Resolution Revolution

Tired of making resolutions that you just don't follow? Find out how to put a stop to that and get more of what you're after.

Grasshopper Notes are the writings from America's Best Known Hypnotherapist John Morgan. His podcasts contain his most responded to essays and blog posts from the past two decades. 

Find the written versions of these podcasts on John's podcasting site: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1628038

"The Grasshopper" is the part of you that whispers pearls of wisdom that  seem to pop into your mind from out of the blue. John's essays and blog posts are his interpretations of these "Nips of Nectar." Others have labeled his writings as timeless wisdom. 

Most of the John's writings revolve around self improvement and self help. They address topics like:

• Mindfulness
• Peace of mind
• Creativity
• How to stay in the present moment
• Spirituality
• Behavior improvement

And stories that transform you to a wider sense of awareness that presents more options. And isn't that what we all want, more options? 

John uploads these podcasts on a regular basis. So check back often to hear these podcasts heard around the world. Who wants to be the next person to change? 

Make sure to order a copy of John's new book: WISDOM OF THE GRASSHOPPER – 21 Days to Creativity. These mini-meditations take you inside where all your creative resources live. And you'll come out not only refreshed but recommitted to creating your future. 

It's only $16.95 and available at BLURB.COM at the link below. https://www.blurb.com/b/10239673-wisd...

Also, download John's FREE book INTER RUPTION: The Magic Key To Lasting Change. It's available at John's website  https://GrasshopperNotes.com

Transcript

Resolution Revolution

I think we have to take up arms against making resolutions. Believe it or not, there are some people already working on their list; others are waiting for tomorrow, or the next day, or certainly by Monday. And resolutions for the New Year are a yearly event that comes in, like the New Year itself, with tons of fanfare and then a quick exit.

It’s yet another failed attempt to “re-solve the puzzle.”

“This time I really believe it’s going to work. I know it didn’t work last year, the year before, or even on my 40th birthday, but this year is the year.”

As human beings, we are a bundle of beliefs. They run our lives. Many of these beliefs we got by accident. Maybe a question I asked at my seminars will shed some light on how we got these ideas.

What’s the right way to hang toilet paper?

People at the seminars had an instant answer. I’ll bet you have an instant answer too. Most do.

I once did a radio talk show where people argued about this topic for 4 hours. If the show was longer, they would have still been arguing.

People have beliefs about toilet paper and the way it should hang. Most beliefs are inherited. You had nothing to do with them getting in your head and running you. Many of us had the belief locked in place even before we knew what a belief was.

The same is true for most beliefs. You weren’t born with them. They were given to you in some form, and you live your life in accordance with them. Notice, no one asked your permission to give you their beliefs. And notice how you argue for them.

Back to resolutions . . . Most resolutions go counter to our beliefs. Here’s a belief that most people of a certain age have – “Eat everything that’s on your plate.” But, your "by God-I'm gonna-do-this" resolution goes to war with that established belief. Guess who has the bigger army? And yes, you lose the battle of the bulge, again.

Here's a resolution that has a better chance of working. Notice your beliefs!

Don’t beat yourself up about them. Remember, most of them aren’t your fault. You got them by osmosis.

And lots of folks associate beliefs with their religion. If you have a belief about anything (including toilet paper), youhave a religion. The question many never ask is: “Is my religion working for me?” If the answer is “No,” you need a new religion.

Another question you may want to ask: Do my beliefs bring me comfort? If not, something new is just what the doctor ordered.

A new way of doing things begins with an examination – a recognition.

Resolutions keep you on the surface. Examination takes you below decks where all the real work is being done.

The recognition of a belief is often the catalyst for outgrowing it.

Don’t get caught up in the blame game. That'll keep you on the surface, and at war. “If my father had been more industrious, I wouldn’t be so lazy. Damn him!”

It’s better to notice the indolent behavior in yourself without judgement or justification. This act of noticing makes us a witness to the behavior, rather than a participant in it. This witnessing of our belief/behavior opens a gentle space for new ideas to seep in.

The more noticing you do, the more space you create. The more space you create, the more room there is for something new to become a part of you – a new belief – one that is truly yours and works for you.

Making resolutions is a useful way to give us a direction to head in, but they are not the vehicle/ that drives you – beliefs are.

An unexamined belief will stay in place no matter how many notebooks you fill up with your resolutions.

Start a revolution. When it comes to your beliefs, take the time to notice them and then, notice what happens.

All the best,

John