It’s that time when a lot of us think about getting healthier. And if you’re like most people, you’ve made a New Year’s resolution – which I don’t believe in doing to begin with. By February, most of us are already done with those resolutions. And that’s not because we don’t care. It’s because, well, change is hard.
We all know how easy it is to say “This year will be different.” But when it comes to actually following through, most of us start strong and then hit a wall. That wall is your brain.
Your brain isn’t built for immediate lasting change from the get-go. It likes things the way they are. It’s comfortable. It resists anything that feels unfamiliar or challenging. But here’s the thing: your brain has the ability to change. You just have to go about it the right way.
Neuroscience tells us that the brain is capable of forming new habits – but not overnight. It takes small steps. Every time you do something new, you’re actually rewiring your brain. It’s called neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to create new pathways. So, while your brain might resist at first, each small step you take makes that new habit feel easier and more natural.
Change doesn’t need to be a huge leap. It’s about making small, consistent choices that, over time, add up. You don’t have to completely overhaul everything. Start with something simple, and let your brain adjust.
3 Things to Try:
1. Pick One Small Habit: Don’t try to change everything at once. Focus on one small thing, like replacing a sugary snack with fruit or taking a five-minute walk after dinner. That’s it. Make it something you can actually do. Your brain will thank you for it.
2. Go Slowly: Small changes, repeated over time, are more effective than going all-in. Your brain needs time to adjust, so give it the space it needs. Build one habit, then move on to the next.
3. Celebrate the Small Wins: Every time you make progress – even if it’s just drinking an extra glass of water or sticking to your new habit for a week -take a moment to recognize it. The brain loves that. It reinforces the new behavior and keeps you motivated.
The bottom line is this: change is tough, but it’s not impossible. If you start small, stay consistent, and let your brain do its work, the new habits will stick.
You’ve got this. Start with one small step, and let your brain catch up.