Are You Ready to Create a New Loop for Lasting Change? First Things First: You Have to Believe
- Corrie Furner
- Dec 30, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Dec 30, 2025
How are you feeling right now? As the year wraps up, many of us find ourselves running on empty. November you may have noticed the weight of work and family commitments catching up with you, and before you knew it, December was here. Suddenly, it was a whirlwind of school concerts, graduations, work deadlines, and Christmas chaos. And now, here we are—on the cusp of a brand-new year.
Maybe, as you sit here, you’re feeling a sense of relief. You made it through, and this little pause between Christmas and New Year might be exactly the breather you’ve been craving.
As we step into January it’s natural to reflect on the possibility of change. Yet, for many, the idea of transformation can feel daunting.
First things first, I want you to pause, close your eyes and imagine just for one moment. How you would like this time next year to look? How would you like it to be different? How would you like to feel?
The following thoughts may sound familiar:
Self-doubt: “I’ve tried before and failed” or “This is just who I am”
Overwhelm: "Where do I even start? I don't even know where to begin."
Frustration: "I keep trying, but nothing ever works. Why do I even bother?"
These feelings are not a reflection of your ability to change but rather a natural response to the challenges of breaking free from old patterns. The truth is: Change is not only possible but also supported by the brain’s capacity for growth. There are three concepts, self-efficacy, neuroplasticity and habit change, I want you to understand before you decide not to go ahead with making change for the new year.
Albert Bandura, one of the most influential figures of psychology, research on self-efficacy provides valuable insights into how we can successfully navigate change and achieve our goals. Bandura demonstrated that self-efficacy plays a critical role in driving motivation and persistence, especially when we’re embarking on new or uncertain paths irrelevant of our skill or intelligence. It is the belief that we can.
Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to reorganise itself by forming new neural connections. Think of it like walking paths in a forest: the more you walk a path, the clearer and easier it becomes. Similarly, the more you engage in certain thoughts or behaviours, the stronger those neural pathways grow.
As Norman Doidge explains in his book The Brain That Changes Itself, the brain is not static. It’s constantly evolving based on what we do, think, and feel. This means that even deeply ingrained patterns, like perfectionism, people pleasing or self-doubt, can be rewired with the right tools and practices.
How long does it take to change a habit? 21 days? This is a myth based on outdated and irrelevant research. This idea originated from Dr. Maxwell Maltz, a plastic surgeon in the 1960s, who observed that his patients took about 21 days to adjust to changes in their appearance. This observation was never intended to be a scientific rule for habit formation.
More recent research published in the European Journal of Social Psychology, shows that forming a new habit can take anywhere from 18 to 254 days, depending on the complexity of the behaviour and individual differences. This highlights that habit formation is a gradual process requiring consistency and patience, rather than a fixed timeline.
How to Create a New Loop for Lasting Change
Our brains are wired for efficiency, which means they love the familiar—even if it’s not helpful. Habits, whether they’re mental or behavioural, are like well-worn grooves in the brain. Breaking free from these grooves can feel uncomfortable at first because the brain resists change. But with consistent effort, you can create new grooves that better serve you.
The process of rewiring your brain doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Small, intentional steps can lead to big transformations over time. Here are practical tools to help you get started:
Name the Pattern: Awareness is the first step to change. Take a moment to identify the habit or thought pattern you want to shift. For example, you might notice that you often say “yes” to things you don’t have the capacity for, leading to burnout.
Start Small: Trying to overhaul your entire life at once can be overwhelming and counterproductive. Instead, focus on one small, manageable shift. For instance, if you’re working on setting boundaries, start by saying “no” to one small request this week.
Link to Emotion and Purpose: Change is more likely to stick when it’s tied to something meaningful. Ask yourself: Why does this change matter to me? How will it help me live more authentically?
Repeat, Reflect, and Celebrate: Repetition is key to building new neural pathways. Each time you practice your new habit, take a moment to reflect on how it feels and celebrate your progress, no matter how small.
Show Yourself Compassion: Change is a process, and setbacks are part of the journey. Instead of criticising yourself, approach challenges with curiosity and kindness. Remember, every effort you make is a step toward growth.
Cultivate a Growth Mindset: The belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort and learning is a powerful tool for fostering change. Remind yourself that setbacks are a natural part of the process and an opportunity to learn, not a sign of failure. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and use it as motivation to keep moving forward.
Write it down. If you want to give yourself an extra change, write it down. Research tells us writing down our goals matters. Dr Gail Matthews from the Dominican University found 42% of participants were more likely to reach their goals. So, if you can yes write it down!
You Are Not Stuck
The science of neuroplasticity reminds us that we are not defined by our past or our patterns. You absolutely can create new pathways, rewrite your story, and in doing so, create a life that feels more aligned with who you truly are.
So, what’s one step you can make today to start rewiring your brain? What is one thing I am going to do differently today? Whatever it is, know—every step matters.
Change is not only possible but also within your reach. By understanding the science of habit change, self-efficacy and neuroplasticity, you can approach the new year with confidence and clarity. Remember, the journey toward growth and transformation begins with a single step—and the belief that you are capable of taking it.
If you’re ready to explore how you can create meaningful change in your life, make an appointment and let's work out a new way for the new year. Together, you can work toward breaking free from old patterns and embracing the possibilities of the year ahead.
Wishing you the change you want to make in the new year.
All the best,
Corrie xo
Matthews, G. (2007). The impact of commitment, accountability, and written goals on goal achievement. Department of Psychology, Dominican University of California.
Doidge, N. (2007). The brain that changes itself: Stories of personal triumph from the frontiers of brain science. Penguin Books
