Have you already abandoned your New Year’s resolution? No need to feel ashamed. Fully a quarter of the people who make resolutions give up by the end of the first week, with many others falling off the wagon in the months to come. It seems to be human nature to aim high and fall short.
Whether attempting to exercise more regularly, cut back on impulse buying or simply keep a tidy desk, anybody who has tried changing a longstanding habit knows how frustratingly hard lasting change can be. But why is it so difficult, despite our good intentions? What do those few who succeed know that the rest of us do not?
These questions are as intriguing to scientists as they are to those of us aiming toward our own goals, and decades of research have given us a good idea of the answers. Lifestyle changes require adjustments to mindset, motivation and intent. Dreaming big is fun, but setting realistic expectations will prepare you better for the challenges to come, as will putting specific plans in place for when you face them. Start small with short-term, achievable goals to build up your confidence as you move forward. Find a deep, personal motivation that can keep you feeling accomplished and in control of your fate. Create new routines that will make your desired behaviors as automatic as the bad habits you wish to break.
