If your New Year's resolutions include changing a habit, you are not alone. Researchers now know that much of our behavior is automatic, but with the right tools, we can redirect those patterns toward healthier outcomes.

Our Lovely Lazy Brain

According to award-winning researcher and psychologist Wendy Wood, "We spend a shocking 43 percent of our day doing things without thinking about them. That means that almost half of our actions are not conscious choices, but the result of our non-conscious mind nudging our body to act along learned behaviors." This startling news serves as a wake-up call to observe, and perhaps improve, our tendencies.

Wood elaborates, "How we respond to the people around us; the way we conduct ourselves in a meeting; what we buy; when and how we exercise, eat, and drink—a truly remarkable number of things we do every day, regardless of their complexity, operate outside of our awareness." How can this be? She explains that "we do them automatically. We do them by habit." In essence, we operate on autopilot for nearly half the day. 

There are good reasons for habits. Scientists across neuroscience, psychology and behavioral science agree that the brain automates to conserve mental energy. Habitual daily tasks like brushing your teeth and washing the dishes run on autopilot so that the brain can reserve its resources for more demanding tasks. Habits also make multitasking possible, such as being able to talk while walking or driving. But the downside is that the brain automates repeated actions even when they are unhealthy.

Carrot on a Stick

Breaking bad habits can be difficult because they are typically reinforced with instant gratification, like the immediate taste satisfaction and quick energy spike after consuming a delicious dessert. To make matters worse, good habits can be harder to establish because they are usually associated with delayed or intangible rewards, such as the hope of better health in years to come by avoiding sugar today. Feeling satisfied right now is more compelling than vague future benefits. Fortunately, exciting research from leading institutions, including Stanford University Behavioral Design Lab and the University of Southern California Habit Lab, has identified strategies that support the formation of healthy habits. I will share with you a few of the most researched techniques.

Technique 1: Habit Stacking
One of the simplest techniques, habit stacking, associates a new habit with an existing one. This association helps ingrain the new habit in the brain's existing connections. An example of habit stacking is exercising immediately after you brush your teeth. 

Technique 2: Immediate Rewards
Evidence shows that change is more likely when you pair positive behaviors with immediate rewards. It is important to note that even a tiny, immediate reward is more effective than a larger, delayed one. For instance, whenever you reject a sugary snack, immediately have a healthy treat or do something you enjoy. Your brain will notice that satisfaction and reinforce your positive behavior.

Technique 3: Consistency
To make a habit automatic, you need to do it repeatedly. Consistency is key—even if it is only a few minutes of the new habit. Sporadic attempts to change do not work because the brain is looking for repeated actions.

Change Is Possible

While techniques can be helpful, many people still struggle. In 2022, the World Health Organization announced that more than one billion people live with obesity—650 million adults, 340 million adolescents and 39 million children. That means about 43 percent of adults worldwide are overweight. 

Despite their best efforts, why do people continue to suffer? Karma is a major factor. Fortunately, it is possible to transform karma and enjoy positive change in our lives. Perhaps this research can help explain the results that Jean and Barry experienced.

"For 25 years, I ate uncontrollably, and I gained 100 pounds, which caused me great misery. I went to eating disorder clinics and support groups and did all the work suggested, to no avail. After Suzanne put her attention on this, I haven't had any episodes of binge eating, and it's been four months. It's a miracle!"
Jean Tremblay

"Thank you for the last Distance Healing. It was very encouraging. I have already lost 10 pounds."
Barry McMickle

More

Effective Solutions

If you want to improve your life, try the three techniques of habit stacking, immediate rewards and consistency. If you get stuck and would like assistance with removing karmic blocks, check out my Distance Healings. 

Bonus: To further support you in making positive changes and establishing new habits for this new year, I have consolidated the most effective solutions into an audio recording. Everyone who has received a Distance Healing between December 1 and January 21 will automatically receive this recording around the end of the month.

I would love to hear your thoughts about my artwork and the contents of this post. You are welcome to do so in the Comment Section below. I love to read your comments! You can use your name or a pseudonym.

Let us support each other and bring out our best for all to enjoy,

Suzanne