Does Fasting Set the Mode for a Better Year?

Many churches, groups, and individuals either begin the new year with a fast or they have a fast shortly after the year begins. It is said that the start of a new DAY is a clean slate, and numerous people take a new year as an opportunity to improve upon themselves and be a better person than they were the year before. 

Where does fasting come into play in this? It is believed that fasting strengthens a person's core and makes them more able to handle obstacles they face. What do you think?  Do you fast as an individual or even as a group?  What do you get out of fasting? Do you fast throughout the year, or is it primarily a first-of-the-year occurrence for you?