How many times have you set a New Year goal on the 31 December only to fail on the 2 January? Do this several years and you may set up a hidden belief in your subconscious that New Year resolutions are a waste of time. This can also result in a further belief that, as they are a waste of time, ‘I’m not to blame for carrying on’ (with the behaviour you would really like to change) and this can justify the excuse for continuing the unwanted behaviour
Don’t let another year just pass by
New year seems to be the convenient occasion many choose to make a change, New Year = new start, new beginnings etc. The National Hypnotherapy Society cites research from a ComRes poll with the most common New Year’s resolutions:
Exercise more (38 per cent)
Lose weight (33 per cent)
Eat more healthily (32 per cent)
Take a more active approach to health (15 per cent) =
Learn new skill or hobby (15 per cent) =
Spend more time on personal wellbeing (12 per cent) =
Spend more time with family and friends (12 per cent) =
Drink less alcohol (12 per cent) =
Stop smoking (9 per cent)
Other (1 per cent)
So here are my steps to successful resolution setting:
A new start for New Year
- Make your resolution when you are calm and in an objective state of mind – making resolutions to eat more healthily after finishing a huge chocolate pudding, or to cut down alcohol intake after downing your fifth pint are unlikely to be successful.
- Set yourself a realistic target – to lose x pounds in weight in y number of weeks. If you fail to meet an unrealistic target you set yourself up to fail from the start.
- Measure your achievement – keep a weight chart or use a diary to look at how often you meet up with those you promised to see more often.
- Share resolutions with family and friends – in this way they will be able to encourage you and not inadvertently sabotage your efforts. A true friend will not offer you a cigarette if they know you are trying to give up smoking.
- Write down a list of the benefits of your resolution and keep the list to hand, on your phone or tablet or even on the fridge door. Focus on the benefits and gains rather than on things being taken away. This will keep the positive gains in your conscious mind and dispel the subconscious belief that you are having something taken away.
- Reward yourself for success in a way that will not harm the resolution – if losing weight treat yourself to a new (smaller) item of clothing, don’t go out and have a big meal to celebrate – this will undo all the good work.
And as a final thought, don’t give up at the first stumble, be forgiving and kind to yourself. Consider what contributed to the setback and see it as a positive experience from which to learn as you move on.
If you need help or advice then get in contact and make your wellbeing be a priority for 2018.
