Have you considered the possibility of self-hypnosis?  Do you have goals you want to achieve? Are you interested in self improvement?  Do you have any bad habits you'd like to overcome?   Let's explore the benefits of self-hypnosis, and consider how it can help you make a difference in your life.

Most people commonly think of self-hypnosis as listening to an audio program intended to induce a trance-like state which allows the mind to receive a suggestion centered around a specific goal or desire such as weight loss or smoking.  This type of self-hypnosis is pre-canned and prepared by someone who knows nothing about the specifics or details of your life and situation.

To be truly effective self-hypnosis must address the specific issues and habits which have prevented you from reaching your goals in the past.  This requires a level of exacting honesty of yourself and the willingness to confront your own issues.  That's why a pre-canned tape or package only works so far.  To be able to produce real, measurable results of self-improvement requires that certain aspects about yourself need to be addressed. These negative aspects usually take the form of limiting beliefs which hinder your self-improvement.  Using self hypnosis, these limiting beliefs are removed and replaced by positive, goal-reinforcing beliefs.

To be effective self-hypnosis must necessarily be designed and created for and by the very person who will ultimately use and benefit from it. Self-hypnosis is self-customized for the exact purpose the person desires, including the exact words and phrases that are specific and meaningful to that particular person.  The benefits derived can only be accomplished after an honest yet forgiving self-assessment.  It's not necessary to judge or beat yourself up for what may have happened to you in the past.  But you must craft self-hypnosis for yourself based on your own self-understanding, and in this way, self-hypnosis truly is a personal matter.

Below is an outline of the self-hypnosis process. Here are the basic steps:

1. Prioritize your goals from the most important goal to the least important. If possible, your goals should be measurable.

2. For each goal, formulate an appropriate suggestion as a statement.  This means convert each goal into a specific set of instructions to your subconscious mind on how to achieve each goal you want to reach.  As an example, if you have weight loss goals in mind, you might frame a personal suggestions such as, "I've had plenty of food already.  There's no need to binge any longer.  I CAN control my cravings."  Or, "My weight is important to me and I'm ready to lead a healthier lifestyle.  I can release my urge for late-night snacking.  It no longer serves my purpose."

Take some time to work on this important step and refine the wording of your set of instructions.  An instruction like "I want to be thin" will not get you far.  You need to really dig deep and uncover the limiting beliefs about yourself or about life which are no longer valid and prevent you from moving forward with your aspirations.  A limiting belief might be "There's not enough food.  If I don't eat when I can, I'll starve."  or "I know I'm not beautiful, but at least I feel better when I eat."  Once you've uncovered the limiting belief, turn it on its ear to derive a positive belief.  "There's plenty of food available, and I've had plenty to eat already.  I'm satisfied."  Or "I like who I am, and overeating doesn't help my appearance.  Starting today I'm eating less and exercising more because I'm worth it!"

3. Relax. Sit comfortably, and use the first few minutes of your self-hypnosis session to get as relaxed as possible.  For the next few minutes, release all concerns regarding any external issues.  Take a few deep breaths.   This is your time.

4. Begin the hypnosis-initiation phase by saying and repeating out loud the set of instructions you have chosen for yourself.  Focus on the words.  Repeat each statement several times.  If you notice any other thoughts arise, simply refocus your attention back to the words of your statement.  Allow your mind and body to simply receive the truth of your instructions.

5. After a few minutes, take a moment to pause and continue relaxing.  Let your mind settle in silence and simply continue breathing calmly.

Before beginning a self-hypnosis session, make a time schedule for yourself.  All it takes is five minutes a day but make sure you give yourself those five minutes each and every day.  This wont work without your commitment and resolve.  Repeat your suggestions as often as possible during the course of the day.  After a few weeks begin to measure your progress.  Are you any closer to your goal now than before you started?  Keep a journal to record your progress, your schedule and any observations regarding the process and what's coming up for you.

If you feel that your efforts have been earnest but that any real change has been minimal at best, then you'll need to rethink and reorganize your suggestions and make adjustments. It's a matter of fine tuning the process so that you actually do reach your self-improvement goals.

Self hypnosis is a subtle but powerful tool to enable each of us to reach our goals.  You can use the power of self-hypnosis to stop bad habits or to improve your self.  With practice and patience you CAN positively transform your life using self-hypnosis as your means.