Promises
May 11, 2008What is a promise: a prediction? A statement of intention? Is promising rational? Does it create an obligation?
How to Keep Your 2018 Resolutions
Eliane Mitchell
08 January 2018
Hint: It's not about willpower.
In this article from The NY Times, psychologist David DeSteno explains that social emotions are critical tools for self-control. Tied with moral decency and self-esteem, emotions like gratitude, compassion, and pride incline us to be patient and persevere through difficult tasks. For example, we are more likely to persevere when we feel grateful for the skills that we have and want to exercise them or work hard when we aim to be proud of the results of our efforts. Nurturing these emotions will help us to accomplish our New Year's resolutions more effectively than willpower alone.
Read the article here:
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/29/opinion/sunday/the-only-way-to-keep-y...
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Related Shows
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May 11, 2008What is a promise: a prediction? A statement of intention? Is promising rational? Does it create an obligation?
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Neuroscience and Free Will
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Making a better world would be a great thing—but do we need philosophers to help us do that? Famously (or infamously), not all philosophers have been such great people. So are they the folks we... Read more
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Comments (1)
Harold G. Neuman
Wednesday, January 10, 2018 -- 11:08 AM
Resolutions are good forResolutions are good for those who have difficulty with lifestyle choices or are easily afflicted with guilt. The rest of us who are comfortable with the choices we have made and are making may not have the need to resolve anything. I do no know many younger people. That is a lifestyle choice. I suspect younger folks are getting a bad rap, in some cases and nothing less than they deserve in others. Can't change what I have been or done, but like to believe I learned something from all of it. Learning is key to being happy. For me, anyway...