Many of us feel a spike in energy and a surge of motivation as springtime sets in. The renewed sense of inspiration you might feel post-winter is actually associated with a research-backed psychological phenomenon that experts call the “fresh start effect”.

According to clinical psychologist Jennifer Birdsall, “researchers have found that people are more likely to engage in goal-directed behavior when they perceive the beginning of a new time period.” Dates or experiences that feel especially distinct — for example, New Year’s or your birthday — can signify departures from our daily routines, encouraging us to shake off our pasts and pursue plans for the future. “Ultimately, new beginnings give humans the opportunity to evaluate past experiences, learn from shortcomings, and formulate new approaches or strategies,” Dr. Birdsall says.

How to Harness the “Fresh Start Effect” to Establish Lasting Habits? We can tap into the feelings of psychological restoration brought about by spring now to initiate behavior changes that will endure beyond this time of year.

First, identify some realistic goals. “I would consider examining your life and the things that are not working for you,” Dr. Birdsall says. “Are there any possible shifts that you can make or things you want to start doing for yourself?” These shifts should not be radical transformations but rather small, achievable steps that you can consistently work into your routine. If your goal is to socialize more, don’t resolve to throw a party every weekend — instead, consider setting up a standing coffee date with a friend.

Your objective should also be specific. “Instead of making vague goals, like being healthier this spring, set firm goals — like, once the weather warms up, getting outside for a 20-minute walk three times a week,” Burg says. “The brain responds well to rituals that acknowledge the change.” 

1.1. What leads to people’s increased motivation in spring?

A Longer daylight hours.

B Psychological renewal.

C Rising temperatures.

D Holiday celebrations.

解析：选B。B细节理解题。文章第一段明确指出，春天人们精力与动力的提升与“fresh start effect”（新起点效应）这一心理学现象相关，第二段进一步说明该效应使人们在新时间段开始时更倾向于目标导向行为。因此，春季动力增强的原因是心理层面的“psychological renewal”（心理上的焕新），而非选项A、C、D所提的外部环境因素。故选B。

2.2. What does the underlined word “formulate” in paragraph 2 probably mean?

A Carry out.

B Think over.

C Put forward.

D Give up.

解析：选C。C词义猜测题。第二段中提到新起点让人们“evaluate past experiences, learn from shortcomings, and formulate new approaches or strategies”，结合语境，该词与“evaluate”“learn”并列，均指向为未来行动做准备，且“new approaches or strategies”意为“新方法或新策略”，因此“formulate”在此应理解为“提出、制定”，即“put forward”。选项A“实施”、B“思考”、D“放弃”均不符合语境逻辑。故选C。

3.3. What does the phrase “small, achievable steps” in paragraph 4 stress?

A Gradual progress.

B Quick outcomes.

C Sharp changes.

D Frequent failures.

解析：选A。A推理判断题。第四段强调应设定“small, achievable steps”（小而可行的步骤），并指出这些步骤应“consistently work into your routine”（持续融入日常），同时举例说明不应追求激进改变（如每周办派对），而应选择渐进方式（如定期与朋友喝咖啡）。因此，该短语强调的是“gradual progress”（渐进式进步），而非快速结果、剧烈变化或频繁失败。故选A。

4.4. What is the main idea of the last paragraph?

A Avoid planning ahead.

B Accept occasional failures.

C Keep winter habits.

D Seek perfect results.

解析：选B。B段落大意题。最后一段指出改变生活总是充满挑战，即使春天状态好转，也不应追求完美，并引用专家建议“如果错过一天，提醒自己第二天可以重新开始”。整段核心在于接纳不完美与偶尔的失败，强调“accept occasional failures”，而非避免规划、固守冬季习惯或追求完美结果。故选B。