Why do New Year’s resolutions start out strong and then fizzle so fast? On this episode of Speaking of the Brain, we dive into what your brain is really doing when you try to change. From habit loops to motivation crashes to decision fatigue, we’ll explore why sticking to goals is harder than it seems and how to outsmart your own brain.

Sources:

https://sceniccityneurotherapy.com/why-new-years-resolutions-fail-a-neuroscience-and-psychological-perspective/

https://time.com/7342704/new-year-resolutions/

https://www.uab.edu/news/news-you-can-use/brain-hack-neuroscience-tips-to-make-new-years-resolutions-stick

https://news.wfu.edu/2025/12/11/thinking-of-making-new-years-resolutions-the-trick-isnt-trying-harder-its-planning-smarter/

https://hbr.org/2022/01/to-build-new-habits-get-comfortable-failing