With the arrival of a new year, many people reflect on what they want to achieve and set goals for the future. This symbolic moment is more than a social tradition; it activates brain mechanisms related to motivation, planning and reward.
Contrary to what many people imagine, positive thoughts and desires are not just abstract. They are deeply rooted in neurological processes that can shape the way we act and prepare for the future.
When we imagine new goals or desire achievements in the coming year, several areas of the brain work together to transform these intentions into possible realities.
The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is the region responsible for planning, goal setting, and emotional regulation. It is the “headquarters” that coordinates the conversion of abstract thoughts into practical actions.
When we create a New Year’s resolution, such as starting a new project or adopting healthier habits, the prefrontal cortex comes into play, helping to structure the steps necessary to achieve these goals. Studies such as that of Miller & Cohen (2001) highlight the essential role of this area in cognitive control and goal planning.
The brain’s reward system, particularly the striatum, is activated when we think about the benefits of achieving our goals. This system is driven by the release of dopamine, known as the neurotransmitter of pleasure and motivation.
When we visualize a desire coming true, such as achieving professional success or improving our health, we feel a boost of positive energy. This feeling motivates the search for future rewards, as explored in the classic study by Schultz (1998).
The hippocampus, a region known for processing memories, also plays an important role in constructing future scenarios. It connects past experiences with future projections, helping us formulate goals based on previous learning.
That’s why when we reflect on what we want in the New Year, the hippocampus uses memories of what worked (or didn’t) in the past to guide our intentions.
The amygdala, known for processing emotions such as fear and excitement, also plays an important role in thinking about the future. In moments of hope or anxiety, this area comes into play. However, positive thoughts can reduce its activity, minimizing stress and allowing greater clarity to focus on goals.
This area monitors conflicts and helps in decision-making, especially when we need to adjust or refine our plans. The anterior cingulate cortex is particularly useful for persisting in the face of challenges, being activated by positive thoughts that reinforce the belief in success.
A fascinating aspect of neuroscience is neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize itself based on our experiences and thoughts.
Studies by Martin Seligman (2005), the father of Positive Psychology, show that positive thoughts not only promote well-being, but also strengthen the neural connections associated with optimism and resilience.
In addition, practices such as writing down goals and visualizing success intensely activate the prefrontal cortex and the reward system, creating a virtuous cycle that increases motivation to act.
Several studies help explain how the brain responds to positive thoughts and desires:
Otto et al. (2007): Found that optimistic people have less activation of the amygdala in stressful situations, suggesting that optimism helps regulate negative emotions.
Taylor et al. (2002): Showed that visualizing goals with emotional rewards improves goal achievement.
Kelley et al. (2002): They analyzed how the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex collaborate in the construction of future scenarios.
The beginning of a new year offers a unique opportunity to reconfigure our perspectives and reinforce healthy habits.
Positive thoughts release dopamine, increasing motivation, while reducing the activity of the amygdala, promoting a calmer and more focused emotional state.
In addition, when we visualize achievements and set clear goals, we create a mental environment conducive to success. Writing down wishes and planning concrete steps helps to transform intentions into tangible realities.
Science shows that thinking positively and setting goals is not just a symbolic practice, but also an effective neuroscientific strategy.
The human brain, with its ability to plan, remember and imagine, is the perfect tool for turning New Year’s wishes into real achievements. So when you make your plans, remember: you are activating a powerful neural network that can turn your hopes into reality.
READ MORE:
An integrative theory of prefrontal cortex function.
Miller, E. K., & Cohen, J. D.
Annual Review of Neuroscience, 24(1), 167-202.
Predictive reward signal of dopamine neurons.
Schultz, W.
Journal of Neurophysiology, 80(1), 1-27.
Optimism and resilience in neuroscience: The role of emotional regulation.
Otto, C., Seligman, MEP, et al.
Positive Psychology Review.
Harnessing the imagination: Mental simulation, self-regulation, and coping.
Taylor SE, Pham LB, Rivkin ID, & Armor DA
American Psychologist, 53(4), 429-439.
Constructing and imagining future scenarios: Neural correlates of memory and imagination.
Kelley WM, et al.
Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, 14(5), 712-719.
Positive psychology, positive prevention, and positive therapy.
Seligman MEP.
Handbook of Positive Psychology, Oxford University Press.
Comentarios