The clean start date is an illusion that lets you keep eating poorly today while feeling good about future intentions. Research by Steel on procrastination shows waiting serves psychological functions — permission to continue, illusion of commitment, avoiding present discomfort. Monday has no special willpower. The best time to start was the past; the second best time is now.
This companion covers the psychology of future starts, why it fails, the case for now, and what starting immediately looks like. (3 min read)