A Neuroscientist’s Advice on New Year’s Resolutions

As we enter a new year, it is a common tradition to set resolutions for ourselves. Whether it is to lose weight, save money, or learn a new skill, we often make these promises to ourselves with the hope of becoming better versions of ourselves. However, as the year goes on, many of us find ourselves giving up on these resolutions, feeling disappointed and defeated. But fear not, because a new field of neuroscience is shedding light on why resolutions matter and how we can make them stick. Neuroscience is the study of the nervous system, including the brain, and how it affects human behavior and cognition. It is a relatively new field that is constantly evolving, and in recent years, it has focused on understanding the processes behind our decision-making, motivation, and self-control. And when it comes to making and keeping resolutions, neuroscience has some valuable insights to offer. First and foremost, resolutions matter because they give us a goal to work towards. Our brains are wired to seek rewards and set goals, and when we have a clear target, our brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation. This dopamine release is what drives us to take action and work towards achieving our resolutions. However, setting a goal is not enough. To make our resolutions stick, we need to have a plan in place. This is where the concept of "implementation intentions" comes in. Implementation intentions are specific and actionable plans that outline the steps we need to take to reach our goals. For example, instead of simply saying "I want to lose weight," you can make an implementation intention by saying "I will go to the gym three times a week and meal prep every Sunday." This type of planning engages the prefrontal cortex, the part of our brain responsible for decision-making and self-control, and helps us stay on track. But even with a solid plan in place, it is common to face obstacles and challenges along the way. This is where flexibility becomes crucial. Our brains are constantly adapting and changing, and it is important to recognize that our goals and plans may need to be adjusted as we encounter new information and experiences. Instead of seeing setbacks as failures, we can view them as opportunities to learn and adapt our approach. This flexible mindset allows us to stay motivated and committed to our resolutions. Another essential aspect of making resolutions stick is self-reflection. It is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life and lose sight of our goals. Regularly taking a step back and reflecting on our progress can help us stay focused and motivated. This can be done through journaling, talking to a friend or mentor, or even using a goal-tracking app. By reflecting on our progress, we can celebrate our successes and identify areas for improvement, which can help us stay on track and make necessary adjustments to our plans. Aside from understanding the importance of resolutions and how to make them stick, neuroscience also offers some practical tips for achieving our goals. One such tip is to break down our goals into smaller, more manageable tasks. Our brains are wired to seek immediate rewards, so by breaking down a big goal into smaller tasks, we can experience that sense of accomplishment more frequently, which motivates us to keep going. Another tip is to surround oneself with a supportive environment. Our brains are heavily influenced by our surroundings, and studies have shown that being around people who are also working towards similar goals can increase our chances of success. So, don't be afraid to enlist the help of friends, family, or even join a support group, as the power of a supportive community can be a game-changer in achieving our resolutions. In conclusion, the new field of neuroscience has taught us that resolutions matter because they give us a goal to work towards and activate our reward system. However, to make our resolutions stick, we need to have a plan in place, be flexible in our approach, and regularly reflect on our progress. By understanding how the brain works and utilizing practical tips, we can increase our chances of successfully achieving our resolutions and becoming the best versions of ourselves. So, let's make this year the year we turn our resolutions into realities. Happy goal-setting!