Overcoming Strategy: Self Coaching via Repetition of Admonishments

I have recently noticed that one strategy that seems to help implement resolves for change in behavior or attitude relates to repetition of the message.

For some time now I have been casting about for an effective means of achieving weight control, particularly in the maintenance stage. This is my current discipline, but I know that historically what I am about disclose has worked as well in other domains, such as smoking cessation, overcoming fear of public speaking and mastering writer’s block.

In all of these self disciplines, a common underpinning is progress and regress as procrastination kicks in to stop linear development. Frankly, repeated failures to carry out resolves in my case always is followed by a flurry of self directed criticisms and admonishments to do better the next day.

After cycling through this pattern over and over I am finding that progress finally begins to happen. I am now beginning to see that positive results come after a prolonged period of trial and error, or rather effort, failure and then new resolves.

The old saw about indefatigable effort and fortitude as the crucial ingredients of change seem undeniable. Such traits as hardiness, equanimity, sticking to one’s guns and unremitting effort in the face of modest gains seem part of the success formula.

At least this has been my experience and that experience validates the notion that keeping a journal where by one actually writes down appropriate admonitions and periodically reads them over is a powerful tool for change.

Mark's Blog