Neuroscience Of Sticking To New Year’s Resolutions

New Year’s resolutions, those annual promises we make to ourselves with the utmost determination and the subtle knowledge that we’ll probably break them by February.

It’s a tradition as old as time, or at least as old as the invention of the calendar.

And if there’s one thing we can blame for our recurring resolution failures, it’s the good ol’ brain.

– Meet the Brain’s Odd Couple: Prefrontal Cortex vs. Basal Ganglia.

Your prefrontal cortex is like the overenthusiastic life coach who’s all about setting goals, making plans, and shouting, “You can do it!”

On the other side, your basal ganglia is the lazy couch potato who prefers binge-watching Netflix and scoffs at change. These two are locked in a never-ending battle inside your head.

The Prefrontal Cortex – The Dreamer

Our prefrontal cortex, located in the frontal lobes, is like the ambitious friend who signs up for a marathon after one salad. It’s in charge of your willpower and decision-making. When you decide to conquer the world, or at least your resolution, this is your brain’s go-to hero.

The Basal Ganglia – The Couch Potato

The basal ganglia, deep within your brain, is the habitual creature. It thrives on routine and familiarity. It’s the one that tells you, “Why bother with a salad when pizza is just a phone call away?” Habits are its thing, and it’s quite the expert at keeping you in your comfort zone.

– Clash of the Titans: Prefrontal vs. Basal Ganglia.

Now, here’s where the comedy of errors begins. Your prefrontal cortex, full of grand ideas and ambitions, decides it’s time for a resolution makeover.

But it’s about as sturdy as a noodle compared to the robust basal ganglia. So, what happens? The noodles get tangled, and the pizza wins.

But wait, there’s hope! Your brain isn’t entirely conspiring against your resolutions; it’s just a little stubborn.

Here’s how to outsmart it and make those resolutions stick.

1. Incremental Change: Think of your prefrontal cortex as a toddler with a short attention span.

Instead of declaring you’ll run a marathon, start with a leisurely jog around the block. Gradually increase the intensity.

This way, you keep your inner toddler entertained and your basal ganglia less resistant to change.

2. Consistent Repetition: Your basal ganglia is like a creature of habit.

Feed it a new behavior often enough, and it’ll happily gobble it up.

So, if your resolution is to read more, start with a chapter a day. Before you know it, you’ll be turning pages faster than you can say “bestseller.”

3. Mindfulness and Reflection: Your amygdala, the drama queen of the brain, loves to freak out at the mere thought of change. But here’s where mindfulness comes in.

It’s like the peacekeeper, telling your amygdala to chill out.

So, as you dive into the New Year, remember, even your brain can learn some new tricks, and maybe, just maybe, this year’s resolution will survive past Valentine’s Day! 🎉🧠

My brain