While most people break New Year’s resolutions within a few weeks, neuroscientist Vera Ludwig has six tips to help you through the process and stick with your goals.
For many people, the new year marks a demarcation line for a fresh start, when they set goals for better health or greater productivity. But changing behavior isn’t easy and can sometimes lead to harsh self-criticism, says Ludwig, a research associate in the Platt Labs at the University of Pennsylvania.
“People often say, ‘I want to exercise more,’ or ‘I can’t eat chocolate anymore. I had so much over the holidays, and it’s not good.’ And they force themselves to make changes,” she says. “Those last for two or three weeks, and then usually people go back to their old habits.”