Some Psychology Behind Making Our New Years Resolutions Stick

First of all, Happy New Years Eve!!! And happiest of birthdays to my little brother. Scroll down for some great pics of that stud.

I wanted to share this article with you all that I found particularly interesting that was published in the LA times in October. It discusses a few things: 1) how “habits” can make or break happiness and 2) the psychological “loopholes” that we make to break/avoid starting a healthy behavior or habit. It seemed particularly fitting for the upcoming new year, as many of us commit to making a change in our lives. And then within a couple of (days, weeks, hours..) we come up with some excuse, or mental “loophole” to get ourselves out of doing it!

But first, let’s take a step back. I really appreciated this tidbit in InStyle magazine that I read on the plane recently: “During the first days of January, it often feels that nothing short of a complete self-renovation will do: Change the diet, change the workout, change the look! What we really need to change, however, is our point of view - it’s way too critical. Instead of looking to become someone else, let’s voew to start the year by appreciating who we are at showing gratitude for how far we’ve already come. Just ask yourself, “What would make me healthier and happier? And the put your focus there”.

Let’s take a list that the LA Times lays out for us on the psychology which get in the way of us making happier and healthier decisions:

1. False choice loophole: “I can’t do this because I’m so busy doing that.”

2. Moral licensing loophole: “I’ve been so good, it’s OK for me to do this.”

3. Tomorrow loophole: “It’s OK to skip today because I’m going to do this tomorrow.”

4. Lack-of-control loophole: “I can’t help myself.”

5. Planning-to-fail loophole: “I’ll just check my email quickly before I go to the gym … oops, I don’t have time to go to the gym, after all.” Or, “I’m not going to eat anything more tonight, but I’ll go into the kitchen and look in the freezer. Just curious.”

6. This-doesn’t-count loophole: “I’m on vacation.” “I’m sick.” “It’s the weekend.”

7. Questionable-assumption loophole: “It’s not a proper dinner without wine.” Or, “It’s more fun to play tennis than go to the gym. I can wait.”

8. Concern-for-others loophole: “I can’t do this because it might make other people uncomfortable”.

9. Fake self-actualization loophole: “You only live once! Embrace the moment!”

10. One-time loophole: “What difference does it make if I break my habit this one time?”

I don’t know about you, but I’ve definitely found myself making every one of those excuses in my mind, and not just around my New Years resolutions. A few tricks on my end to help combat those excuses fall under two buckets: 1) planning ahead and sticking to the schedule and 2) reminding myself that consistency is key, and that your life is a marathon, not a sprint. Little decisions add up! Do any of these resonate with you? Any tips and tricks for the rest of us on how to combat these loopholes for a happier and healthier 2015? Leave a comment!

On a completely different note, happy 20th birthday to my incredibly handsome, intelligent, and talented little brother! Can’t wait to celebrate properly in Shanghai this evening!