The psychology behind why we're so bad at keeping New Year's resolutions

The psychology behind why we're so bad at keeping New Year's resolutions

Author: MHNR Network, LLC January 2, 2019 Duration: 5:01
It's a new year, and many people will be wanted to turn over a new leaf. That's what New Year's resolutions are for — to make improvements to our lives in some way.

But they are really hard to stick to. In fact, according to one statistic, 80% of us will fail by the second week of February. A valiant effort.

A study from 2016 published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, a scientific journal, investigated New Year's resolutions, and found that 55% of resolutions were health related, such as exercising more, or eating healthier. About 20% were to do with getting out of debt.

These are tricky things to do at any time of the year, let alone in the month after the holidays.

The study, led by Kaitlin Woolley from Cornell University and Ayelet Fishbach from the University of Chicago, found that participants believe that both enjoyment and importance are significant factors in whether they stick to their resolutions.

In fact, the researchers found that it was just the enjoyment factor was the only thing that mattered.

In other words, if the participants were getting immediate rewards from their new habits, they would be more likely to stick to them.

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Each week, Mainstream Mental Health connects the dots between the psychology headlines in the news and the practical steps we can take in our own lives. Host Dr. John Huber, a Clinical Forensic Psychologist with over two decades of direct experience, goes beyond simply summarizing current events. He provides a grounded analysis of how these stories reflect broader societal trends in mental health, medicine, and even fitness, exploring the real-world implications of the research and controversies making waves. This isn't just commentary from the sidelines; Dr. Huber is an active practitioner with hospital privileges, bringing a working clinician's perspective to every discussion. The conversations in this podcast are designed to translate complex topics into understandable insight, offering actionable advice for listeners seeking to make tangible, positive changes. You'll find a clear-eyed look at the forces shaping our collective well-being, dissected with both professional expertise and a relatable tone. Tune in for a thoughtful blend of news analysis and life strategy, all focused on navigating the complexities of modern mental health. The Mainstream Mental Health podcast, from MHNR Network, LLC, makes the science and stories of psychology accessible and immediately relevant.
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