Habits: Why Are New Year’s Resolutions So Hard to Keep?

Forming good habits is tough. Breaking bad ones can be even harder. But why? There’s perhaps no better time to explore this question than at the start of the new year, when many of us are resolving to make healthy changes in our lives. In today’s episode, we discuss the psychology of habits and get tips for sticking to our New Year’s resolutions and other goals we set for ourselves. Hosts: Zach Moore, Katie McCallum (interviewer) Expert: Dr. William Orme, Psychologist Notable topics covered: What happens in your brain while making and breaking habits Why will power and guilt aren’t enough to sustain lasting behavior change Habit reinforcers, including whether change becomes easier when tied to the new year Why smart goal setting and consistency are critical for habit formation How long does it take for a behavior to become a habit? The importance of giving yourself “emotional credit” when forming habits How many New Year’s resolutions are too many? Dr. Orme’s habit hacks that can help you stick with your resolutions beyond January If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.