Is Restarting Really a Waste of Energy? A New Perspective on Productivity

If you’re someone who often feels the pull to restart—whether it’s redoing a project, rearranging your workspace, or rewriting your plans—you’ve likely wrestled with the guilt of wondering if it’s just wasted energy. After all, wouldn’t it be better to push through and keep going?

Here’s the truth: restarting is not inherently unproductive. When done with intention, it can actually be a powerful tool for gaining clarity, reigniting focus, and improving outcomes. But how can you be sure it’s working for you and not against you? Let’s break it down.

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The Science of Fresh Starts

Psychologists have long studied the “fresh start effect”—a phenomenon where people are more motivated to pursue goals when they feel like they’re starting from a clean slate. This is why we feel so invigorated on New Year’s Day, at the start of a new week, or even after tidying up a messy desk.

Restarting taps into this psychological boost. It helps you reset your mindset, refocus your energy, and create a sense of control—all of which are critical for productivity.

But to maximise this effect, it’s essential to differentiate between a productive restart and one driven by avoidance or perfectionism.

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Why Restarting Feels Wasteful

It’s easy to see restarting as wasted energy, especially if it feels like you’re spinning your wheels without making progress. The key is to identify what’s behind your urge to restart.

Ask yourself:

Am I restarting to avoid something?
‍Sometimes, restarting can be a way of avoiding discomfort, like tackling a challenging task or facing the fear of imperfection.

Am I restarting to find clarity?
‍Other times, restarting is your brain’s way of seeking order in the midst of overwhelm. It’s a signal that you need to regroup to move forward effectively.

Recognising the difference can help you decide whether a restart is truly serving you—or if it’s a distraction.

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How to Restart with Purpose

To ensure that restarting isn’t a drain on your energy, approach it intentionally. Here are some tips:

1. Define the Goal of the Restart

Before you dive in, ask yourself: What am I hoping to achieve with this restart?

• If the goal is clarity, focus on reorganising just one small part of the project.
• If the goal is motivation, make the restart about creating a more inspiring or energising environment.

2. Set Boundaries Around Restarting

Avoid the endless cycle of starting over by setting clear limits. For example:

• Allow yourself one small reset per project phase (e.g., refining a plan or reorganising a task list).
• Commit to moving forward after the reset, even if things feel imperfect.

3. Track Progress to Combat Perfectionism

One of the reasons restarting can feel wasteful is because it erases visible progress. Combat this by keeping a record of what you’ve accomplished so far—whether it’s a checklist, a journal, or a visual tracker. Seeing how far you’ve come can help you resist the urge to keep starting over.

4. Use Micro-Resets Instead

If the idea of a full restart feels daunting, try micro-resets instead:

• Rewrite your to-do list to prioritise the most important tasks.
• Tidy up your immediate workspace for a quick mental boost.
• Take a mindfulness break to clear your head without derailing your momentum.

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How Restarting Can Maximise Productivity

When done with intention, restarting can actually enhance your productivity in several ways:

1. It Improves Clarity: A fresh perspective helps you see what’s truly important and eliminate distractions.
2. It Boosts Creativity: Letting go of old patterns can spark new ideas and approaches.
3. It Reignites Motivation: Starting with a clean slate creates a sense of possibility and excitement.
4. It Refines Your Approach: Each restart allows you to learn from past attempts and make improvements.

By reframing restarting as an opportunity rather than a setback, you can use it as a tool to work smarter, not harder.

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What If You Still Feel Stuck?

If you’re worried that restarting is holding you back, try this simple exercise:

1. Write down what you’ve accomplished so far, no matter how small.
2. Identify one concrete step you can take to move forward—even if it’s imperfect.
3. Set a timer for 10 minutes and commit to working on that step without restarting.

Often, taking small, intentional actions can break the cycle of restarting and build momentum toward your goals.

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Final Thoughts: Progress Over Perfection

Restarting isn’t the enemy of productivity—it’s a tool for creating clarity and focus when used intentionally. The next time you feel the urge to restart, take a moment to reflect on what you truly need. If it’s clarity, motivation, or a creative boost, allow yourself to reset with purpose. But if it’s avoidance or perfectionism, remind yourself that progress—even messy, imperfect progress—is what truly moves you forward.

Remember: every step you take, even if it feels small or slow, is a step closer to where you want to be. Restarting isn’t a failure—it’s a sign that you care deeply about your work and your growth. And that’s a powerful thing.

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