Brain Wiring & New Year’s Resolutions
This year, I have a lot of New Year’s resolutions. And that could be a problem, because I don’t have a great track record of sticking to my resolutions–especially if they involve stopping a bad habit (like drinking three diet Cokes a day or procrastinating all kinds of things). I always think my resolution sounds very sensible and reasonably easy, but then discover it’s not easy after all. And when I break my resolutions, I don’t feel very good about myself.
I guess I should go a little easier on myself. As this AP article explains, each bad habit we develope changes how our brains are wired, and now those habits are deeply embedded–so much so that in some cases they’re close to automatic (think of biting your fingernails, for example). While changing that wiring is certainly possible, it’s not easy. In a sense, our own brains are conspiring against our best efforts to quit.
Still, I’ll keep trying. After all, trying new things is one of the best ways to challenge your brain and keep it in shape.
Possibly Related posts:
Posted: Brain plasticity, Neuroscience, Odds and Ends
Posit Science's corporate blog is the place where our employees share their thoughts about Posit Science and its products, brain fitness, breakthroughs in neuroscience, and any other topic they find interesting and relevant. 
January 6th, 2011 at 11:57 am
I’ve read it takes 21 days to break a habit but I just read what I think is the KEY to this proclamation: it doesn’t just take 21 days of not doing the bad habit – you have to REPLACE the bad habit with a new habit.
Sounds simple but it never occurred to me.
The bottom line is you need a plan. Don’t leave habitual time slots open. Plan for other activities in those times- one’s you’ll enjoy and that have the possibility of becoming your new, healthier habit.
February 22nd, 2011 at 5:29 am
It is very good tips. I will try it soon.
April 27th, 2011 at 11:21 am
Thanks with all the current information.