A brain expert has revealed the one “short term” action you need to take to make your New Year’s resolutions successful.
Elle, who runs the TikTok account @master_your__mind, posted her advice late last year, highlighting a crucial step people often overlook when making their resolutions.
She suggests that our brains aren’t designed for “long-term change,” and instead, we should focus on small substitutions we can make. Describing it as an “easier way to stay consistent” in the New Year, Elle advises taking smaller steps in the early days of the New Year to help achieve longer-term goals.
She explained: “People often give up on New Year’s resolutions because your brain actually isn’t wired for long-term change – it’s wired for immediate rewards. Resolutions fail when they rely on willpower, a short-term source of energy, instead of aligning with how habits are naturally formed in the brain.
“A better way? Start small. Tie new habits to existing routines and reward yourself immediately. This taps into your brain’s reward system, reinforcing positive behaviours and making change sustainable.”
The MentalHealth website also recommends keeping your resolutions to shorter changes and healthier plans for the New Year.
Their website advises: “Remember that even if we forget to stick to our planned resolution, it’s OK to forgive yourself and carry on. Life is complex and everybody has innumerable stressors and responsibilities, so it’s OK to forget or feel disheartened occasionally.”
It goes on: “Ultimately, remember that New Year’s resolutions should be about positivity, making beneficial changes for not only our physical health but also our mental health. We cannot practice good mental health with shame and ridicule. Self-compassion, positive changes, and patience will be key to achieving our wellbeing goals no matter when we make them.”