Got a New Year’s Resolution? Here’s how to make it stick!

by Charles Duhigg in Habits

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It’s 2014! Congratulations on making it through another year!

If you’re anything like me, New Years is also a great time to take stock and determine how you want to completely transform every aspect of your life. (Or, at least, figure out how to exercise every day. Or, you know, once a month.)

Luckily, we’ve got a flowchart that tells you how to design New Year’s Resolutions according to the science of habit formation.

The key is to take advantage of the  3-step neurological process that creates a habit. First, choose a cue, like leaving your running shoes by the door, then pick a reward — say, a piece of chocolate when you get home from the gym. Eventually, when you see the shoes, your brain will start craving the reward, which will make it easier to work out day after day.

 

flowchart-599x1024Please feel free to download this flowchart, post it on your desk, send it to friends – do whatever you want with it.

And, if you think it’s helpful, might I recommend checking out The Power of Habit, now out in paperback? You can find it here.

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14 Responses to “Got a New Year’s Resolution? Here’s how to make it stick!”

  1. santosh says:

    its really very good

  2. SOUMENDRA NATH CHAKRABORTY says:

    Excellent flowchart!

  3. Zeina says:

    Makes it easier to turn broad goals into actions. Thank you!

  4. Libby says:

    Will try it and let you know! It’s worth that at least! 😉