Oh, here's January again! And aren't we all just delighted to see her... That festive sparkle has well and truly faded, leaving us with cold, dark days that can feel monotonous. It's a time when society often propels us into a frenzy of New Year's resolutions and life-overhauling missions. There's a collective pressure to change everything overnight - to become fitter, happier, more productive versions of ourselves. But the truth is, we're still "wintering".
Winter is a natural time for rest, reflection and preparation. Trees don't bloom in January; they gather strength for spring. Perhaps, instead of rushing to transform, we could take inspiration from nature. This quieter season can be the perfect opportunity to go inward - to gently assess where we are and start to visualise where we'd like to be.
Why Small Steps Matter
One of the reasons New Year's resolutions often fail is because they're overwhelming. We set enormous goals - lose three stone, write a novel, start running 10k three times a week - and then we berate ourselves when these goals don't materialise immediately. But significant change doesn't happen in a single leap; it's achieved through consistent small steps.
If you imagine your goal as being the top step on a staircase. As much as it would be lovely to glide all the way to the top in one leap, it's unlikely any of us could manage that. And think of the learning you'd miss out on by skipping these steps. By taking one small step at a time, you build momentum and confidence, moving you more successfully in the direction of your goal.
Taking the First Step: The Miracle Question
If you're unsure where to start, a useful tool is the "Miracle Question", a hallmark of solution-focused approaches. It invites you to imagine a future where your desired change has already occurred.
"If you woke up tomorrow and a miracle had occurred, and your life was exactly as you'd like it to be, what would be different?"
Take a moment to reflect on this. Picture your ideal day in vivid detail. How do you feel? What's happening around you? What are you doing?
Once you have a clear vision, ask yourself: What's the very first, smallest step I could take towards this reality? It could be as simple as making a phone call, setting aside 10 minutes to Google something, or making a list.
How Solution Focused Hypnotherapy Can Help
This is where Solution Focused Hypnotherapy (SFH) can be a valuable tool. SFH combines guided relaxation with positive visualisation and goal-setting techniques, helping you to focus on what you want to achieve rather than what you want to avoid.
In a hypnotherapy session, we use the power of your imagination to solidify your vision for the the future. By focusing on your strengths and resources, we work together to identify those small, achievable steps towards your goals. This relaxed state of hypnosis helps to quieten the chatter of doubt or overwhelm, allowing clarity and motivation to emerge.
A Gentle Start to the Year
So, as you navigate January, remember - you don't need to rush into massive change. Embrace the season of wintering as a time to reflect, dream and take those first small steps. With a calm mind and clear focus, your goals will feel closer than ever.
If you'd like support in creating positive, sustainable changes in your life, contact me today to explore how we can work together to make your vision a reality.
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