New Year’s Resolutions and Hyperbolic Discounting

Why we choose now over later – and how this affects your longevity

Have you ever said:
“Tomorrow I’ll start exercising, change my diet, go to bed earlier, drink less …”
… only to fall back into old patterns the very next day?

Welcome to the world of hyperbolic discounting – a psychological phenomenon that strongly influences our decisions and our long-term health.

What is hyperbolic discounting?

It is a cognitive bias in which we overvalue immediate rewards and undervalue long-term benefits. Our brains are wired to seek quick gratification: we choose a delicious lunch over a healthy one, binge-watch a series instead of going to bed early.

Long-term benefits, even when objectively greater, do not trigger immediate reward responses in the brain. As a result, we tend to postpone them.

Why this is a problem for longevity

This tendency to postpone is one of the main obstacles to investing in what truly matters over time:

  • regular physical activity,

  • high-quality nutrition,

  • sufficient sleep,

  • recovery and preventive health checks.

When we postpone today, we lose time that could have been invested in greater vitality and health over the coming decades.

The end of the year – a moment for reflection

Late December carries a special kind of energy. It is not just about holidays; it is a time for reflection. Before the calendar turns, many of us start asking:

What did 2025 give me?
What will 2026 bring?

Traditionally, this is when we set New Year’s resolutions – promises that often remain on paper or fade shortly after January 1st. Reportedly, the success rate of classic New Year’s resolutions is low (only around 8–12% last longer than a year) unless they are supported by a thoughtful approach and genuine inner motivation.

How to “start now” – instead of waiting for January

Rather than waiting for January 1st, you can allow yourself a soft launch of your health and life goals already in late December. Starting with small steps now:

  • reduces pressure and perfectionism,

  • allows you to test new habits,

  • builds confidence and readiness for long-term change.

Tip: use the “psychological transition”

The end of the year acts as a temporal landmark – the so-called fresh start effect – when our attention shifts toward the future and our brains are more open to new goals and habits.

This can be a real opportunity, not just a symbolic January reset, but a conscious moment of decision.

Now is the time: implementing personal longevity goals

How can you harness the energy of the year’s end and the transition into a new one? Here is a practical framework:

Visualize your future
Ask yourself:

  • How do I want my health to look at 70+, 80+?

  • What does a vital and fulfilling life mean to me?

Visualization makes long-term goals feel more tangible and achievable.

Connect goals to your values
When healthy choices are not linked to something that truly matters to you, they fade quickly. Clarify your inner “why” – what genuinely motivates you.

Use supportive structures
Do not rely on motivation alone – it fluctuates. Build systems of reminders, involve a partner or friends, or work with a Longevity Coach who supports your habits and tracks your progress.

Final thought

As the calendar turns year after year, there is no need to wait for the “perfect” moment or date to begin living better. The real now – this very end of December – is an excellent opportunity for conscious choice.

Every change, no matter how small, is an investment in your lifespan and your healthspan.

Wishing you a strong and healthy 2026.

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