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Experts say the best way to change your habits is to consider the so-called “inflection points” of your own life—and to act quickly."/><meta data-react-helmet="true" name="medium" content="website"/><meta data-react-helmet="true" name="guid" content="drn:src:natgeo:unison::prod:213e0e35-bbac-46d9-9c94-d4b5d1470290"/><meta data-react-helmet="true" property="og:site_name" content="Science"/><meta data-react-helmet="true" property="og:title" content="When is the right time to start a new habit—and actually keep it?"/><meta data-react-helmet="true" property="og:description" content="Forget New Year’s resolutions and other gimmicks. Experts say the best way to change your habits is to consider the so-called “inflection points” of your own life—and to act quickly."/><meta data-react-helmet="true" property="og:url" content="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/best-time-to-start-a-habit"/><meta data-react-helmet="true" property="og:image" content="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/4a9793ad-d6b3-4358-baf3-4742a55ebde4/h_16221516_16x9.jpg?w=1200"/><meta data-react-helmet="true" property="og:image:width" content="1200"/><meta data-react-helmet="true" property="og:image:height" content="675"/><meta data-react-helmet="true" property="og:type" content="article"/><meta data-react-helmet="true" name="referrer" content="origin"/><meta data-react-helmet="true" name="theme-color" content="#ffffff"/><meta data-react-helmet="true" name="tax:audiences" content/><meta data-react-helmet="true" name="tax:concepts" content/><meta data-react-helmet="true" name="tax:events" content="New Year's Eve"/><meta data-react-helmet="true" name="tax:firstSubject" content="Health"/><meta data-react-helmet="true" name="tax:genres" content/><meta data-react-helmet="true" name="tax:locations" content/><meta data-react-helmet="true" name="tax:organizations" content/><meta data-react-helmet="true" name="tax:otherSubjects" content="Psychology, Rituals"/><meta data-react-helmet="true" name="tax:people" content/><meta data-react-helmet="true" name="tax:series" content/><meta data-react-helmet="true" name="tax:source" content="Science, Digital Editorial, Health"/><meta data-react-helmet="true" name="twitter:site" content="@NatGeo"/><meta data-react-helmet="true" name="twitter:title" content="When is the right time to start a new habit—and actually keep it?"/><meta data-react-helmet="true" name="twitter:description" content="Forget New Year’s resolutions and other gimmicks. Experts say the best way to change your habits is to consider the so-called “inflection points” of your own life—and to act quickly."/><meta data-react-helmet="true" name="twitter:url" content="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/best-time-to-start-a-habit"/><meta data-react-helmet="true" name="twitter:image:src" content="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/4a9793ad-d6b3-4358-baf3-4742a55ebde4/h_16221516_16x9.jpg?w=1200"/><meta data-react-helmet="true" name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/><meta data-react-helmet="true" name="twitter:creator" content="@NatGeo"/><meta data-react-helmet="true" name="twitter:image:alt" content="When is the right time to start a new habit—and actually keep it?"/><meta data-react-helmet="true" name="twitter:app:id:iphone" content="418671597"/><meta data-react-helmet="true" name="twitter:app:name:iphone" content="National Geographic"/><meta data-react-helmet="true" name="twitter:app:id:googleplay" content="com.natgeomobile.ngmagazine"/><meta data-react-helmet="true" name="twitter:app:name:googleplay" content="National Geographic"/><meta data-react-helmet="true" name="robots" content="max-image-preview:large"/><meta data-react-helmet="true" name="article:published_time" content="02-16-2025"/><meta data-react-helmet="true" name="article:modified_time" content="11-14-2024"/><meta data-react-helmet="true" name="article:section" content="Science"/><meta data-react-helmet="true" name="article:publisher" content="https://www.facebook.com/natgeo"/> <script data-react-helmet="true" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/340714530193d9627afecb7a2bab115079ee90db012cba398ac76b3339880fdc"></script><script data-react-helmet="true" type="application/ld+json">{"@context":"http://schema.org/","@type":"NewsArticle","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"","@type":"WebPage"},"author":[{"name":"Daryl Austin","@type":"Person"}],"dateline":null,"datePublished":"2024-11-14T20:34:45.063Z","description":"Forget New Year’s resolutions and other gimmicks. 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https://i.natgeofe.com/n/4a9793ad-d6b3-4358-baf3-4742a55ebde4/h_16221516.jpg?w=1436&h=958 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 1025px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/4a9793ad-d6b3-4358-baf3-4742a55ebde4/h_16221516.jpg?w=1280&h=853, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/4a9793ad-d6b3-4358-baf3-4742a55ebde4/h_16221516.jpg?w=2560&h=1706 2x"/><img alt="Runners high five teammates after a practice." class="hsDdd vBqtr KrDt itslR SjwtZ hakZw HlUVI " data-testid="prism-image" draggable="false" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager" src="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/4a9793ad-d6b3-4358-baf3-4742a55ebde4/h_16221516.jpg"/></picture></div></div></div><figcaption><div class="nMMea bNYiy Mjgpa dGwha DDmxa jgKNG RGHCC aBIU PriDW lZur " data-testid="prism-caption"><div class="HXPPJ barbu yKsXL IzgMt VcHIt uhSzI YGNMU cRAsZ xqMcl QtRul "><span class="hsDdd OOSI GpQCA lZur VlFaz " data-testid="prism-truncate"><span><span class="gtOSm FbbUW tUtYa vOCwz EQwFq yCufu eEak Qmvg nyTIa SRXVc vzLa jgBfc WXDas CiUCW kqbG zrdEG txGfn ygKVe BbezD UOtxr CVfpq xijV soGRS XgdC sEIlf daWqJ ">Run It Up, a running club in Dallas, Texas, has grown from around 20 members to roughly 300 today. If you're motivated to get fit, experts say you shouldn't wait for an arbitrary time like New Year's Day to get started.</span></span></span></div><div class="qinlA IpWvx oqZz tylGM lyWxS nWcVF UhTug PPcLh "><span class="gtOSm FbbUW tUtYa vOCwz EQwFq yCufu eEak Qmvg nyTIa SRXVc vzLa jgBfc WXDas CiUCW kqbG zrdEG txGfn ygKVe BbezD UOtxr CVfpq xijV soGRS XgdC sEIlf daWqJ YNujN JGtjI aZFDu rkKLh ">Photograph by Shelby Tauber, The New York Times/ Redux</span></div></div></figcaption></figure></div><div class=" " data-testid="prism-badge-tag-wrapper"><div class="IKUxI xFOBK YsVzB NuCDJ fMJDZ ZCNuU tZcZX JuzoE "><div class="jVJih nAZp " data-testid="prism-tags"><ul class="VZTD UeCOM dAmzA ltDkr qBPOY uoPjL "><li class=" "><a class="theme-iPcRv theme-HReFq mLASH egFzk qXWHA ScoIf zYXIH jIRH wNxoc OJpwZ eqFg wSPfd ofvJb bMrzT LaUnX EgONj ibBnq kyjTO lvyBv aANqO aNnIu GDslh LjPJo RpDvg YYtC rTpcz EDgo SIwmX oIWqB mzm MbcTC sXtkB yayQB vXSTR ENhiS dQa-Du SVBll bpBbX GpQCA tuAKv xTell wdAqb ZqGqs LVAIE TnrRA uECag DcwSV XnBOJ cELRj SUAFz XzYk zkmjG aSyef pFen hoNVj TQOOL Haltu NafGB KpEhF jyjDy kZHqU FZKIw QddLR SKDYB UmcQM giepU cTjQC aRMla MMxXy fFMcX PbMFf hJRbU MRTyf iFJTR koyYF TkdYt DZNRX MALjb VUFMN " data-testid="prism-Tag" href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science" data-pos="0"><span class="QXDKT rGjeC tuAKv iMbiE ">SCIENCE</span></a></li></ul></div></div></div><div class="kCTVx qtHut lqtkC HkWF HfYhe kGyAC " data-testid="prism-headline"><h1 class="vMjAx gjbzK tntuS eHrJ mTgUP "><span class="gtOSm FbbUW tUtYa vOCwz EQwFq yCufu eEak Qmvg nyTIa SRXVc vzLa jgBfc WXDas CiUCW kqbG zrdEG txGfn ygKVe BbezD UOtxr CVfpq xijV soGRS XgdC sEIlf daWqJ ">When is the right time to start a new habit—and actually keep it?</span></h1><p class="jxTEW Poyse uieav lqtkC HkWF HfYhe kGyAC "><span class="gtOSm FbbUW tUtYa vOCwz EQwFq yCufu eEak Qmvg nyTIa SRXVc vzLa jgBfc WXDas CiUCW kqbG zrdEG txGfn ygKVe BbezD UOtxr CVfpq xijV soGRS XgdC sEIlf daWqJ ">Forget New Year’s resolutions and other gimmicks. Experts say the best way to change your habits is to consider the so-called “inflection points” of your own life—and to act quickly.</span></p></div><div class="QHblV nkdHX mHUQ kvZxL hTosT whbOj " data-testid="prism-byline"><div class="VZTD mLASH BQWr OcxMG oJce "><div class="kKfXc ubAkB VZTD rEPuv "><div class="TQPvQ fVlAg HUcap kxY REjk UamUc WxHIR HhZOB yaUf VOJBn KMpjV XSbaH Umfib ukdDD "><span class="tChGB zbFav ">By</span><span>Daryl Austin</span></div><div class="VZTD mLASH gpiba "><div class="jTKbV zIIsP ZdbeE xAPpq QtiLO JQYD ">November 14, 2024</div></div></div></div><div class="RwkLV Wowzl FokqZ LhXlJ FjRYD toBqx " data-testid="prism-share"><div class="JpUfa aYoBt "><ul class="MZaCt dUXCH nyWZo RnMws Hdwln WBHfo tAchw UDeQM XMkl NUfbq kqfZ "><li class="WEJto "><button aria-label="Share Story on Facebook" class="theme-EWITS mLASH egFzk qXWHA ScoIf ZXRVe jIRH NoTgg CKnnA uklrk nCmVc qWWFI nMRSd YIauu gGlNh ARCOA kyjTO xqlN aANqO aNnIu GDslh LjPJo RpDvg YYtC rTpcz EDgo UVTAB 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data-testid="prism-divider"></div></div></div></div></div><div style="--spacing-top:0px;--spacing-bottom:32px;--spacing-child-top:initial;--spacing-child-bottom:24px;--spacing-firstChild-top:initial;--spacing-firstChild-bottom:24px;--spacing-lastChild-top:initial;--spacing-lastChild-bottom:initial;--spacing-compact-top:24px;--spacing-compact-bottom:32px;--spacing-firstChild-compact-top:initial;--spacing-firstChild-compact-bottom:24px;--spacing-child-compact-top:initial;--spacing-child-compact-bottom:24px;--spacing-lastChild-compact-top:initial;--spacing-lastChild-compact-bottom:initial" class="dHdHP jLREf zXXje aGO eCClZ nTLv jLsYA gmuro TOSFd VmeZt sCkVm hkQai wGrlE MUuGM fciaN qQjt DhNVo Tgcqk IGLAf tWjkv "><div class="PrismArticleBody SingleColumn xvlfx ZRifP TKoO eaKKC EcdEg bOdfO qXhdi NFNeu UyHES " data-testid="prism-article-body"><div class="FITT_Article_main_group_wrapper VZTD UeCOM jIRH oimqG DjbQm UwdmX Xmrlz ReShI KaJdY lqtkC ssImf HfYhe RTHNs iJVrZ " data-testid="prism-GridContainer"><div class="Kiog kNVGM nvpSA qwdi bmjsw " data-testid="prism-GridRow"><div class="theme-e oBTii mrzah " data-testid="prism-GridColumn" style="--grid-column-span-xxs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-xs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-sm:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-md:20;--grid-column-span-lg:16;--grid-column-span-xl:16;--grid-column-span-xxl:14;--grid-column-start-xxs:auto;--grid-column-start-xs:auto;--grid-column-start-sm:auto;--grid-column-start-md:3;--grid-column-start-lg:5;--grid-column-start-xl:5;--grid-column-start-xxl:6"><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao MvWXB TjIXL aGjvy ebVHC ">New Year’s resolutions. Spring cleaning. Dry January. <a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://www.wsj.com/health/wellness/the-october-theory-of-changing-your-life-62732270" target="_blank">October Theory. </a><a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/woman-lost-12-friends-to-suicide-created-noso-november-2021-11" target="_blank">NoSo November</a>. Our culture is obsessed with collective goal setting and the idea that forming new habits during specific times of the year will lead to successful outcomes. But it turns out there’s no real evidence that’s the case.</p><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">In fact, <a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2980864/" target="_blank">research suggests</a> that only two people in 10 stick with their New Year's resolutions long term—and scientists say there doesn't appear to be any one time of year where success is likelier to occur than another.  </p><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">"I am aware of no research showing that starting fresh in January or October or any other month makes you more likely to stick with a new behavior," says Wendy Wood, a behavioral psychologist at the University of Southern California and the author of <i class=" ">Good Habits, Bad Habits: The Science of Making Positive Changes that Stick</i>. </p></div></div></div><div class="NYwzQ vUYNV glxIO ilAoG HPkGR "><div class="natgeo-ad" data-testid="prism-ad-wrapper" style="min-width:728px;min-height:90px;transition:min-height 0.3s linear 0s" data-ad-placeholder="true"><div data-box-type="fitt-adbox-fitt-article-inline-outstream" data-testid="prism-ad"><div class="Ad fitt-article-inline-outstream ad-slot " data-slot-type="fitt-article-inline-outstream" data-slot-kvps="pos=fitt-article-inline-outstream-1"></div></div></div></div><div class="FITT_Article_main_group_wrapper VZTD UeCOM jIRH oimqG DjbQm UwdmX Xmrlz ReShI KaJdY lqtkC ssImf HfYhe RTHNs iJVrZ " data-testid="prism-GridContainer"><div class="Kiog kNVGM nvpSA qwdi bmjsw " data-testid="prism-GridRow"><div class="theme-e oBTii mrzah " data-testid="prism-GridColumn" style="--grid-column-span-xxs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-xs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-sm:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-md:20;--grid-column-span-lg:16;--grid-column-span-xl:16;--grid-column-span-xxl:14;--grid-column-start-xxs:auto;--grid-column-start-xs:auto;--grid-column-start-sm:auto;--grid-column-start-md:3;--grid-column-start-lg:5;--grid-column-start-xl:5;--grid-column-start-xxl:6"><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">(<a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/premium/article/alcohol-sober-dry-january-body-health-effects" target="_blank"><i class=" ">Doing Dry January anyway? Here's how a month without booze changes your body</i></a>.)</p><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">The reality is that, when it comes to establishing new habits, there really is an ideal time to do it—but it might not be when you think. Further, the <i class=" ">why</i> behind your motivations and the <i class=" ">how</i> you go about pursuing your goals matter a lot more.</p><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">Here’s what experts have to say about when you should start a new habit—plus how to make your efforts last longer than weeks or months. </p><h2 class="RxNCg ykkUm PvZ nIjPJ PMXYp LmsHF SfAHY mNgye lNbol LBPRq rBLIK ">Why we like the idea of making changes together</h2><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">It helps to start by understanding why<i class=" "> </i>we're so drawn to setting goals collectively and around the same times every year.</p><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">One explanation is that humans are inherently social beings and "belonging to a community is a fundamental human need," explains Selena Bartlett, a neuroscientist at the Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia. Collective rituals like New Year's resolutions, she says, "satisfy the human drive to fit in, feel supported, and be part of something larger than oneself."</p></div></div></div><div class="NYwzQ vUYNV glxIO ilAoG HPkGR "><div class="natgeo-ad" data-testid="prism-ad-wrapper" style="min-width:300px;min-height:250px;transition:min-height 0.3s linear 0s" data-ad-placeholder="true"><div data-box-type="fitt-adbox-fitt-article-inline-box" data-testid="prism-ad"><div class="Ad fitt-article-inline-box ad-slot " data-slot-type="fitt-article-inline-box" data-slot-kvps="pos=fitt-article-inline-box"></div></div></div></div><div class="FITT_Article_main_group_wrapper VZTD UeCOM jIRH oimqG DjbQm UwdmX Xmrlz ReShI KaJdY lqtkC ssImf HfYhe RTHNs iJVrZ " data-testid="prism-GridContainer"><div class="Kiog kNVGM nvpSA qwdi bmjsw " data-testid="prism-GridRow"><div class="theme-e oBTii mrzah " data-testid="prism-GridColumn" style="--grid-column-span-xxs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-xs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-sm:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-md:20;--grid-column-span-lg:16;--grid-column-span-xl:16;--grid-column-span-xxl:14;--grid-column-start-xxs:auto;--grid-column-start-xs:auto;--grid-column-start-sm:auto;--grid-column-start-md:3;--grid-column-start-lg:5;--grid-column-start-xl:5;--grid-column-start-xxl:6"><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">There's also the factor of what psychologists call "temporal landmarks"—moments such as the start of a new year, graduation, or a birthday, "that feel like a clean slate or fresh start because they allow us to mentally separate our past habits from future goals," says Harold Hong, a clinical psychiatrist and the medical director of an addiction recovery center in North Carolina. </p><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">(<a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/lifestyle/article/best-fitness-trackers" target="_blank"><i class=" ">These are the best fitness trackers for achieving your health goals</i></a>.)</p><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">There are some advantages to this type of goal setting, including external motivation, the opportunity to learn from and be inspired by others, and, perhaps above all, be accountable to someone other than yourself.</p><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">"<a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://www.ajmc.com/view/weight-loss-easier-when-partners-work-together-study-finds" target="_blank">Research shows</a> that couples who go on a diet together are more likely to lose weight and keep it off than those who do so alone," says Christine Whelan, a clinical professor and consumer scientist at the School of Human Ecology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. One reason for this is that both partners ensure the other is sticking to their goals.  </p><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">Making changes at the same time as others also means you have other people to share your success and progress with, Hong adds, which makes the new behavior more rewarding and likelier to continue.  </p></div></div></div><div class="NYwzQ vUYNV glxIO ilAoG HPkGR "><div class="natgeo-ad" data-testid="prism-ad-wrapper" style="min-width:728px;min-height:90px;transition:min-height 0.3s linear 0s" data-ad-placeholder="true"><div data-box-type="fitt-adbox-fitt-article-inline-outstream" data-testid="prism-ad"><div class="Ad fitt-article-inline-outstream ad-slot " data-slot-type="fitt-article-inline-outstream" data-slot-kvps="pos=fitt-article-inline-outstream-2"></div></div></div></div><div class="FITT_Article_main_group_wrapper VZTD UeCOM jIRH oimqG DjbQm UwdmX Xmrlz ReShI KaJdY lqtkC ssImf HfYhe RTHNs iJVrZ " data-testid="prism-GridContainer"><div class="Kiog kNVGM nvpSA qwdi bmjsw " data-testid="prism-GridRow"><div class="theme-e oBTii mrzah " data-testid="prism-GridColumn" style="--grid-column-span-xxs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-xs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-sm:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-md:20;--grid-column-span-lg:16;--grid-column-span-xl:16;--grid-column-span-xxl:14;--grid-column-start-xxs:auto;--grid-column-start-xs:auto;--grid-column-start-sm:auto;--grid-column-start-md:3;--grid-column-start-lg:5;--grid-column-start-xl:5;--grid-column-start-xxl:6"><h2 class="RxNCg ykkUm PvZ nIjPJ PMXYp LmsHF SfAHY mNgye lNbol LBPRq rBLIK ">The downside of collective goal setting</h2><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">At the same time, many of these benefits can be flipped on their heads—such as when you're relying on a partner to keep you motivated and they decide to stop going to the gym. "They're likely to make you want to stay home as well," says Katherine Milkman, a University of Pennsylvania Wharton School professor, and the author of <i class=" ">How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You are to Where You Want to Be. </i></p><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">It's also common for collective goal setters to compare their results with others and become discouraged if one person is succeeding where they aren’t. "Just because something seems to be working for someone else doesn’t mean you're failing, but that’s often the narrative we tell ourselves," Whelan says. </p><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">(<a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/article/your-actions-alone-cant-save-the-planet-but-these-habits-can-help" target="_blank"><i class=" ">Your actions alone can't save the planet—but these habits can help</i></a>.)</p><div class="oLzSq QrHMO GbsKS pvsTF EhJPu vPlOC zNYgW OsTsW AMhAA daRVX ISNQ sKyCY eRftA acPPc ebfE nFwaT MCnQE mEeeY SmBjI xegrY VvTxJ iulOd NIuqO zzscu lzDCc aHUBM hbvnu OjMNy eQqcx SVqKB GQmdz jaoD iShaE ONJdw vrZxD OnRTz gbbfF roDbV kRoBe oMlSS gfNzt oJhud eXZcf zhVlX "><div class="XQpSH zzkIM UtCfs sXthe lyRMG " data-testid="prism-divider"></div><div><section class="Kiog iKqXF CHWlW ZgZTu FlDNH hQfuy feniZ wBpop uAyYK yJYJo OGgqj tQHio PCVZs " 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src="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/17bd8cdd-d8e6-4d6a-bf1f-d5ec9e7b6e65/F0357874-Human_kidney_and_hormones_illustration_square.jpg"/></picture></div></div></div><div class="QGHKv iVcn avodi rEPuv ICwhc ibBnq Bkgbl ZLXw kSqqG rEBmF "><div class="VZTD rEPuv QXDKT pJYTK " data-testid="prism-meta"><div class="CJAFL gDeX "><div class="mLASH VZTD UeCOM wSnmx ltDkr MjHGf rmiAn vvBSK " id="Whatiscortisolandshotags"><div class="wXbPV YAJid wPGsL ">SCIENCE</div></div><h2 class="PFoxV eBpQD rcQBv bQtjQ lQUdN GpQCA mAkiF FvMyr WvoqU nPLLM tuAKv " id="Whatiscortisolandshoheadline">What is cortisol—and should you actually be worried about it?</h2></div></div></div></a></div></section></div><div class="XQpSH zzkIM UtCfs Ufjyt " data-testid="prism-divider"></div></div><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">Wood adds that some of our most important life goals—think financial security, productivity at school or work, or having a healthy diet—require ongoing and lasting behaviors or practices that are "harder to sustain with abstract motives like the idea of social accountability."</p><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">Another problem with being excited by a fresh start is that it’s hard to stay motivated months later when your new habit "no longer feels fresh or new," says Milkman.</p></div></div></div><div class="NYwzQ vUYNV glxIO ilAoG HPkGR "><div class="natgeo-ad" data-testid="prism-ad-wrapper" style="min-width:728px;min-height:90px;transition:min-height 0.3s linear 0s" data-ad-placeholder="true"><div data-box-type="fitt-adbox-fitt-article-inline-outstream" data-testid="prism-ad"><div class="Ad fitt-article-inline-outstream ad-slot " data-slot-type="fitt-article-inline-outstream" data-slot-kvps="pos=fitt-article-inline-outstream-3"></div></div></div></div><div class="FITT_Article_main_group_wrapper VZTD UeCOM jIRH oimqG DjbQm UwdmX Xmrlz ReShI KaJdY lqtkC ssImf HfYhe RTHNs iJVrZ " data-testid="prism-GridContainer"><div class="Kiog kNVGM nvpSA qwdi bmjsw " data-testid="prism-GridRow"><div class="theme-e oBTii mrzah " data-testid="prism-GridColumn" style="--grid-column-span-xxs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-xs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-sm:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-md:20;--grid-column-span-lg:16;--grid-column-span-xl:16;--grid-column-span-xxl:14;--grid-column-start-xxs:auto;--grid-column-start-xs:auto;--grid-column-start-sm:auto;--grid-column-start-md:3;--grid-column-start-lg:5;--grid-column-start-xl:5;--grid-column-start-xxl:6"><h2 class="RxNCg ykkUm PvZ nIjPJ PMXYp LmsHF SfAHY mNgye lNbol LBPRq rBLIK ">So, when is actually the best time to make a change?</h2><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">Such reasons show why it's not always wise to tie new habits with fleeting moments or (temporarily) likeminded people and to instead identify deep-rooted and personally significant reasons to change.</p><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">Wood calls such moments "inflection points"—such as an upcoming high school reunion causing you to want to lose a few pounds, over-drafting your bank account and realizing it's time to improve your career, or having a health scare wake you up to prioritizing a healthier lifestyle. </p><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">Hong says such moments tend to provide enduring feelings of motivation "because they are rooted in something meaningful and more profound than just going along with everyone else." </p><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">At the same time, one doesn't have to wait for a wakeup call. "There really is no reason to put off changes you know need to occur," says Kyle Smith, a brain and behavioral scientist at Dartmouth College. "If your body is telling you to change something, listen to it and don't wait for something drastic to happen." </p><h2 class="RxNCg ykkUm PvZ nIjPJ PMXYp LmsHF SfAHY mNgye lNbol LBPRq rBLIK ">What to do when motivation hits you </h2><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">Regardless of what jumpstarts your motivation, Wood says it's critical to take action as soon as you feel the desire because "you may only have a short window of opportunity to make decisions about what you want to do before your old habits get in the way."</p></div></div></div><div class="NYwzQ vUYNV glxIO ilAoG HPkGR "><div class="natgeo-ad" data-testid="prism-ad-wrapper" style="min-width:300px;min-height:250px;transition:min-height 0.3s linear 0s" data-ad-placeholder="true"><div data-box-type="fitt-adbox-fitt-article-inline-box" data-testid="prism-ad"><div class="Ad fitt-article-inline-box ad-slot " data-slot-type="fitt-article-inline-box" data-slot-kvps="pos=fitt-article-inline-box"></div></div></div></div><div class="FITT_Article_main_group_wrapper VZTD UeCOM jIRH oimqG DjbQm UwdmX Xmrlz ReShI KaJdY lqtkC ssImf HfYhe RTHNs iJVrZ " data-testid="prism-GridContainer"><div class="Kiog kNVGM nvpSA qwdi bmjsw " data-testid="prism-GridRow"><div class="theme-e oBTii mrzah " data-testid="prism-GridColumn" style="--grid-column-span-xxs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-xs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-sm:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-md:20;--grid-column-span-lg:16;--grid-column-span-xl:16;--grid-column-span-xxl:14;--grid-column-start-xxs:auto;--grid-column-start-xs:auto;--grid-column-start-sm:auto;--grid-column-start-md:3;--grid-column-start-lg:5;--grid-column-start-xl:5;--grid-column-start-xxl:6"><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">Milkman agrees, saying that moments of motivation are ideal times to put a plan in place to improve your likelihood of positive long-term results—even after you motivation wanes. “There's nothing wrong with using a momentary fresh start as a springboard to set yourself up for longer-term change," she says.  </p><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">(<a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/premium/article/new-years-resolutions-stick" target="_blank"><i class=" ">Here are 8 strategies to make a new habit stick</i></a>.)</p><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">For instance, writing out a daily schedule that includes time for your new habit and posting it somewhere you’ll see it each morning. You might also join a gym while your motivation is high to lock yourself into a monthly payment that will keep you motivated to use the membership even after your interest in getting in shape begins to cool.</p><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">Milkman says some people also set up what’s called a “<a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://scholar.harvard.edu/files/todd_rogers/files/commitment_devices_2.pdf">commitment device</a>” that provides either a reward or punishment to keep them motivated after their initial drive wanes.</p><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">For example, smokers <a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://www.aeaweb.org/articles?id=10.1257/app.2.4.213">in one study</a> voluntarily deposited money into a savings account but could only access the money after passing random urine tests over six months. If they failed, their money was forfeited to charity. The smokers who participated in the study had a 40 percent higher success rate than smokers who hadn’t used a commitment device.</p></div></div></div><div class="NYwzQ vUYNV glxIO ilAoG HPkGR "><div class="natgeo-ad" data-testid="prism-ad-wrapper" style="min-width:300px;min-height:250px;transition:min-height 0.3s linear 0s" data-ad-placeholder="true"><div data-box-type="fitt-adbox-fitt-article-inline-box" data-testid="prism-ad"><div class="Ad fitt-article-inline-box ad-slot " data-slot-type="fitt-article-inline-box" data-slot-kvps="pos=fitt-article-inline-box"></div></div></div></div><div class="FITT_Article_main_group_wrapper VZTD UeCOM jIRH oimqG DjbQm UwdmX Xmrlz ReShI KaJdY lqtkC ssImf HfYhe RTHNs iJVrZ " data-testid="prism-GridContainer"><div class="Kiog kNVGM nvpSA qwdi bmjsw " data-testid="prism-GridRow"><div class="theme-e oBTii mrzah " data-testid="prism-GridColumn" style="--grid-column-span-xxs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-xs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-sm:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-md:20;--grid-column-span-lg:16;--grid-column-span-xl:16;--grid-column-span-xxl:14;--grid-column-start-xxs:auto;--grid-column-start-xs:auto;--grid-column-start-sm:auto;--grid-column-start-md:3;--grid-column-start-lg:5;--grid-column-start-xl:5;--grid-column-start-xxl:6"><h2 class="RxNCg ykkUm PvZ nIjPJ PMXYp LmsHF SfAHY mNgye lNbol LBPRq rBLIK ">More tricks for making a new habit stick</h2><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">Another strategy for successful habit formation is breaking down bigger goals into smaller, more specific ones. So instead of saying "I'm going to lose 10 pounds a month," set a goal to limit your daily calorie intake and get to the gym for 30 minutes a day.</p><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">"<a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.704790/full" target="_blank">Research has</a> consistently shown that making specific goals leads to better performance than either vague goals or no goals at all," says Hong.</p><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">You can also add your new habit to an already established habit, a concept known as "<a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://www.aicr.org/resources/blog/what-is-habit-stacking-and-why-is-it-important/" target="_blank">habit stacking</a><u class=" ">.</u>” It’s a practice that shows you’re more likely to, say, read 10 pages of a book every night if you do it right before doing a concrete habit like brushing your teeth before bed.  </p><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">Making your new habit enjoyable is also important. "I suggest finding a behavior that gives some immediate reward," says Wood. "This means that if you hate going to the gym, you can make it more fun by listening to podcasts while you run or working out alongside friends."</p><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">No matter what motivates you, it's essential not to get down on yourself when you slip up or fail along the way.</p></div></div></div><div class="NYwzQ vUYNV glxIO ilAoG HPkGR "><div class="natgeo-ad" data-testid="prism-ad-wrapper" style="min-width:728px;min-height:90px;transition:min-height 0.3s linear 0s" data-ad-placeholder="true"><div data-box-type="fitt-adbox-fitt-article-inline-outstream" data-testid="prism-ad"><div class="Ad fitt-article-inline-outstream ad-slot " data-slot-type="fitt-article-inline-outstream" data-slot-kvps="pos=fitt-article-inline-outstream-4"></div></div></div></div><div class="FITT_Article_main_group_wrapper VZTD UeCOM jIRH oimqG DjbQm UwdmX Xmrlz ReShI KaJdY lqtkC ssImf HfYhe RTHNs iJVrZ " data-testid="prism-GridContainer"><div class="Kiog kNVGM nvpSA qwdi bmjsw " data-testid="prism-GridRow"><div class="theme-e oBTii mrzah " data-testid="prism-GridColumn" style="--grid-column-span-xxs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-xs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-sm:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-md:20;--grid-column-span-lg:16;--grid-column-span-xl:16;--grid-column-span-xxl:14;--grid-column-start-xxs:auto;--grid-column-start-xs:auto;--grid-column-start-sm:auto;--grid-column-start-md:3;--grid-column-start-lg:5;--grid-column-start-xl:5;--grid-column-start-xxl:6"><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC eTIW sUzSN ">"You certainly don’t need to wait until January 1st to make a needed change, but if you do and your resolutions don’t pan out the way you expect, try again on February 1st, on Lunar New Year, or on the first day of spring," suggests Whelan. "Learning what works for you and what doesn’t is important in the cycle of change."</p></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="FITT_Article_end "><div class="VZTD UeCOM jIRH oimqG DjbQm UwdmX Xmrlz ReShI KaJdY lqtkC ssImf HfYhe RTHNs " data-testid="prism-GridContainer"><div class="Kiog kNVGM nvpSA qwdi bmjsw " data-testid="prism-GridRow"><div class="theme-e oBTii mrzah " data-testid="prism-GridColumn" style="--grid-column-span-xxs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-xs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-sm:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-md:20;--grid-column-span-lg:16;--grid-column-span-xl:16;--grid-column-span-xxl:14;--grid-column-start-xxs:auto;--grid-column-start-xs:auto;--grid-column-start-sm:auto;--grid-column-start-md:3;--grid-column-start-lg:5;--grid-column-start-xl:5;--grid-column-start-xxl:6"><div 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Spring cleaning. Dry January. <a href=\"https://www.wsj.com/health/wellness/the-october-theory-of-changing-your-life-62732270\" target=\"_blank\">October Theory. </a><a href=\"https://www.businessinsider.com/woman-lost-12-friends-to-suicide-created-noso-november-2021-11\" target=\"_blank\">NoSo November</a>. Our culture is obsessed with collective goal setting and the idea that forming new habits during specific times of the year will lead to successful outcomes. But it turns out there’s no real evidence that’s the case."},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html1","cntnt":{"mrkup":"In fact, <a href=\"https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2980864/\" target=\"_blank\">research suggests</a> that only two people in 10 stick with their New Year's resolutions long term—and scientists say there doesn't appear to be any one time of year where success is likelier to occur than another.  "},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html2","cntnt":{"mrkup":"\"I am aware of no research showing that starting fresh in January or October or any other month makes you more likely to stick with a new behavior,\" says Wendy Wood, a behavioral psychologist at the University of Southern California and the author of <i>Good Habits, Bad Habits: The Science of Making Positive Changes that Stick</i>. "},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html3","cntnt":{"mrkup":"(<a href=\"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/premium/article/alcohol-sober-dry-january-body-health-effects\" target=\"_blank\"><i>Doing Dry January anyway? Here's how a month without booze changes your body</i></a>.)"},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html4","cntnt":{"mrkup":"The reality is that, when it comes to establishing new habits, there really is an ideal time to do it—but it might not be when you think. Further, the <i>why</i> behind your motivations and the <i>how</i> you go about pursuing your goals matter a lot more."},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html5","cntnt":{"mrkup":"Here’s what experts have to say about when you should start a new habit—plus how to make your efforts last longer than weeks or months. "},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html6","cntnt":{"mrkup":"Why we like the idea of making changes together"},"type":"h2","style":{}},{"id":"html7","cntnt":{"mrkup":"It helps to start by understanding why<i> </i>we're so drawn to setting goals collectively and around the same times every year."},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html8","cntnt":{"mrkup":"One explanation is that humans are inherently social beings and \"belonging to a community is a fundamental human need,\" explains Selena Bartlett, a neuroscientist at the Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia. Collective rituals like New Year's resolutions, she says, \"satisfy the human drive to fit in, feel supported, and be part of something larger than oneself.\""},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html9","cntnt":{"mrkup":"There's also the factor of what psychologists call \"temporal landmarks\"—moments such as the start of a new year, graduation, or a birthday, \"that feel like a clean slate or fresh start because they allow us to mentally separate our past habits from future goals,\" says Harold Hong, a clinical psychiatrist and the medical director of an addiction recovery center in North Carolina. "},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html10","cntnt":{"mrkup":"(<a href=\"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/lifestyle/article/best-fitness-trackers\" target=\"_blank\"><i>These are the best fitness trackers for achieving your health goals</i></a>.)"},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html11","cntnt":{"mrkup":"There are some advantages to this type of goal setting, including external motivation, the opportunity to learn from and be inspired by others, and, perhaps above all, be accountable to someone other than yourself."},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html12","cntnt":{"mrkup":"\"<a href=\"https://www.ajmc.com/view/weight-loss-easier-when-partners-work-together-study-finds\" target=\"_blank\">Research shows</a> that couples who go on a diet together are more likely to lose weight and keep it off than those who do so alone,\" says Christine Whelan, a clinical professor and consumer scientist at the School of Human Ecology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. One reason for this is that both partners ensure the other is sticking to their goals.  "},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html13","cntnt":{"mrkup":"Making changes at the same time as others also means you have other people to share your success and progress with, Hong adds, which makes the new behavior more rewarding and likelier to continue.  "},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html14","cntnt":{"mrkup":"The downside of collective goal setting"},"type":"h2","style":{}},{"id":"html15","cntnt":{"mrkup":"At the same time, many of these benefits can be flipped on their heads—such as when you're relying on a partner to keep you motivated and they decide to stop going to the gym. \"They're likely to make you want to stay home as well,\" says Katherine Milkman, a University of Pennsylvania Wharton School professor, and the author of <i>How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You are to Where You Want to Be. </i>"},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html16","cntnt":{"mrkup":"It's also common for collective goal setters to compare their results with others and become discouraged if one person is succeeding where they aren’t. \"Just because something seems to be working for someone else doesn’t mean you're failing, but that’s often the narrative we tell ourselves,\" Whelan says. "},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html17","cntnt":{"mrkup":"(<a href=\"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/article/your-actions-alone-cant-save-the-planet-but-these-habits-can-help\" target=\"_blank\"><i>Your actions alone can't save the planet—but these habits can help</i></a>.)"},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html18","cntnt":{"mrkup":"Wood adds that some of our most important life goals—think financial security, productivity at school or work, or having a healthy diet—require ongoing and lasting behaviors or practices that are \"harder to sustain with abstract motives like the idea of social accountability.\""},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html19","cntnt":{"mrkup":"Another problem with being excited by a fresh start is that it’s hard to stay motivated months later when your new habit \"no longer feels fresh or new,\" says Milkman."},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html20","cntnt":{"mrkup":"So, when is actually the best time to make a change?"},"type":"h2","style":{}},{"id":"html21","cntnt":{"mrkup":"Such reasons show why it's not always wise to tie new habits with fleeting moments or (temporarily) likeminded people and to instead identify deep-rooted and personally significant reasons to change."},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html22","cntnt":{"mrkup":"Wood calls such moments \"inflection points\"—such as an upcoming high school reunion causing you to want to lose a few pounds, over-drafting your bank account and realizing it's time to improve your career, or having a health scare wake you up to prioritizing a healthier lifestyle. "},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html23","cntnt":{"mrkup":"Hong says such moments tend to provide enduring feelings of motivation \"because they are rooted in something meaningful and more profound than just going along with everyone else.\" "},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html24","cntnt":{"mrkup":"At the same time, one doesn't have to wait for a wakeup call. \"There really is no reason to put off changes you know need to occur,\" says Kyle Smith, a brain and behavioral scientist at Dartmouth College. \"If your body is telling you to change something, listen to it and don't wait for something drastic to happen.\" "},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html25","cntnt":{"mrkup":"What to do when motivation hits you "},"type":"h2","style":{}},{"id":"html26","cntnt":{"mrkup":"Regardless of what jumpstarts your motivation, Wood says it's critical to take action as soon as you feel the desire because \"you may only have a short window of opportunity to make decisions about what you want to do before your old habits get in the way.\""},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html27","cntnt":{"mrkup":"Milkman agrees, saying that moments of motivation are ideal times to put a plan in place to improve your likelihood of positive long-term results—even after you motivation wanes. “There's nothing wrong with using a momentary fresh start as a springboard to set yourself up for longer-term change,\" she says.  "},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html28","cntnt":{"mrkup":"(<a href=\"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/premium/article/new-years-resolutions-stick\" target=\"_blank\"><i>Here are 8 strategies to make a new habit stick</i></a>.)"},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html29","cntnt":{"mrkup":"For instance, writing out a daily schedule that includes time for your new habit and posting it somewhere you’ll see it each morning. You might also join a gym while your motivation is high to lock yourself into a monthly payment that will keep you motivated to use the membership even after your interest in getting in shape begins to cool."},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html30","cntnt":{"mrkup":"Milkman says some people also set up what’s called a “<a href=\"https://scholar.harvard.edu/files/todd_rogers/files/commitment_devices_2.pdf\">commitment device</a>” that provides either a reward or punishment to keep them motivated after their initial drive wanes."},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html31","cntnt":{"mrkup":"For example, smokers <a href=\"https://www.aeaweb.org/articles?id=10.1257/app.2.4.213\">in one study</a> voluntarily deposited money into a savings account but could only access the money after passing random urine tests over six months. If they failed, their money was forfeited to charity. The smokers who participated in the study had a 40 percent higher success rate than smokers who hadn’t used a commitment device."},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html32","cntnt":{"mrkup":"More tricks for making a new habit stick"},"type":"h2","style":{}},{"id":"html33","cntnt":{"mrkup":"Another strategy for successful habit formation is breaking down bigger goals into smaller, more specific ones. So instead of saying \"I'm going to lose 10 pounds a month,\" set a goal to limit your daily calorie intake and get to the gym for 30 minutes a day."},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html34","cntnt":{"mrkup":"\"<a href=\"https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.704790/full\" target=\"_blank\">Research has</a> consistently shown that making specific goals leads to better performance than either vague goals or no goals at all,\" says Hong."},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html35","cntnt":{"mrkup":"You can also add your new habit to an already established habit, a concept known as \"<a href=\"https://www.aicr.org/resources/blog/what-is-habit-stacking-and-why-is-it-important/\" target=\"_blank\">habit stacking</a><u>.</u>” It’s a practice that shows you’re more likely to, say, read 10 pages of a book every night if you do it right before doing a concrete habit like brushing your teeth before bed.  "},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html36","cntnt":{"mrkup":"Making your new habit enjoyable is also important. \"I suggest finding a behavior that gives some immediate reward,\" says Wood. \"This means that if you hate going to the gym, you can make it more fun by listening to podcasts while you run or working out alongside friends.\""},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html37","cntnt":{"mrkup":"No matter what motivates you, it's essential not to get down on yourself when you slip up or fail along the way."},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html38","cntnt":{"mrkup":"\"You certainly don’t need to wait until January 1st to make a needed change, but if you do and your resolutions don’t pan out the way you expect, try again on February 1st, on Lunar New Year, or on the first day of spring,\" suggests Whelan. \"Learning what works for you and what doesn’t is important in the cycle of change.\""},"type":"p","style":{}}],"cid":"drn:src:natgeo:unison::prod:213e0e35-bbac-46d9-9c94-d4b5d1470290","cntrbGrp":[{"contributors":[{"displayName":"Daryl Austin"}],"title":"By","rl":"Writer"}],"mode":"richtext","dscrptn":"Forget New Year’s resolutions and other gimmicks. Experts say the best way to change your habits is to consider the so-called “inflection points” of your own life—and to act quickly.","enableAds":true,"endbug":true,"isMetered":false,"isUserAuthed":false,"isTruncated":false,"isEntitled":false,"freemiumContentGatingEnabled":true,"premiumContentGatingEnabled":false,"ldMda":{"cmsType":"image","hasCopyright":true,"id":"8dfe5c54-211b-4a9f-ae1a-3aa545aa6ee1","lines":3,"positionMetaBottom":true,"showMore":true,"caption":"Run It Up, a running club in Dallas, Texas, has grown from around 20 members to roughly 300 today. If you're motivated to get fit, experts say you shouldn't wait for an arbitrary time like New Year's Day to get started.","credit":"Photograph by Shelby Tauber, The New York Times/ Redux","image":{"crps":[{"nm":"raw","aspRto":1.5003663003663004,"url":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/4a9793ad-d6b3-4358-baf3-4742a55ebde4/h_16221516.jpg"},{"nm":"16x9","aspRto":1.7777777777777777,"url":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/4a9793ad-d6b3-4358-baf3-4742a55ebde4/h_16221516_16x9.jpg"},{"nm":"3x2","aspRto":1.5,"url":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/4a9793ad-d6b3-4358-baf3-4742a55ebde4/h_16221516_3x2.jpg"},{"nm":"square","aspRto":1,"url":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/4a9793ad-d6b3-4358-baf3-4742a55ebde4/h_16221516_square.jpg"},{"nm":"2x3","aspRto":0.6666666666666666,"url":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/4a9793ad-d6b3-4358-baf3-4742a55ebde4/h_16221516_2x3.jpg"},{"nm":"3x4","aspRto":0.75,"url":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/4a9793ad-d6b3-4358-baf3-4742a55ebde4/h_16221516_3x4.jpg"},{"nm":"4x3","aspRto":1.3333333333333333,"url":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/4a9793ad-d6b3-4358-baf3-4742a55ebde4/h_16221516_4x3.jpg"},{"nm":"2x1","aspRto":2,"url":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/4a9793ad-d6b3-4358-baf3-4742a55ebde4/h_16221516_2x1.jpg"}],"rt":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/4a9793ad-d6b3-4358-baf3-4742a55ebde4/h_16221516.jpg","src":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/4a9793ad-d6b3-4358-baf3-4742a55ebde4/h_16221516.jpg","altText":"Runners high five teammates after a practice.","crdt":"Photograph by Shelby Tauber, The New York Times/ Redux","dsc":"Run It Up, a running club in Dallas, Texas on June 10, 2024, which has grown from around 20 members a few months ago to roughly 300 today, according to the group's founder. Inspired by one thirsty TikTok video after another, users are hoping to find their next romantic encounter at the finish line.","rchDsc":{"markup":"Run It Up, a running club in Dallas, Texas on June 10, 2024, which has grown from around 20 members a few months ago to roughly 300 today, according to the group's founder. Inspired by one thirsty TikTok video after another, users are hoping to find their next romantic encounter at the finish line. "},"rchTtl":{"markup":""}},"imageAlt":"Runners high five teammates after a practice.","imageSrc":[{"sources":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/4a9793ad-d6b3-4358-baf3-4742a55ebde4/h_16221516.jpg?w=374&h=249","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/4a9793ad-d6b3-4358-baf3-4742a55ebde4/h_16221516.jpg?w=748&h=498"},"media":"(max-width: 374px)"},{"sources":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/4a9793ad-d6b3-4358-baf3-4742a55ebde4/h_16221516.jpg?w=413&h=275","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/4a9793ad-d6b3-4358-baf3-4742a55ebde4/h_16221516.jpg?w=826&h=550"},"media":"(max-width: 413px)"},{"sources":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/4a9793ad-d6b3-4358-baf3-4742a55ebde4/h_16221516.jpg?w=718&h=479","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/4a9793ad-d6b3-4358-baf3-4742a55ebde4/h_16221516.jpg?w=1436&h=958"},"media":"(min-width: 414px)"}],"hideTitle":true,"hideCredit":false,"hideEndBug":true,"type":"imageLead","hideLine":true,"deferImages":false},"mdDt":"2024-11-14T18:26:00.533Z","schma":{"athrs":[{"name":"Daryl Austin"}],"cnnicl":"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/best-time-to-start-a-habit","kywrds":"new year's resolutions, october theory, habit formation, behavioral science, commitment device, inflection points","lg":"https://assets-cdn.nationalgeographic.com/natgeo/static/default.NG.logo.dark.jpg","pblshr":"National Geographic","abt":"Health","sclDsc":"Forget New Year’s resolutions and other gimmicks. Experts say the best way to change your habits is to consider the so-called “inflection points” of your own life—and to act quickly.","sclImg":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/4a9793ad-d6b3-4358-baf3-4742a55ebde4/h_16221516_16x9.jpg?w=1200","sclTtl":"When is the right time to start a new habit—and actually keep it?"},"sctn":"Science","sctnLbls":[{"name":"Science","id":"2af51eeb-09a8-3bcf-8467-6b2a08edb76c","type":"sources","uri":"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science"}],"title":"When is the right time to start a new habit—and actually keep it?","wrdcnt":1654,"dt":"2024-11-14T20:34:45.063Z","prismData":{"mainComponents":[{"name":"LeadMediaImage","props":{"caption":{"credit":"Photograph by Shelby Tauber, The New York Times/ Redux","source":"","text":"Run It Up, a running club in Dallas, Texas, has grown from around 20 members to roughly 300 today. If you're motivated to get fit, experts say you shouldn't wait for an arbitrary time like New Year's Day to get started.","lines":3,"showMoreText":"Read More"},"image":{"alt":"Runners high five teammates after a practice.","src":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/4a9793ad-d6b3-4358-baf3-4742a55ebde4/h_16221516.jpg","sources":[{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/4a9793ad-d6b3-4358-baf3-4742a55ebde4/h_16221516.jpg?w=374&h=249","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/4a9793ad-d6b3-4358-baf3-4742a55ebde4/h_16221516.jpg?w=748&h=498"},"max":374,"nativeWidth":374},{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/4a9793ad-d6b3-4358-baf3-4742a55ebde4/h_16221516.jpg?w=413&h=275","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/4a9793ad-d6b3-4358-baf3-4742a55ebde4/h_16221516.jpg?w=826&h=550"},"max":413,"min":375,"nativeWidth":413},{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/4a9793ad-d6b3-4358-baf3-4742a55ebde4/h_16221516.jpg?w=718&h=479","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/4a9793ad-d6b3-4358-baf3-4742a55ebde4/h_16221516.jpg?w=1436&h=958"},"max":767,"min":414,"nativeWidth":718},{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/4a9793ad-d6b3-4358-baf3-4742a55ebde4/h_16221516.jpg?w=718&h=479","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/4a9793ad-d6b3-4358-baf3-4742a55ebde4/h_16221516.jpg?w=1436&h=958"},"max":1024,"min":768,"nativeWidth":718},{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/4a9793ad-d6b3-4358-baf3-4742a55ebde4/h_16221516.jpg?w=1280&h=853","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/4a9793ad-d6b3-4358-baf3-4742a55ebde4/h_16221516.jpg?w=2560&h=1706"},"min":1025,"nativeWidth":1280}],"fetchPriority":"high","loading":"eager","showCopyright":"Please be respectful of copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited."},"marginTop":false,"ratio":"2048x1365"},"config":{},"usesArticleObject":true},{"name":"PrismBadgeTag","props":{"badge":null,"tags":{"tags":[{"label":"SCIENCE","href":"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science"}]},"isUserAuthed":false},"config":{}},{"name":"Headline","props":{"title":"When is the right time to start a new habit—and actually keep it?","description":"Forget New Year’s resolutions and other gimmicks. Experts say the best way to change your habits is to consider the so-called “inflection points” of your own life—and to act quickly."},"config":{},"usesArticleObject":true},{"name":"Byline","props":{"contributors":[{"name":"Daryl Austin","role":"writer","labelOverride":"By"}],"logoRadius":true,"publishedDate":{"date":"2024-11-14T20:34:45.063Z","postFormat":"MMMM D, YYYY","preFormat":"MMMM D, YYYY"},"shareProps":{"title":"When is the right time to start a new habit—and actually keep it?","url":"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/best-time-to-start-a-habit","pageType":"Story","source":"NatGeo","shareButton":"inline","size":"l","networks":["facebook","twitter","email","link"],"description":"Forget New Year’s resolutions and other gimmicks. Experts say the best way to change your habits is to consider the so-called “inflection points” of your own life—and to act quickly."}},"config":{},"usesArticleObject":true},{"name":"Divider","props":{"className":"natgeoDivider"},"config":{},"usesArticleObject":true},{"name":"Body","props":{"body":[[{"type":"p","content":["New Year’s resolutions. Spring cleaning. Dry January."," ",{"type":"a","content":["October Theory."," "],"attrs":{"href":"https://www.wsj.com/health/wellness/the-october-theory-of-changing-your-life-62732270","target":"_blank"}},{"type":"a","content":["NoSo November"],"attrs":{"href":"https://www.businessinsider.com/woman-lost-12-friends-to-suicide-created-noso-november-2021-11","target":"_blank"}},". Our culture is obsessed with collective goal setting and the idea that forming new habits during specific times of the year will lead to successful outcomes. But it turns out there’s no real evidence that’s the case."]},{"type":"p","content":["In fact,"," ",{"type":"a","content":["research suggests"],"attrs":{"href":"https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2980864/","target":"_blank"}}," ","that only two people in 10 stick with their New Year's resolutions long term—and scientists say there doesn't appear to be any one time of year where success is likelier to occur than another."," "," "]},{"type":"p","content":["\"I am aware of no research showing that starting fresh in January or October or any other month makes you more likely to stick with a new behavior,\" says Wendy Wood, a behavioral psychologist at the University of Southern California and the author of"," ",{"type":"i","content":["Good Habits, Bad Habits: The Science of Making Positive Changes that Stick"]},"."," "]}],{"type":"inline","content":{"name":"Ad","props":{"ad":{"kvps":{"pos":"fitt-article-inline-outstream-1"},"type":"fitt-article-inline-outstream","className":"fitt-article-inline-outstream"},"className":"natgeo-ad","placeholders":{"compact":{"size":[320,50]},"regular":{"size":[728,90]}},"initSelf":true},"context":{},"config":{"gridDisplayMode":"none"}}},[{"type":"p","content":["(",{"type":"a","content":[{"type":"i","content":["Doing Dry January anyway? Here's how a month without booze changes your body"]}],"attrs":{"href":"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/premium/article/alcohol-sober-dry-january-body-health-effects","target":"_blank"}},".)"]},{"type":"p","content":["The reality is that, when it comes to establishing new habits, there really is an ideal time to do it—but it might not be when you think. Further, the ",{"type":"i","content":["why"]}," behind your motivations and the ",{"type":"i","content":["how"]}," you go about pursuing your goals matter a lot more."]},{"type":"p","content":["Here’s what experts have to say about when you should start a new habit—plus how to make your efforts last longer than weeks or months."," "]},{"type":"h2","content":["Why we like the idea of making changes together"]},{"type":"p","content":["It helps to start by understanding"," ","why",{"type":"i","content":[" "]},"we're so drawn to setting goals collectively and around the same times every year."]},{"type":"p","content":["One explanation is that humans are inherently social beings and \"belonging to a community is a fundamental human need,\" explains Selena Bartlett, a neuroscientist at the Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia. Collective rituals like New Year's resolutions, she says, \"satisfy the human drive to fit in, feel supported, and be part of something larger than oneself.\""]}],{"type":"inline","content":{"name":"Ad","props":{"ad":{"type":"fitt-article-inline-box","className":"fitt-article-inline-box"},"className":"natgeo-ad","placeholders":{"compact":{"size":[300,250]},"regular":{"size":[300,250]}},"initSelf":true},"context":{},"config":{"gridDisplayMode":"none"}}},[{"type":"p","content":["There's also the factor of what psychologists call \"temporal landmarks\"—moments such as the start of a new year, graduation, or a birthday, \"that feel like a clean slate or fresh start because they allow us to mentally separate our past habits from future goals,\" says Harold Hong, a clinical psychiatrist and the medical director of an addiction recovery center in North Carolina."," "]},{"type":"p","content":["(",{"type":"a","content":[{"type":"i","content":["These are the best fitness trackers for achieving your health goals"]}],"attrs":{"href":"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/lifestyle/article/best-fitness-trackers","target":"_blank"}},".)"]},{"type":"p","content":["There are some advantages to this type of goal setting, including external motivation, the opportunity to learn from and be inspired by others, and, perhaps above all, be accountable to someone other than"," ","yourself."]},{"type":"p","content":["\"",{"type":"a","content":["Research shows"],"attrs":{"href":"https://www.ajmc.com/view/weight-loss-easier-when-partners-work-together-study-finds","target":"_blank"}}," ","that couples who go on a diet together are more likely to lose weight and keep it off than those who do so alone,\" says Christine Whelan, a clinical professor and consumer scientist at the School of Human Ecology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. One reason for this is that both partners ensure the other is sticking to their goals."," "," "]},{"type":"p","content":["Making changes at the same time as others also means you have other people to share your success and progress with, Hong adds, which makes the new behavior more rewarding and likelier to continue."," "," "]}],{"type":"inline","content":{"name":"Ad","props":{"ad":{"kvps":{"pos":"fitt-article-inline-outstream-2"},"type":"fitt-article-inline-outstream","className":"fitt-article-inline-outstream"},"className":"natgeo-ad","placeholders":{"compact":{"size":[320,50]},"regular":{"size":[728,90]}},"initSelf":true},"context":{},"config":{"gridDisplayMode":"none"}}},[{"type":"h2","content":["The downside of collective goal setting"]},{"type":"p","content":["At the same time, many of these benefits can be flipped on their heads—such as when you're relying on a partner to keep you motivated and they decide to stop going to the gym. \"They're likely to make you want to stay home as well,\" says Katherine Milkman, a University of Pennsylvania Wharton School professor, and the author of"," ",{"type":"i","content":["How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You are to Where You Want to Be."," "]}]},{"type":"p","content":["It's also common for collective goal setters to compare their results with others and become discouraged if one person is succeeding where they aren’t. \"Just because something seems to be working for someone else doesn’t mean you're failing, but that’s often the narrative we tell ourselves,\" Whelan says."," "]},{"type":"p","content":["(",{"type":"a","content":[{"type":"i","content":["Your actions alone can't save the planet—but these habits can help"]}],"attrs":{"href":"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/article/your-actions-alone-cant-save-the-planet-but-these-habits-can-help","target":"_blank"}},".)"]},{"type":"inline","content":{"name":"ContentPromo","props":{"cards":[{"headline":"Screen time can have surprising benefits for 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it?","image":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/17bd8cdd-d8e6-4d6a-bf1f-d5ec9e7b6e65/F0357874-Human_kidney_and_hormones_illustration_square.jpg","link":"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/cortisol-stress-hormone-explainer","imageRatio":"1x1","tags":[{"value":"SCIENCE","type":"text"}],"imageSources":[{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/17bd8cdd-d8e6-4d6a-bf1f-d5ec9e7b6e65/F0357874-Human_kidney_and_hormones_illustration_square.jpg?w=195&h=195","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/17bd8cdd-d8e6-4d6a-bf1f-d5ec9e7b6e65/F0357874-Human_kidney_and_hormones_illustration_square.jpg?w=390&h=390"},"max":767,"nativeWidth":195},{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/17bd8cdd-d8e6-4d6a-bf1f-d5ec9e7b6e65/F0357874-Human_kidney_and_hormones_illustration_square.jpg?w=220&h=220","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/17bd8cdd-d8e6-4d6a-bf1f-d5ec9e7b6e65/F0357874-Human_kidney_and_hormones_illustration_square.jpg?w=440&h=440"},"min":768,"nativeWidth":220}],"type":"floating","inline":true}],"title":"You May Also Like","dividerEnabled":true},"context":{},"config":{"align":"center"}}},{"type":"p","content":["Wood adds that some of our most important life goals—think financial security, productivity at school or work, or having a healthy diet—require ongoing and lasting behaviors or practices that are \"harder to sustain with abstract motives like the idea of social accountability.\""]},{"type":"p","content":["Another problem with being excited by a fresh start is that it’s hard to stay motivated months later when your new habit \"no longer feels fresh or new,\" says Milkman."]}],{"type":"inline","content":{"name":"Ad","props":{"ad":{"kvps":{"pos":"fitt-article-inline-outstream-3"},"type":"fitt-article-inline-outstream","className":"fitt-article-inline-outstream"},"className":"natgeo-ad","placeholders":{"compact":{"size":[320,50]},"regular":{"size":[728,90]}},"initSelf":true},"context":{},"config":{"gridDisplayMode":"none"}}},[{"type":"h2","content":["So, when is actually the best time to make a change?"]},{"type":"p","content":["Such reasons show why it's not always wise to tie new habits with fleeting moments or (temporarily) likeminded people and to instead identify deep-rooted and personally significant reasons to change."]},{"type":"p","content":["Wood calls such moments \"inflection points\"—such as"," ","an upcoming high school reunion causing you to want to lose a few pounds, over-drafting your bank account and realizing it's time to improve your career,"," ","or having a health scare wake you up to prioritizing a healthier lifestyle."," "]},{"type":"p","content":["Hong says such moments tend to provide enduring feelings of motivation \"because they are rooted in something meaningful and more profound than just going along with everyone else.\""," "]},{"type":"p","content":["At the same time, one doesn't have to wait for a wakeup call. \"There really is no reason to put off changes you know need to occur,\" says Kyle Smith, a brain and behavioral scientist at Dartmouth College. \"If your body is telling you to change something, listen to it and don't wait for something drastic to happen.\""," "]},{"type":"h2","content":["What to do when motivation hits you"," "]},{"type":"p","content":["Regardless of what jumpstarts your motivation, Wood says it's critical to take action as soon as you feel the desire because \"you may only have a short window of opportunity to make decisions about what you want to do before your old habits get in the way.\""]}],{"type":"inline","content":{"name":"Ad","props":{"ad":{"type":"fitt-article-inline-box","className":"fitt-article-inline-box"},"className":"natgeo-ad","placeholders":{"compact":{"size":[300,250]},"regular":{"size":[300,250]}},"initSelf":true},"context":{},"config":{"gridDisplayMode":"none"}}},[{"type":"p","content":["Milkman agrees, saying that moments of motivation are ideal times to put a plan in place to improve your likelihood of positive long-term results—even after you motivation wanes. “There's nothing wrong with using a momentary fresh start as a springboard to set yourself up for longer-term change,\" she says."," "," "]},{"type":"p","content":["(",{"type":"a","content":[{"type":"i","content":["Here are 8 strategies to make a new habit stick"]}],"attrs":{"href":"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/premium/article/new-years-resolutions-stick","target":"_blank"}},".)"]},{"type":"p","content":["For instance, writing out a daily schedule that includes time for your new habit and posting it somewhere you’ll see it each morning. You might also join a gym while your motivation is high to lock yourself into a monthly payment that will keep you motivated to use the membership even after your interest in getting in shape begins to cool."]},{"type":"p","content":["Milkman says some people also set up what’s called a “",{"type":"a","content":["commitment device"],"attrs":{"href":"https://scholar.harvard.edu/files/todd_rogers/files/commitment_devices_2.pdf"}},"” that provides either a reward or punishment to keep them motivated after their initial drive wanes."]},{"type":"p","content":["For example, smokers ",{"type":"a","content":["in one study"],"attrs":{"href":"https://www.aeaweb.org/articles?id=10.1257/app.2.4.213"}}," voluntarily deposited money into a savings account but could only access the money after passing random urine tests over six months. If they failed, their money was forfeited to charity. The smokers who participated in the study had a 40 percent higher success rate than smokers who hadn’t used a commitment device."]}],{"type":"inline","content":{"name":"Ad","props":{"ad":{"type":"fitt-article-inline-box","className":"fitt-article-inline-box"},"className":"natgeo-ad","placeholders":{"compact":{"size":[300,250]},"regular":{"size":[300,250]}},"initSelf":true},"context":{},"config":{"gridDisplayMode":"none"}}},[{"type":"h2","content":["More tricks for making a new habit stick"]},{"type":"p","content":["Another strategy for successful habit formation is breaking down bigger goals into smaller, more specific ones. So instead of saying \"I'm going to lose 10 pounds a month,\" set a goal to limit your daily calorie intake and get to the gym for 30 minutes a day."]},{"type":"p","content":["\"",{"type":"a","content":["Research"," ","has"],"attrs":{"href":"https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.704790/full","target":"_blank"}}," consistently shown that making specific goals leads to better performance than either vague goals or no goals at all,\" says Hong."]},{"type":"p","content":["You can also add your new habit to an already established habit, a concept known as \"",{"type":"a","content":["habit stacking"],"attrs":{"href":"https://www.aicr.org/resources/blog/what-is-habit-stacking-and-why-is-it-important/","target":"_blank"}},{"type":"u","content":["."]},"” It’s a practice that shows you’re more likely to, say, read 10 pages of a book every night if you do it right before doing a concrete habit like brushing your teeth before bed."," "," "]},{"type":"p","content":["Making your new habit enjoyable is also important. \"I suggest finding a behavior that gives some immediate reward,\" says Wood. \"This means that if you hate going to the gym, you can make it more fun by listening to podcasts while you run or working out alongside friends.\""]},{"type":"p","content":["No matter what motivates"," ","you, it's essential not to get down on yourself when you slip up or fail along the way."]}],{"type":"inline","content":{"name":"Ad","props":{"ad":{"kvps":{"pos":"fitt-article-inline-outstream-4"},"type":"fitt-article-inline-outstream","className":"fitt-article-inline-outstream"},"className":"natgeo-ad","placeholders":{"compact":{"size":[320,50]},"regular":{"size":[728,90]}},"initSelf":true},"context":{},"config":{"gridDisplayMode":"none"}}},[{"type":"p","content":["\"You certainly don’t need to wait until January 1st to make a needed change, but if you do and your resolutions don’t pan out the way you expect, try again on February 1st, on Lunar New Year, or on the first day of spring,\" suggests Whelan. \"Learning what works for you and what doesn’t is important in the cycle of change.\""]}]],"blockquote":{"disableQuotationMark":true,"simple":true},"dateline":null,"datelineSeparator":"—","wordCount":1474,"className":"PrismArticleBody SingleColumn"},"config":{"gridDisplayMode":"none"},"usesArticleObject":true}],"endComponents":[{"name":"RelatedTags","props":{"heading":"Related Topics","tags":[{"label":"HEALTH","href":"/related/f5d5bff6-4604-3e20-b98b-71b64a1982c9/health"},{"label":"PSYCHOLOGY","href":"/related/304bb1d4-e944-3d29-bc6d-d94bcd3938cc/psychology"},{"label":"RITUALS","href":"/related/abb28704-61c7-34e2-b076-8d3172796e9e/rituals"}]},"config":{"gridDisplayMode":"normal"},"usesArticleObject":true},{"name":"ContentPromoGrid","props":{"cards":[{"type":"floating","headline":"What happens to your body when you’re in love—and when you’re heartbroken","image":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/46209a94-b3b2-42cf-8608-d21bb7b2d3a3/NationalGeographic_2787777_4x3.jpg","link":"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/premium/article/love-loss-death-hormones-brain-heart-health","imageRatio":"4x3","tags":[{"value":"SCIENCE","type":"text"}],"imageSources":[{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/46209a94-b3b2-42cf-8608-d21bb7b2d3a3/NationalGeographic_2787777_4x3.jpg?w=300&h=225","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/46209a94-b3b2-42cf-8608-d21bb7b2d3a3/NationalGeographic_2787777_4x3.jpg?w=600&h=450"},"max":413,"nativeWidth":300},{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/46209a94-b3b2-42cf-8608-d21bb7b2d3a3/NationalGeographic_2787777_4x3.jpg?w=612&h=459","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/46209a94-b3b2-42cf-8608-d21bb7b2d3a3/NationalGeographic_2787777_4x3.jpg?w=1224&h=918"},"max":767,"min":414,"nativeWidth":612},{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/46209a94-b3b2-42cf-8608-d21bb7b2d3a3/NationalGeographic_2787777_4x3.jpg?w=718&h=539","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/46209a94-b3b2-42cf-8608-d21bb7b2d3a3/NationalGeographic_2787777_4x3.jpg?w=1436&h=1078"},"max":1024,"min":768,"nativeWidth":718},{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/46209a94-b3b2-42cf-8608-d21bb7b2d3a3/NationalGeographic_2787777_4x3.jpg?w=300&h=225","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/46209a94-b3b2-42cf-8608-d21bb7b2d3a3/NationalGeographic_2787777_4x3.jpg?w=600&h=450"},"max":1260,"min":1025,"nativeWidth":300},{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/46209a94-b3b2-42cf-8608-d21bb7b2d3a3/NationalGeographic_2787777_4x3.jpg?w=612&h=459","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/46209a94-b3b2-42cf-8608-d21bb7b2d3a3/NationalGeographic_2787777_4x3.jpg?w=1224&h=918"},"min":1261,"nativeWidth":612}]},{"type":"floating","headline":"1 in 40 people in the US has a hoarding disorder. 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