2009 so far

Okay, I made it to 2009, good riddenness to 2008 and hello to 2009. How do you know if your problems will follow you into the new year? Just because the date changes, doesn't mean that your life changes, but then why do I feel like I have fresh start and a new outlook on life. Does anyone else feel this way? Is it the idea of a new start or is it actually possible?