As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, the air is filled with anticipation and the promise of a fresh start. Millions of us around the world engage in the tradition of setting New Year’s Resolutions, envisioning a better version of ourselves. However, the statistics on the success of these resolutions paint a bleak picture.
One well-known study is the research conducted by the University of Scranton in 2013, which found that only about 8% of people successfully achieve their New Year’s resolutions. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, analysed data from 2002 to 2012 and highlighted the many, many difficulties individuals face in maintaining their resolutions over time.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the pitfalls of traditional resolutions and unveil a holistic approach to sustainable change that goes beyond fleeting promises.
- Know Your Own Why
Setting resolutions without a clear understanding of why you want to make a change is like embarking on a journey without a destination. To truly commit to your goals, take the time to reflect on your motivations but you must be specific. Ask yourself probing questions, such as:
- What aspects of my life do I want to improve?
- How will these changes positively impact my overall well-being?
- What values align with my desired changes?
Understanding your “why” provides a powerful foundation for your resolutions. It’s not just about losing weight or quitting smoking; it’s about the deeper, meaningful transformation that will enhance your life.
- Believe that Change is Possible for You
The mindset you bring to your resolutions can significantly impact your chances of success. Embrace a growth mindset, a concept popularised by psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck. A growth mindset entails believing that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work.
Here’s how to deploy a growth mindset for successful resolutions:
- Embrace challenges: View obstacles as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable roadblocks.
- Learn from setbacks: Treat failures as valuable lessons that contribute to your growth and development.
- Cultivate perseverance: Understand that change is a process, and setbacks are a natural part of the journey.
By adopting a growth mindset, you empower yourself to persist through challenges and setbacks, fostering a resilient attitude toward achieving your resolutions.
- Check Your General Wellness
Wellness is the cornerstone of sustainable change. Neglecting essential aspects of your well-being can hinder your ability to achieve and maintain your resolutions. Consider these fundamental elements:
- Sleep: Prioritise quality sleep for improved cognitive function, mood regulation, and overall health.
- Food intake: Nourish your body with a balanced and nutritious diet to support physical and mental well-being.
- Water: Stay hydrated to optimise bodily functions, energy levels, and cognitive performance.
- Exercise: Incorporate regular physical activity to boost mood, reduce stress, and enhance overall health.
- Connection: Foster meaningful relationships to provide support, encouragement, and accountability.
Addressing these wellness components sets the stage for a robust foundation upon which you can build and sustain positive change.
- Utilise Helpful Tools
While traditional resolutions often rely on willpower alone, incorporating helpful tools can enhance your chances of success. One amazingly effective tool is hypnotherapy, a therapeutic technique that taps into the power of suggestion to create positive behavioural change. Hypnotherapy works by guiding individuals into a deeply relaxed state, allowing the therapist to suggest new thought patterns and behaviours. It can be particularly beneficial for breaking longstanding habits and promoting lasting change. Hypnotherapy serves as a valuable aid in this journey, but it’s essential to combine it with consistent effort and total commitment.
If you’re ready to explore the transformative potential of hypnotherapy and learn more about sustainable change, I invite you to schedule a free call with me (click here for details). During this call we’ll discuss what hypnosis is, how I work and how I can support you in achieving your goals. Together, we can embark on a journey of positive change that transcends the limitations of traditional New Year’s resolutions.
As we bid farewell to the old year and embrace the new, let’s shift our approach to resolutions. By understanding our motivations, fostering a growth mindset, prioritising wellness and utilising helpful tools like hypnotherapy, we can break free from the cycle of failed resolutions and pave the way for lasting, positive change.
Remember, the journey to a better you is not a sprint but a marathon—take the first step with intention, and success will follow.
Progress Hypnotherapy 