The Light of Reflection

S12E11: Psychological reasons why people fail at their New Year's Resolution


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As we all know, it can be challenging to stick to our resolutions and achieve our goals. But why is this the case? From a psychological perspective, there are a few common reasons why people may struggle with their New Year's resolutions.

First, lack of self-awareness can be a challenge. Sometimes we may set goals that are not aligned with our values, interests, or strengths. This can lead to a lack of motivation and a lack of satisfaction when we achieve our goals. It's important to reflect on what is truly important to us and set goals that align with our values and passions.

Second, lack of self-control can be a factor. Research has shown that self-control is a limited resource, and when we try to exert too much self-control in one area of our lives, it can drain our ability to exert self-control in other areas. This can make it more challenging to stick to our resolutions. One way to increase our self-control is by establishing good habits that support our goals. Example: Keep the phone away

Third, negative self-talk can be a roadblock. Our inner dialogue can have a big impact on our ability to stick to our resolutions. If we have negative thoughts about ourselves or our abilities, it can undermine our motivation and confidence. It's important to recognize negative self-talk and reframe it in a more positive and supportive way. Example: Instead of I cannot, use I can

Finally, lack of intrinsic motivation can be a challenge. External rewards and incentives can be helpful in motivating us to achieve our goals, but they are not always enough. If we don't have a strong sense of why our goals are important to us and how they will benefit us personally, it can be harder to stay motivated and committed. It's important to tap into our intrinsic motivations and find ways to connect our goals to our values and passions. Example: Understanding the broad impact. Watch motivational movies

By recognizing these common challenges and finding ways to overcome them, we can increase our chances of success and make progress towards our New Year's resolutions. This may involve seeking the support of a therapist or other mental health professional, establishing good habits, practicing positive self-talk, and tapping

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