Why we find it hard to stick to New Year resolutions

New Year’s resolutions are notoriously difficult to stick to, so why do we still take up new activities each year only to drop them after only a few weeks? We may think the problem lies in our own fickle tendencies and lack of resolve, but as usual you can blame your brain.

Humans are programmed to find new things exciting and compelling – this has been shown even in very young babies. Scientists held up a red card in front of a baby’s eyes and measured how long the baby looked at it. They then held up two more red cards. The baby looked at each card for less and less time – the cards became less interesting, just as going to the gym quickly becomes tedious. Then the scientists held up a green card instead and the baby looked at it for longer. This proves that the baby isn’t colour blind and also shows how novelty captures our attention. This instinct may keep us sharply aware of possible dangers, but it isn’t so helpful when we’re trying to focus on something over time.

And me? I’m resolving to speak ill of others less. Although it might make me more boring, hopefully it’s something I won’t get bored of myself.

Dr Daniel Glaser is director of Science Gallery at King’s College London