From January euphoria to February despair: Why most of our New Year's resolutions fail

"Many of these resolutions stem from an emotional surge, rather than a conscious decision. That surge initially propels us forward and generates all the dopamine that makes us approach things with great motivation, explains Aurora Lopez, a clinical psychologist and director of the Mas Vida center in Malaga. But this dopamine doesn't last throughout the entire process of establishing a habit. We often confuse the desire to start a habit with being prepared and having a real strategy to ensure its long-term sustainability."

"Other factors that lead to abandoning New Year's resolutions include impulsiveness or lack of self-control, or excessive self-criticism and perfectionism: It's important to keep in mind that establishing a habit and the process of achieving it is not linear. There will be many setbacks and relapses, and adjustments must be made. Furthermore, we are often somewhat disconnected from our true selves, and we imagine an ideal self in which perfectionism plays an excessively important role, the expert points out."

Many people set New Year's resolutions driven by an emotional surge that produces dopamine and strong initial motivation. That motivational surge usually fades and dopamine does not sustain the long process of habit formation. Desire to start a habit is often mistaken for preparedness and a workable long-term strategy. Impulsiveness, low self-control, excessive self-criticism, and perfectionism further undermine persistence. Habit formation is non-linear, with setbacks and relapses requiring adjustments. People may be disconnected from their true selves and imagine an idealized, perfection-driven self. Without a concrete plan detailing when and how to act, most attempts fail quickly.

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