HARD-WIRED OR HARD-HEADED? HABIT CHANGE TIPS!

Neuroscience research provides us some great insight as to why old habits can seem so hard to change.  If you struggle to achieve your New Year’s Resolution(s), you’re not alone. AND, there’s a good reason as to why. Knowing why can help us create a better strategy to achieving our goal(s).

Donald Hebb, a Canadian neuroscientist in the 1940s, noted that once a circuit of neurons is formed, when one neuron fires, the others fire as well—strengthening the whole circuit. The Hebbian theory: “Neurons that fire together wire together” means that circuits of neurons maintain our habits, and our habits strengthen those neuronal circuits.  There are billions of neurons in the human brain; each neuron connects with up to 10,000 other neurons, resulting in trillions of synaptic connections. These interconnected neurons become circuitry pathways. The more the pathway is taken, the more “hard-wired” it gets…the more automatic a habit becomes. For example, if we eat chips every time we sit on the coach.  Couch = chips…needless to say those chip “cravings” may haunt us at the mere site of our couch!

But do not fear!!! It goes both ways! This applies to all habits, goods ones and not so good ones. You’ve heard of neuroplasticity! We can undo these habits by consciously not doing a certain behavior or better yet, by doing a healthier one intentionally until that new pathway is hard-wired. It can take some effort and time. But, it IS possible. And, now you know why it’s been difficult in the past. Give yourself some grace and make it easier by attaching your new behavior to a constant behavior AND by hiring a knowledgeable professional to assist you. You got this. We are here to help!