A psychology-based guide argues that traditional New Year’s resolutions often fail because they rely on willpower and lofty intentions, and instead suggests rewiring your brain through repetition, small daily rituals, and intentional habit design that fits with how your brain naturally works. The piece also recommends focusing on “to-don’t” lists, reframing goals as intentions, and embedding new behaviors into your existing routines to make lasting change more achievable in 2026.