of myself, regardless of how comfortable I was. Change will always be a hard journey to embark on, but I know it’ll make me stronger.
Hello, I’m a rising freshman about to start high school. While some students may be
excited to begin this chapter of their lives, I have been feeling nervous and even terrified about
it. High school is not only a crucial part of everyone’s education, but it is also a whole new
environment with different people for me.
That’s why this article stood out to me––; it helped me realize that instead of letting
stress overwhelm me, I can focus on being open to new experiences and set goals that matter
to me. In high school, I aim to excel not only academically, but also mentally and physically., in
high school. To do this, I plan to join the track team and possibly the tennis team at my high
school. Although I have never competed in these sports before, I believe that it would be an
enriching experience for me. This article hasBefore, I had never joined clubs, but this article has
also been on my mind, as it convinced me that I can’t be scared of making a move, and that this
new chapter can help me grow.
I want to embrace this new chapter by using Dr. Milkman’s data-driven strategies to
develop goals that will help me achieve the high school career I want. I now know that the goals
I used to make
Before reading this article, I would always made make goals, such as “I will get As in
every class” and “I will exercise every day,” were difficult to stick to for a reason– I have been
setting goals all wrongbut I never stuck to them. After reading Dr. Milkman’s data-driven
strategies, they stood out to me and made me realize that I realized that I have been setting
goals all wrong.
The first change I need to make is to create goals that are specific, like strategy two
states. STHowever, three strategies stood outrelated to me the most: strategies two, three, and
six. For example, getting specific with goals., such as the strategy that two states opened my
eyes to. I noticed that in the past, when I set specific goals, such as studying for two hours from
9 pm to 11 pm, it kept me on track, rather than just saying I would study before the test. I
thought it was just a coincidence, but reading about it in this article made me realize it was not.
My new study goal for high school is as follows: Study at least a week in advance for a test or
quiz, for 30 minutes a day at 7 pm in my living room.
Strategy three3’s data-proven idea of finding a mentor who can actively test my skills,
ensuring I stay on track with my goals, is another one that stood out to me. During my last
school year, I found that working with a friend [to study for algebra] not only helped me but also
helped him, since we both had questions that each other could answer. I hope to create a study group and to have a similar support system in high school, where we commit to meeting once a
week at a cafe after school for two hours.
I always want to improve at my hobbies, such as tennis, since it makes them more
enjoyable, and I want my skills to get to a level in high school where I can compete for the
school’s team. However, I’ve realized that the goals I set in the past to improve weren’t as
motivating as I had hoped. For example, one of my past goals was to take a tennis course every
week to try to improve my skills. While it was an objective, it didn’t motivate me as much as I
had hoped. A better goal would have been to practice at public tennis courts 2-3 times a week,
in addition to the tennis course, to test my skills. This addition would be about ten percent more
than I am currently doing, along the guidelines of Dr. Milkman’s sixth strategy.
All in all, after reading this article, I feel better about embarking on this new experience. I
feel prepared for the new environment and activities with the goals I have set using data-proven
strategies. While I still have some nerves, I’m going to I’m going to set new and improved goals
using data-proven strategies and embrace the discontinuities of all new experiences that come
forth, rather than being intimidated by them, and take the time to prepare like I have here.
I still remember the excitement of possibility that coursed through me when I typed the first line of code for my app—my hands trembling slightly, my mind spinning with ideas not just of functions, but of meaning. I was afternoon sunlight in the school library, sun through windows, passing over my shoulder as I built a prototype more like a promise than a task: that technology can be kind.
That time struck deeply when I came across “Future Business Leaders: Are You Ready to Embrace Your Fresh-Start Moment?” The piece doesn’t simply memorialize ambition—it dares readers to find their own fresh-start promise, the fluid moment where we are and where we could be meet. For me, this competition has energized my reinvention—not just as a defender of ideas, but as a builder of solutions through empathy and effect.
My journey entails several interconnected projects: I’m developing an app that addresses a real-world social issue—one where user feedback guided every design iteration, instilling empathy in the code. At the same time, my research paper is examining the tension between behavioral science and digital design, considering how technology can promote healthy habits without infringing on autonomy. The 1M1B experience has taught me that powerful solutions are created through listening—despite my drive, design for underserved populations means starting with their needs. My journey into data science has been introspective as well: in predictive analytics and visualization work, I’ve come to believe that numbers should be approached not as dry inputs, but as tales waiting to be deciphered—and comprehended.
What this article underscored for me is how fresh starts demand an imaginative leap—one that blends the analytical, the creative, and the empathetic. Just as a leader redefines a future by reframing a present, I’ve found that every line of code or research sentence can become a bridge between abstract possibility and grounded reality.
Encouraged by this realization, I’ve begun reimagining data models as dynamic stories, app interfaces as sensitive dialogues, and research findings as seeds of social transformation. The competition has become more than a platform—it has become my laboratory, where experimentation meets responsibility.
In that context, my reboot is not so much launching a product or publishing a paper—it’s publishing a mindset. It’s the commitment to giving innovation every chance to be as humane as it is innovative; giving each project I’m involved with the opportunity to show that technology, at its best, reflects our common aspiration and empathy.
So, yes—I welcome the moment of fresh start. But more than that, I carry it with me. For me, the future of business is not a location—it’s a cycle of question, thought, design, and refinement. And I am ready to rise to that challenge, one thoughtful innovation at a time.
Dr. Milkman’s idea that “almost every trait is growable” hit me hard. I used to see intelligence and leadership as fixed things. either you had it, or you didn’t. But this summer, I flipped that mindset. I pushed myself to the end of what I thought I was capable of: I’m currently studying for a 1550+ SAT, interning at an accounting firm in New York, leading finance club planning for the fall, and conducting independent research on how political contributions influence stock markets. Everything was about leveling up. just 10% harder than last tine, like Dr. Milkman suggests.
Her SMART goal is now my playbook. I set a clear daily plan: 3 hours of SAT prep, 1 hour of investing research, and weekly reporting on real financial statements from my internship. These weren’t vague dreams. they are checkboxes I chase every day.
The truth is, I used to carry my backpack into summer, too. mentally stuck in school year routines. But this year, I embraced change. I didn’t wait for permission or structure. I designed my own.
Now, I’m not the same student who walked into June. And I know the “new chapter” isn’t just a metaphor, it’s my strategy.
I respect Dr. Milkman’s ideas about fresh starts, but my own experience running a thousand-plus member discord server taught me that you do not need a chapter break to create something big and transformative. While I started my server as a freshman in high school, I was deep into my schoolwork, training for the science olympiad, and barely had any free time. There was nothing fresh about my situation, no summer break or clean slate. I just had an idea and decided to act on it.
From day one, building a server became a demanding but exciting challenge. I spent months developing a custom moderation bot that was tailored to the servers needs, and often stayed up late to learn new skills so I could give the gaming community new engaging features. I faced many problems like bots sending inappropriate messages, or people who just wanted to troll and disrupt chats. I responded by creating a moderation system by hiring staff and kept the server engagement high by organizing events. I also established connections with experienced Discord server owners and tested different engagement strategies.
That journey taught me that leadership is not built by waiting for the right time; instead,it is built in the middle of chaos. I agree that goals and a growth mindset are powerful, but I believe the strongest fresh start is the one you create in the moment, with whatever resources and time you have. As Mark Zuckerberg says, “ideas don’t come out fully formed. They only become clear as you work on them. You just have to get started.” My story with my Discord server was never about starting at the perfect time. It was about proving that momentum and consistency are more important than the calendar.
Recently, I attended Wharton Global Youth’s Leadership in the Business World program where I spent three weeks learning about business and management concepts. While I have spent time exploring some aspects of business in the past, the topics discussed in our lectures were completely new to me, which is why each of Dr. Milkman’s strategies resonated with me. Between complex, fast-paced lessons, and challenging group work, I unknowingly exercised these strategies as I tackled new challenges.
1. It may seem to be a basic strategy but when putting together presentations, we set specific goals of how many slides would be done by each team member and when they would be completed. This was important in keeping us on track.
2. When working on group projects with a group of strangers, it was difficult at times to be productive and efficient. However, by making daily timelines for ourselves it helped keep us accountable for the work we needed to complete.
3. As I was learning new concepts at LBW that I didn’t necessarily fully comprehend, I surrounded myself with peers and instructors who helped me understand further. These peers helped break down concepts that were new to me, such as when I was confused about the difference between competitive advantages and competitive strategy.
4. When our initial presentations didn’t go as planned, we were somewhat discouraged. Yet, by keeping a growth mindset as a team, we were successful at creating a final presentation which we were proud of.
5. After the lecture, I would often reread my notes and break down larger concepts into smaller, more manageable ones. I broke down concepts such as Porter’s five forces, which I initially had trouble differentiating from each other.
6. For our group work, I aimed to set goals that were realistic because I knew we couldn’t immediately jump in and complete everything at one time. What made us successful was carefully setting goals and times for us to complete our tasks.
Overall, these strategies all helped me find success at LBW despite the challenges I faced. They helped me collaborate with new people and learn new concepts that at first seemed overwhelming and challenging.