New Year resolutions - the four points to success

The road to hell is paved with New Year resolutions. Well, probably not quite that bad. But how often do we end up floundering on the beach of failed endeavour? This is my simple four points to success plan.

1. How much do you want it? How important is it on a scale of one to 10? One being, "you don’t really care that much” and 10 being, “I’d give my back teeth”. Where are you?

2. What will it do for you when you have it? What are the benefits? What will be added to your life that isn’t presently there?

3. Are the actions required achievable and realistic?

4. Do you have not only the ultimate end, but a short term goal?

Here is an example. "I want to reduce down my alcohol intake".

  • "How much do I want it? Between seven and eight on the scale. It’s important to me. I drift into drinking more than is good for me. At present regularly drinking a bit more than ideal.".

  • "What’s in it for me? The benefits will be no more hangovers. Stop feeling tired in the morning and more energy to do those things important to me. Reduce argumentativeness with partner. My older body doesn’t detox as efficiently. More spending money.".

  • "Is it do-able? I am getting support from partner, we are doing it together. I know what my triggers are and have plans to manage them. I have done this before. I know from past experience that temporary feelings of deprivation are replaced with a positive feeling of well-being.".

  • "The ultimate goal is drinking quantities that fit more accurately with my other health and well-being goals. This vagueness is unhelpful. At this stage I need to be specific as possible. So my short term goal is to drink nothing during January. Then in February, I will revisit my resolution and set another plan.".

"... And with the money I haven’t liquefied in January. I will treat myself to something special.".

Some resolutions or changes can be difficult to achieve on will power alone. Set yourself a goal this month and maybe consider contacting a hypnotherapist. Hypnotherapy can help you to recognise the problem and learn how to change your perspective on the issue. Self-hypnosis techniques will also help guide you to practise and achieve the changes you wish to make.

Good luck and however you do, be kind to yourself (and others) on the journey.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author. All articles published on Hypnotherapy Directory are reviewed by our editorial team.

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