Want a super-simple way to decidedly boost your chances of succeeding with your New Year’s resolutions? Ask don’t tell!

According to a study encompassing the most comprehensive look at what is known as the “question-behavior effect,” simply rephrasing your resolutions in the form of a personal question versus a declarative statement can be game-changing. For example, instead of stating, I will stop eating fast food, challenge yourself with the question, Will I stop eating fast food? And answer, YES.

According to the researchers, the impact of simply definitively answering questions we pose to ourselves about future behaviors has an effect lasting greater than six months and is likely due to an emotional response triggered when the opportunity for the behavior arises.

This is not surprising given that the part of the brain responsible for behavior change, known of the limbic area, has no capacity for language and can only respond to emotions and feelings. So make a point right now to write down your resolutions in the form of a question, and answer them with conviction!

(Journal of Consumer Psychology, 2015; DOI: 10.1016/j.jcps.2015.12.004)

Will you invest in your health this year? YES! 

Join my totally updated Eat Right for Life e-course.

Enrollment opens next week! CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS