In this week's episode, originally written in 2022, we look at some of the science behind creating and maintaining a successful New Year's resolition. We explore how language, habit, and brain science can all make a difference in makign a better you.

References:

• Larimer ME, Palmer RS, Marlatt GA. Relapse prevention: An overview of Marlatt's cognitive-behavioral model. Psychosocial treatments. 2004 Jun 1:1-8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6760427/
• Oscarsson M, Carlbring P, Andersson G, Rozental A. A large-scale experiment on New Year’s resolutions: Approach-oriented goals are more successful than avoidance-oriented goals. PLoS One. 2020 Dec 9;15(12):e0234097.. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0234097
• Trifilieff P, Martinez D. Imaging addiction: D2 receptors and dopamine signaling in the striatum as biomarkers for impulsivity. Neuropharmacology. 2014 Jan 1;76:498-509.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropharm.2013.06.031
• Wimmer S, Lackner HK, Papousek I, Paechter M. Goal orientations and activation of approach versus avoidance motivation while awaiting an achievement situation in the laboratory. Frontiers in psychology. 2018 Aug 28;9:1552. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01552