JONAH LEHRER ON THE SCIENCE OF NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS.

JONAH LEHRER ON THE SCIENCE OF NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS. I have linked several times, for instance here, to Jonah Lehrer’s blog (Lehrer is the author of PROUST WAS A NEUROSCIENTIST). Lehrer had some recommendations here about New Years resolutions. The recommendations are based on the findings of psychologists and neuroscientists, especially the finding that the prefrontal cortex (which is just behind the forehead) is responsible for willpower, but also short term memory—so it can be overloaded. And so you can think of budgeting your willpower. Another consequence is that it’s harder to exercise willpower when you’re tired. Willpower also requires energy—energy which comes from food. Thus, there is a dilemma for dieters. Food and energy are needed for willpower. Skipping or skimping on meals can weaken the willpower needed to stay on a diet.