“True, lasting change doesn’t come from sheer willpower or repetition—it happens when your head, heart, and gut are fully aligned with a belief that truly matters to you. Once you find that compelling belief, change becomes effortless.”
– Christoffel Sneijders
Setting meaningful goals and sticking to them is something many people struggle with—especially when it comes to New Year’s resolutions. Despite our best intentions, most resolutions fizzle out by mid-January, leaving us feeling frustrated and defeated. But what if there’s a way to break the cycle of failure and finally make lasting changes? That’s exactly what Christoffel Sneijders, a renowned executive coach, psychotherapist, and the creator of Three Brains Coaching, teaches. By helping people align the head, heart, and gut, he empowers them to create transformation in their lives that truly lasts.
In this insightful interview, Christoffel shares why repetition and willpower alone aren’t enough to drive real change, and how uncovering a deeply rooted belief can make all the difference. He explains how the three brains—the head, heart, and gut—play distinct roles in our decision-making process and how aligning them can lead to profound personal growth. Whether you’re looking to break a bad habit, set yourself up for a successful 2025, or simply better understand how to create lasting change, Christoffel’s practical strategies and inspiring insights offer a fresh approach to making your resolutions stick.
Thank you so much for joining us! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your backstory?
Thank you! It’s always a pleasure to join you. My journey began with a deep curiosity about how people think, feel, and behave. I’ve always been fascinated by why some people seem to thrive while others struggle despite having similar circumstances. Over time, I became a clinical hypnotherapist, psychotherapist, and executive coach, which allowed me to dive deeper into understanding the mind and behavior.
After years of working with clients, I realized that many approaches focus solely on the brain—the logic and reasoning center. But people aren’t just brains walking around; we’re emotional beings with instincts. That’s when I developed the Three Brains Coaching method, which aligns the head (logic), heart (emotions), and gut (instincts). This holistic approach helps people make lasting changes, not just superficial ones.
That’s fascinating! Can you explain how the concept of the three brains works in practice?
Sure! The head, heart, and gut are like three different operating systems within us, each with its own unique role. The head processes information logically—it’s the planner and analyzer. The heart governs emotions, relationships, and empathy. The gut, on the other hand, is our survival brain—it’s responsible for instinct and self-preservation.
When someone faces a challenge or wants to change, these three brains don’t always agree. For instance, your head might know that exercising is good for you, but if your heart doesn’t feel connected to the goal or your gut feels uncomfortable with the effort required, it’s likely you won’t follow through. Real transformation happens when all three brains are aligned, and that’s what I help people achieve.
Many people set New Year’s resolutions every year, only to abandon them after a few weeks. Why is it so hard for us to stick to those resolutions?
That’s a great question. The reality is, most people fail because they rely on repetition and willpower alone. According to research, about 90% of people abandon their resolutions within 17 days. There’s even a term for it: Quitters’ Day, which falls in mid-January.
The problem with repetition is that it requires an extraordinary amount of discipline. Without a compelling reason or belief behind the resolution, people quickly lose interest or motivation. Think about it—if you don’t see results fast enough, it’s easy to give up and convince yourself that it’s not worth the effort.
So repetition alone isn’t enough to create lasting change?
Exactly. Repetition works if you have the grit of a top athlete like Serena Williams or Usain Bolt, but most of us don’t live in that world. For the average person, simply repeating an action without a strong emotional and instinctual connection leads to failure. That’s why you need to anchor your resolution in a belief that resonates with your values and identity. When your belief is strong enough, your actions naturally follow.
How can someone discover their core belief—the one that will drive them toward lasting change?
The process starts by asking why—and not just once. Ask yourself why you want to achieve a particular goal and keep asking “why” until you get to the deepest reason. For example, someone might say, “I want to lose weight because I want to look better.” But why do they want to look better? Maybe it’s because they want to feel more confident. Why do they want to feel more confident? Because they want to be a positive role model for their children. That’s the core belief.
Once you hit that emotional core, your heart and gut get involved. When you feel a strong emotional connection to your goal, change becomes much easier because you’re no longer relying solely on willpower.
Can you share an example of how someone changed their life by shifting their belief system?
Absolutely. One client comes to mind—a woman who was drinking two bottles of wine a day. She wanted to stop, but despite her efforts, she kept falling back into the habit. After several sessions, we uncovered her core belief: she wanted to be a positive example for her grandchildren. Once she connected with that belief, everything changed. She quit drinking overnight, gave away all her wine, and proudly told her friends and family about her new commitment. It wasn’t willpower—it was her belief that drove the transformation.
How can someone ensure their new belief system stays strong over time?
Reinforcing a belief system involves more than just thinking about it—it’s about feeling it deeply. I often have clients say their new belief out loud while placing their hands on their heart or gut. This helps them feel the belief in a physical way, which strengthens its impact.
Additionally, small rituals or habits that symbolize the belief can help. For example, someone with a belief about health might start each morning with a glass of water or a short walk. These actions reinforce the identity they’re building and make the belief feel real.
What advice would you give to someone who’s failed at their resolutions in the past?
First, don’t be too hard on yourself. Failing at a resolution doesn’t mean you’re weak—it simply means you didn’t have the right approach. Instead of focusing on what went wrong, ask yourself what belief could drive you forward this time. Remember, every habit you currently have was learned at some point, which means it can be unlearned and replaced with something better.
Are there any common mistakes people make when setting goals?
Yes, trying to do too much at once is a common mistake. People often set five or ten resolutions at the start of the year, but that’s overwhelming. I recommend focusing on no more than three key goals. This makes it easier to stay committed and feel a sense of accomplishment when you achieve them.
Another mistake is setting goals that are too vague. Instead of saying, “I want to be healthier,” say, “I want to eat more vegetables and exercise three times a week.” Clear, specific goals tied to a strong belief system are much more achievable.
With the holiday season approaching, how can families incorporate these ideas into their New Year’s planning?
One fun way to do this is by turning it into a family game. During a holiday dinner, have everyone share their resolutions, and then ask each person why they want to achieve their goal. It sparks great conversations and helps everyone connect emotionally with what they want to achieve. Plus, it’s a great way to hold each other accountable in a supportive and loving environment.
What services do you offer to help people with these kinds of transformations?
I offer executive coaching, therapy, and leadership training, all rooted in the Three Brains Coaching method. I also train coaches and leaders on how to apply this approach to help others. In addition, I’ve written a book called Relationships: Which Brain is Talking?, which dives into how our three brains influence our personal and professional relationships.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
They can visit my website at 3brainsintelligence.com, where I share information about my coaching, training, and events. My book is available on Amazon, and I also host a podcast where I discuss topics related to personal development, leadership, and the power of belief.
Wonderful! Thank you so much, Christoph, for sharing your insights with us today. I’m sure our readers will find your approach incredibly valuable as they prepare to make 2025 their best year yet.
Thank you! It’s been an absolute pleasure. I hope everyone listening feels inspired to take action and create a year they’re truly proud of.
Christoffel Sneijders is an executive coach, clinical hypnotherapist, psychotherapist, and the founder of Three Brains Coaching, a transformative method designed to help individuals align their head, heart, and gut to achieve lasting change. With over 25 years of experience, Christoffel has guided countless people in their personal and professional journeys, helping them break through limiting beliefs and unlock their full potential. As a visiting professor in leadership and behavioral science, an author, and a sought-after speaker, he is dedicated to empowering others to lead more authentic, fulfilling lives. You can learn more about his work at 3brainsintelligence.com.