293: New Year's Resolutions and how to keep them

In this end-of-the-year show, the boys review their home-brewed Christmas ales, then discuss New Year's resolutions.  Lots of people use the new year as an opportunity to re-evaluate their lives and their goals and make adjustments. But some people think it's a waste of time because nobody ever keeps them.  The boys discuss popular topics for resolutions and ways science has shown that can make it more likely to keep your resolutions.  * Frame the resolution positively.  * Piggyback habits. That is, attach the new habit to an existing one, like "after I shower I will read for ten minutes."  * Link the new activity with something you want to do. E.g., I can only listen to audiobooks while I'm on the treadmill.  * Pick something small and manageable, esp. for the first week.  * Make it specific rather than vague -- e.g., go to the gym three times a week, rather than "exercise more". Use a number.  * Create a new habit to replace an old habit.  * Be accountable to someone else.  * Make resolutions measurable so you can monitor progress.  * Make them fun.