How Not to Keep a Resolution

Before you commit to those New Year’s resolutions, you might want to read Jonah Lehrer‘s recent article on the limitations of willpower. “Most of us assume that self-control is largely a character issue,” he writes, “and that we would follow through on our New Year’s resolutions if only we had a bit more discipline. But this research suggests that willpower itself is inherently limited, and that our January promises fail in large part because the brain wasn’t built for success.” Instead of trying to lose weight, quit smoking, and pay off your credit cards all at once, Lehrer suggests spreading those resolutions out so as not to overtax the brain. [%comments]