It's a new year, the time when many commit to living a healthier life. To succeed, remember this: focus on short-term goals rather than long-term ones. Humans often prioritize immediate benefits over future ones, a phenomenon known as preference reversal over time in behavioral economics.

Dermatologists caution against sunbathing due to its increased risk of skin cancer. However, patients are more inclined to avoid sun exposure if warned about its effects on enlarging pores and causing acne blackheads. Richard Thaler, a pioneer in behavioral economics and recipient of the 2017 Nobel Prize in Economics, highlights the practicality of this phenomenon. We often intend to go to bed early and avoid overeating at dinner, but when the evening arrives, we succumb to the pleasures of indulgence in food and drink.

Can we use these psychological tendencies to drive behavior change rather than fight them? According to scientists, the answer is yes. In a U.S. study published in 2023, 450 adults were asked to choose between a $32 cookie or a tote bag priced the same as a prize. Participants were divided into three groups: the first group read about the long-term health risks associated with sugar consumption, such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. The second group learned about the immediate harmful consequences of sugar consumption, such as difficulty concentrating, indigestion, and mood swings. The last group received no explanation. The results indicated that those informed about the short-term risks were 30 percent less likely to choose the cookie than those informed about the long-term risks, and 45 percent less likely than those who received no explanation. The more you consider the short-term benefits or risks, the more likely you are to resist temptation and make a better decision, the researchers said.

If you're aiming to change your eating habits, prioritizing the taste of food over its health effects can be a wise approach. In another study conducted by the same research team, individuals consumed more apples and carrots when the emphasis was placed on their tastiness rather than their health benefits. Similarly, a 2019 study revealed that labeling vegetables with a focus on taste led to a 29 percent increase in the number of people selecting vegetable dishes in a university cafeteria compared to health-focused labeling.

The same principle applies to exercise. People are more inclined to engage in repeated exercise if it's enjoyable rather than solely aligned with a long-term goal. Therefore, if you're striving to achieve your aspirations, focus on the present enjoyment and benefits rather than solely contemplating the future. Success is indeed often within reach.

Jeong Jae-hoon is a food writer and pharmacist. He covers a variety of subjects, including trends in food, wellness and medications. This column was originally published in Korean in Joongang Ilbo on Jan. 18, 2024. – Ed.