How do we free ourselves from outdated routines when conditions change?Park et al.show that a novel experience can weaken old connections within the brain\'s memory system,thereby freeing up resources to learn something new.rnRoutines are common solutions for exploiting predictable environments,but they can become a burden if the environment changes.For example,many people settle into a commuting routine whereby they leave at a specific time and follow a specific route.However,if a new construction project disrupts the route,the routine needs to be abandoned in favor of something new(Fig.1).Failing to detect the change or persisting in the old routine makes it difficult to learn a new one.