Restarting every month feels productive. It’s really a clever way to never reach the middle.

Beginnings are the enjoyable part: the new notebook, the clean plan, the sense that this time it will be different. The middle is where nothing is novel and results have not arrived, which is precisely where the work happens. Restarting lets you stay in the pleasant section indefinitely while feeling busy. Fresh starts can be a very convincing form of avoidance.

Notice how many times you have begun the same thing and count honestly. Continue the existing attempt instead of launching a cleaner one. Aim to reach week five of something, since that is where you have not been.