For a long time, I was horrible at keeping New Year Resolutions. I would promise myself to “eat healthy” or “hit the gym” only to fall back into my own habits; often before January would even end!
Then, as 2017 loomed, I decided to stop trying to make promises I knew I wouldn’t keep. I decided to take a moral leap.
“I’m going to stop judging people,” I said to myself on December 31st, 2016.
“I’m going to stop judging people until I know them well enough.”
And so, I did just that.
Low and behold, I became a better person.
But, that was not my only transformation. For, soon, I realized not only had I stopped judging people upon meeting them, but I had stopped caring what others thought of me.
I became my own person. I became free of judgements.
So, why?
Why did my decision on that fateful eve, change the way I see?
I perceive the world differently.
The following year, I made another resolution, this time to remember people’s names. I was horrible at it, so much so that often I felt uncomfortable asking.
I also looked up to people who seemed to know everybody’s name.
It took about two months for me to become good at it. Now, a few years later, I never have to ask a second, much less third, time for names as they stick in my mind upon hearing them.
I suppose I am telling my story of change as it defines who I am today.
After some serious investigation, I cannot find the answers to why I was able to change.
Thus, I would like to ask you: What changes took place in my brain? Why did I change? What went on in my brain that December day?
On Psychology and Neuroscience 
I think this is a very interesting post in how it connects neuropsychology and social psychology. Having recently completed learning about neuroplasticity and how the brain has the ability to improve the connections between neurons through long term potentiation really shows how the brain can change physically.
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I find it fascinating that the brain gives us many chances to start anew through neuroplasticity. I recently learned that our neural synapses and pathways are flexible and malleable. You managed to train your mind, shaping your brain to continue your positive outlook. Perhaps the chemical composition changed in your brain, influencing the dopamine reward pathway. As you chose to be happy, biologically you began to feel happy.
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