Are new years resolutions just another form of toxic positivity? + Why positive affirmations don't work in the long run

***Pre-order my new book Cleaning up Your Mental Mess here & get access to exclusive pre-order bonuses like a workbook, bonus chapters and more: https://www.cleaningupyourmentalmess.com/ Sign up to join my free text program and receive mental health care tips. Just text DRLEAF to 1 (833) 285 3747 SHOW DESCRIPTION: New Year’s resolutions may seem great on the surface, but they can also be a form of toxic positivity. As I discuss in detail in this podcast when we fail to keep a resolution (which often happens!), we can feel really bad about it. We often experience shame because we often think that there must be something wrong with us, or we think that we always fail and are so bad at all this “life” stuff. But that’s not the case at all! So in this episode I share how to correctly rewire your brain to create sustainable habits, why positive affirmations are not sustainable solutions, why giving up on goals may actually be a good thing, and more! Show blog: https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/are-new-year-s-resolutions-just-another-form-of-toxic-positivity-why-positive-affirmations-dont-work-in-the-long-run Blinkist, one of my favorite ways to pass the time while exercising and build my brain, which improves mental resilience!: To get your free week on Blinkist AND 25% off your subscription see: https://www.blinkist.com/nc/partners/cleaning-up-the-mental-mess BiOptimizers’s Leaky Gut Guardian, which is a great way to heal your gut and improve your immune health! Use code DRLEAF10 for 10% off any order at https://www.bioptimizers.com/drleaf Jenni Kayne, my favorite online store with a a beautiful selection of clothes and home goods. Get 15% off your first order when you use code DRLEAF at checkout: https://www.jennikayne.com PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS: 1:49 How New Year’s resolutions can be a form of toxic positivity 2:46 It is okay to change or even not make a New Year’s resolution! 4:12 Why it can be difficult to build a new mental habit and change your lifestyle 5:02 How much time it really takes to change your mind 14:52 Why shaming yourself for not keeping a resolution will damage your mental health 16:30 Why failure is good for us and how we can learn from our experiences 19:47 Keeping a resolution won’t make you happy all the time or take away all your issues 22:00 Why negative emotions and feelings are telling us something about ourselves 23:10 Why “bad” emotions are a normal part of life, and why it is okay to be unhappy 26:00 How to change your mind and keep your resolutions -Visit my website at https://drleaf.com for more free resources -Instagram: @drcarolineleaf: https://www.instagram.com/drcarolineleaf/ -Facebook: Dr. Caroline Leaf: https://www.facebook.com/drleaf Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.