Have you ever made a New Years resolution? These resolutions are goals people strive to achieve in the new year, from habits they want to break, to healthier activities they wish to partake in. Making these resolutions can be very beneficial for the health of your brain; however many people find these goals hard to keep. It turns out, there’s a scientific reason that explains why.
These goals are so difficult to keep because the brain favors existing habits, or neural connections, and forming new ones is very difficult. Making these resolutions can also become overwhelming for the brain, and makes it easier for you to burn out. Attempting to stick to these goals challenges your self-control, and the brain often gets tired.
However, if you are able to stick to these goals, it has a positive effect on the brain. Setting goals for yourself leads to a release of dopamine. This is due to the fact that resolutions trigger the brain’s reward system. Another impact is that the goals affect the prefrontal cortex. This is what helps you stay in control. Making goals and sticking to them gives your mind a reset, and offers you a clean slate.
When asked about her resolutions, LRHS freshman Emma Gallanthen shared that she wished to win a medal at her indoor track meet as part of her new year’s resolution. So far, she has been successful in this goal among others that she set for herself in track.
Her response when asked why people often fail to keep their resolutions was, “I think it can be tough to follow through with resolutions as things can happen, and people can lose motivation to strive for success.”
This helps show that keeping goals is possible; however, it is normal and valid to lose motivation over time.
There are things that you can do to make it more likely that you stick to your goals. Some things are, starting with small changes, making sure goals are clear and specific, and makings ure you allow your brain rest. Another thing is using visuals to help your mind create new habits, lastly you can make sure your focus is on progress, make sure to reward yourself for small wins to keep your brain happy.
Setting goals for yourself leaves a very positive impact on the brain. It is also understandable why you may struggle to keep up with personal resolutions, but what’s important is that you make an effort, because even a small change makes a big impact. Even though it isn’t easy, I highly encourage everyone to make a resolution this year and to do their best to stick to it, because doing so will lead people to be happier and healthier in the long-run.
