Why we keep making resolutions—and why they’re so hard to follow—comes down to the way our brains work.
On the first of every year, millions of Americans make a New Year’s resolution that they won’t keep. Still, despite the ritual’s repeated failings, we keep trying. This yearly tradition, which dates as far back as Ancient Rome, is a reminder that humans can’t stop believing in new beginnings. And a better understanding of the inner-workings of your noggin can help you follow through on your goals for 2017.
“They make the intention now, but they don’t do anything. And people love that. It’s like going to buy furniture and not having to pay anything until 2019. Of course I can do that,” says Pychyl, “That’s the selective nature of it.” He adds we would never form a New Year’s resolution around tasks weto do. We already did those things the year before, so there’s nothing satisfying about pledging to keep them up.
It’s important to know this going into your New Year’s resolution, Pychyl says. By understanding what’s going on in your brain, you have a better chance at controlling it. The key, he says, is to loosen the connection between the neurons that form these habits. One way of doing this is through mindfulness. This ancient practice teaches people to view the world and emotions in an unbiased way.
But habits take a long time to break, and mindfulness can take even longer to master. To get a jumpstart, Pychyl advises people to take each goal one step at a time. “Some people think about exercise, [for example], really abstractly. Instead, it should be, what’s the next action?” There’s often a downward spiral when we procrastinate, he says, but in the same light, there is an upward spiral when you get things done. “Harnessing that is key. There is nothing like the feeling of showing up.
México Últimas Noticias, México Titulares
Similar News:También puedes leer noticias similares a ésta que hemos recopilado de otras fuentes de noticias.
Opinion | New year, old crimes: Why I predict Donald Trump will be charged in 2023Jordan Rubin: With all that is looming, is it really possible for Trump not to be charged? Sure. But that's unlikely at this point and here's why.
Leer más »
Why Binge-Watching Is Better Than Setting New Year's ResolutionsYou don't have to feel guilty binge-watching your favorite series, movies, or documentaries. You are likely to get more from jotting down observations than writing out your New Year's resolutions. Here's why:
Leer más »
New Year, New Me: I want to exercise moreOne of the most popular New Year's resolutions is to exercise more. We talk with a fitness expert about how to get started and how to keep going.
Leer más »
New year, new job: Starting a career after 50The average American worker has 12 jobs throughout their lifetime. The average age Americans change their careers is 39. But it’s never too late to switch.
Leer más »
New Year Brings New Laws at Federal and State LevelsNew Year Brings New Laws at Federal and State Levels | Compare reporting by lifehacker CNN foxheadlines
Leer más »
New Year, New Me: Losing weightFor many in the health care field, weight loss is a single data point. We spoke with Registered Dietitian Haley Hughes about how to improve our eating habits and overall health.
Leer más »