New year’s resolutions are a time-honoured tradition for many people, and it’s easy to see why. The start of a new year feels like a fresh start, a blank slate, an opportunity to set goals and make positive changes in our lives. However, despite our best intentions and efforts, these resolutions often fall by the wayside as the year goes on.
Why do new year’s resolution fail? Because we try to use our conscious mind to make changes in our lives. When you put pen to paper and write out all the habit changes you want to make and all the things you want to achieve in the new year you are using your conscious mind i.e., your thinking, intelligent brain. While your conscious mind is good at making decisions and setting goals, it is not as powerful as our unconscious mind when it comes to shaping our habits and behaviours. Our unconscious mind is much more influential in shaping the way we think and act, and it’s hard to change deeply ingrained habits and behaviours simply by using our conscious mind to try and force the change through willpower alone. Willpower is like a muscle, it gets tired, and it need a continuous source of fuel in the form of healthy foods and exercise and if it gets tired through stress or anxious thinking our will power will disappear and when we can no longer rely on willpower the resolutions will fail.
Willpower is great for getting you started and January 1st will take up a lot of willpower but as soon as you return to the daily grind of work and worry willpower will diminish and after 8 hours in a stressful work environment may disappear altogether. Which explains why the most dangerous time of the for anyone changing habits is the moment you arrive home from work with all your will power gone and a fridge or cupboard full of chocolate, crisps or alcohol.
So, if you want to succeed with your new year’s resolutions, what can you do? One key is to get your unconscious and conscious minds to work together. This means making a plan that takes into account both your rational, conscious goals and your unconscious habits and behaviours.
One of the most effective methods of making lasting change is through the use of hypnotherapy, which uses hypnotic language to speak directly to the unconscious mind. Hypnotherapy can deliver messages to the unconscious mind that the conscious mind is already aware of. A bit like an interpreter will translate a foreign language at UN conference. Hypnotherapy can help individuals make positive changes in their lives and create habits that last a lifetime. If you do not want to use hypnotherapy to make the changes you want in your life then here are my top tips that will help to keep you on track to get the life you want to life, now.
TOP 10 TIPS TO CHANGE HABITS THAT WILL LAST BEYOND JANUARY
- Set clear, specific goals: It’s easier to make lasting change when you have a clear idea of what you want to achieve. Instead of setting a broad goal like “lose weight,” try setting a specific goal like “lose 10 pounds in the next three months.”
- Make a plan: Once you have your goals in mind, take some time to think about the specific steps you need to take to achieve them. This might include creating a schedule, finding resources or support, or identifying any potential roadblocks.
- Take small steps: Instead of trying to make big changes all at once, focus on taking small, incremental steps. This can help you build momentum and make the process feel more manageable.
- Find a support system: Whether it’s a friend, a family member, or a professional, having someone to help you stay accountable and motivated can make a big difference in your success.
- Be patient: Changing habits takes time and effort, and it’s normal to have setbacks and challenges along the way. Be patient with yourself and recognize that progress takes time.
- Stay positive: It’s important to stay positive and stay focused on your goals, even when things get tough. Remember why you started and keep pushing forward.
- Reward yourself: Don’t be afraid to celebrate your successes along the way. Whether it’s a small treat or a bigger reward, recognising your progress can help keep you motivated.
- Learn from your mistakes: It’s natural to have setbacks and make mistakes when you’re trying to change your habits. When things don’t go as planned, try to learn from the experience and make any necessary adjustments.
- Get enough sleep: Getting enough sleep is important for both physical and mental health, and it can also help you stay focused and motivated as you work on changing your habits. Sleep is also important in keeping the willpower bottle topped up.
- Stay consistent: Consistency is key when it comes to making lasting change. Make an effort to stay consistent in your habits, even on days when you don’t feel like it, and you’ll be more likely to see the progress you want.
Making lasting changes in your life can be challenging, but once you have made the initial effort to form new habits, it becomes easier and more natural to continue growing and changing. As you practice your new habits and make them a part of your daily routine, they start to become automatic, and you begin to realise that you have all the power you need to make any changes you want or need. This is because your unconscious mind has unlimited power and is always working to help you grow and improve. By harnessing the power of your unconscious mind, you can make positive changes in your life bit by bit, every day, and eventually go beyond the life you currently live. It’s important to remember that change takes time and effort, and it’s normal to have setbacks and challenges along the way. However, with a clear plan, a supportive network, and a positive attitude, anyone can make the changes they want to see in their lives and achieve their goals.
As we say goodbye to 2022 and welcome in 2023, I want to take a moment to wish everyone a very happy new year! May this new year bring you all the joy, happiness, and success that you hope for.
As we look ahead to the new year, let’s embrace all the opportunities and challenges that come our way. May we have the strength and determination to overcome any obstacles, and may we find the courage to chase after our dreams.
So here’s to a new year filled with endless possibilities and endless potential. May all your wishes and dreams come true in 2023. Happy new year, everyone!
Carol Andrew Hypnotherapy & Coaching 