Episode 97 CBL Rewind: How behavioral science explains why most New Year’s resolutions fail - and how to fix them
In this episode, we revisit episode 25 to explore why most New Year’s resolutions fail - and how behavioral science can help. From public commitment to habit stacking and friction reduction, we unpack practical strategies for making resolutions more likely to stick.
Episode Highlights
36% of Americans make a resolution, but only 9% keep it. Nearly half quit by the end of January. The episode breaks down why motivation fades so fast, and what actually helps.
A simple “active commitment” cut missed doctor appointments by 18%. Instead of receiving a reminder card, patients wrote the date themselves. Writing it down made follow through far more likely.
Motivation is not enough without a trigger. Habit stacking works because you attach the new behavior to an existing routine, like doing pushups right after brushing your teeth, so the cue prompts action.
Resources & Useful Links
Want to dig deeper on the idea of social proof and the intention of actions gap? Here are some
additional resources that show how to make your brand more popular with consumers and the
importance of combining motivation with triggers to convert intention into action.
Keep Listening
Ep96 - CBL Rewind: Phil Agnew, host of Nudge, on social proof, curiosity gaps, and ethical influence
