Whether you call them unproductive patterns, limiting beliefs, or simply bad habits, for some reason, as a new year approaches, many of us resolve to make some changes. The resolve part is easy. How do we actually execute a successful change campaign?

A few times a year, a hypnotherapist colleague and I conduct self-hypnosis workshops. An integral component is goal-setting. The following recommendations are part of that.

1. Realistic & a Slight Stretch. Be reasonable in what you choose to change. You're the one who has to implement this plan. Examine your motives for this change. Is it for yourself, or to please others? Make your target just a bit beyond what you think you are capable of.

 

2. Be Clear. As it says in the book, The Law of Attraction, make a list of what you don't want as a step in creating your list of you do want. Form a WRITTEN affirmation that is positive. Avoid the use of negative words (don't, won't).

 

3. Be Specific & Flexible. Avoid comparative words (less, better, more). One of the main advantages of establishing goals is that they provide motivation and direction. If you fall short of your stated goal, don't beat yourself up. Celebrate what you have achieved.

 

4. Paced & Measurable. One of the reasons many people don't bother with setting goals is that the process to achieve them often seems daunting. This is easily overcome by chunking goals into smaller units. For instance, monthly or even weekly mini-goals can be more palatable.

 

5. Announce Your Goals. Find friends or colleagues who will support you in your objectives. Share your plans and timelines. Now, your reputation is on the line.

 

6. In Your Face. For the most part, the mind processes information visually. In addition to whatever words you use to describe your goals, begin cutting out representative pictures from magazines. Paste them on posters and put them all over your world. That means bedroom, bathroom, car, desk, and anywhere else you can think of. Information that is captured by your peripheral vision is not usually analyzed by the conscious mind. This means that as you walk by your posters, your peripheral vision will convey that data directly to your subconscious mind, thereby reinforcing your goals. In addition, even if you haven't been trained in self-hypnosis, you can relax with soft music and visualize your goals. Make your visualizations as vivid as possible.

 

7. Changing Habits. Many people think that it takes 21 to 30 days to form a new habit. Actually you can establish a new habit in only 5 days. What takes up to 30 days is the release of the old habit. Once the new habit is formed, it competes with the old habit for dominance. Every time you exercise the new habit it gets stronger, and the old one becomes weaker. The reverse is also true.

Following these recommendations will improve the odds of succeeding in your resolutions.   Happy New Year!