By now, so many New Year's resolutions are abandoned on the shore of our good intentions.
In the January/February issue of Psychology Today there is an article that suggests a useful technique when it comes to resisting temptations and building good habits.
Why? Because our brain understands contingencies: if X, then Y. The If-Then solution offers greater specificity. And, by extension, greater success.
Regardless of the goal, reserchers say that using If-Then planning boosts success by two to three times.
And get this: it requires less willpower than mere resolutions.
Consider, for example, the resolution to eat less and exercise more.
So, the eat less resolution becomes, When the dessert menu comes, I will refuse it and order coffee. The work out resolution becomes I will work out at the gym for an hour on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays before work.
I've been applying If-Then in my work of late. It's working.
In the January/February issue of Psychology Today there is an article that suggests a useful technique when it comes to resisting temptations and building good habits.
Why? Because our brain understands contingencies: if X, then Y. The If-Then solution offers greater specificity. And, by extension, greater success.
Regardless of the goal, reserchers say that using If-Then planning boosts success by two to three times.
And get this: it requires less willpower than mere resolutions.
Consider, for example, the resolution to eat less and exercise more.
So, the eat less resolution becomes, When the dessert menu comes, I will refuse it and order coffee. The work out resolution becomes I will work out at the gym for an hour on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays before work.
I've been applying If-Then in my work of late. It's working.
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Seems to me that the resolution is incomplete. What is the goal? I assume that one would resolve to eat less and exercise more to lose weight and improve health.
ReplyDeleteTherefore the If-then example would be If I refrain from eating dessert and substitute coffee then I will support my goal to lose weight.
If I go to the gym regularly then i will lose weight and build muscle which will support my health and wellness.
D