SAVE YOUR WILLPOWER

Millions of Americans will attempt to turn over a new leaf on Jan. 1, pledging to lose weight, spend less money, and quit smoking, said Oliver Burkeman. But despite what the self-help industry might tell you, “radical, across-the-board” changes like New Year’s resolutions rarely work in practice. (click below to read more)


 Willpower, studies have shown, is a “depletable resource.” If you make an overnight change requiring enormous self-discipline, you can quickly use up your stores of willpower, and all your best intentions will fall by the wayside. But “tiny goals, even absurdly tiny ones, can be an effective way to sneak under the radar of your mind.” Exercising for five minutes instead of an hour might sound laughable, but you’re “much less likely to resist it”—and the next day, you can exercise for six. Want a better job? Commit to just two hours a week of networking and investigating opportunities. New Year’s resolutions are based on the fallacy that if only you can find sufficient motivation, you can achieve anything. In reality, motivation is fleeting, and the “biggest barrier to actually getting things done.” Want real change? Take small steps.