If we want to change, we must create the conditions that allow us to do it. A burst of willpower may get us past the initial obstacles, but after that our old patterns tend to take over. Here are ways to create the conditions:
* Make sure resources that support the new behaviour are close at hand. For example, if you want to go to the gym in the mornings, put your gym bag by the door the night before.
* Use a system of reminders until the new behaviour becomes a habit. For example, put sticky notes on your fridge door to remind you of the new eating patterns you want to follow.
* Use graphs or charts to record the new behaviours. When you reach milestones along the way, celebrate with a reward.
* Don’t try to change too much at once. See through one change and use those good feelings to set the next one. Things are changing all the time, but if we take charge of the process, it’s more likely to take us in the directions we want to go.
JURGEN WOLFF
Jurgen Wolff is a hypnotherapist, teacher and writer. His Create Your Future weekend workshop takes place in London on April 5-6. More information is available from BstormUK@aol.com