Last weekend, I was having lunch with some girlfriends and we got into a discussion about committing to do new things (meditation, journaling, eating healthier, getting up earlier for self care, consistent exercise, etc.) But then quitting while still in the this-is-new-and-uncomfortable phase OR not even showing up for ourselves and actually giving it a try.

Fortunately, as often happens due to the intelligent ways of the Universe, I’d read some studies on quitting just a couple of days before our lunch. 

And, since the science and energy of habit-change is one of my most favorite subjects, it was fun for me to dive into this topic with some of my most cherished people over buddha bowls and turmeric tea.

In a nutshell, here’s what we discussed:

Research has shown that giving up on yourself, particularly in the early stages of a new endeavor, can have a significant impact on your ability to succeed in more things than what you’re working on right then. Quitting can develop into a self-sabotaging habit.

The decision to give up on something new often stems from a combination of factors, including lack of motivation, external pressures, and the fear of failure. This initial act of quitting might seem insignificant, but studies suggest that it sets a dangerous precedent for future endeavors.

Researchers have explored the concept of habit formation in depth, and they’ve discovered that when people quit something early on, it becomes easier to quit the next time. This phenomenon is closely related to the brain’s reward system. When you quit a new program, you’re essentially reinforcing the brain’s association of quitting with a sense of relief or avoidance of discomfort.

The habit of quitting can snowball into a vicious cycle. As you give up on something, your brain becomes conditioned to expect the same outcome the next time. This leads to reduced motivation and increased resistance to sticking with new initiatives. Over time, you may find yourself quitting faster and more frequently.

On the flip side, studies have shown that perseverance can be a powerful force. When you push through the initial challenges of a new program, you start to create a habit of sticking with it. This determination can become self-reinforcing, making it easier to stay committed to future attempts.

The research makes you think twice about giving up on yourself, right?

If you’d like a chance to flex your “I can do this” muscle, I have a fun challenge coming up that I’m doing in partnership with Lauren Walker and Energy Medicine Yoga.

It’s part diet and part energy and will be very fun!