So, we’ve identified a goal—one that inspires and excites us—and we’ve explored why we want to achieve it. . We’ve also examined the obstacles standing in our way, both practical concerns (like time, money, or resources) and internal barriers (like self-doubt, fear, or ingrained beliefs). Now, we turn to the next step: identifying the change that will help you achieve your goal.
You might be thinking, Hang on, Gavin—aren’t obstacles the same as what needs to change? Haven’t we already covered that?
The simple answer? Yes and no.
Yes, what needs to change are your obstacles—but understanding obstacles and actually changing them are two different things. Identifying obstacles helps us understand what’s stopping us from moving forward. But just like a roadblock has to be shifted for a journey to continue, the obstacles in our lives need to move too. Moving the obstacles is the change that needs to take place. As I’ve mentioned before, this process isn’t linear, the further we move thorugh it the more we re-examine what we have already identified in terms of goals.
And indeed, although I suggest what you want as the first step, sometimes what needs to change may be the first item identified. For instance, a smoker might say that what needs to change is the smoking habit. the obstacle may be to having the will power to do so.
The Two Types of Obstacles to change: External vs. Internal
One last thought on obstacles. We’ve got obstacles that are external to ourselves—let’s take time as an example. Imagine you’re a carer for a close family member. They need constant attention, leaving little time for yourself. That’s a clear and valid external challenge. Having the money to do something is a similar external obstacle.
However, we also have internal obstacles. In the case of a carer, it could be the belief that because you’re a carer, you can’t take any time for your own goals.
This is how we begin to identify what needs to change from the obstacles we face. Over the course of hypnotherapy you may find this is something we come back to several times because sometimes, moving one obstacle reveals another further down the line. The important thing to know is that this process involves a lot of problem solving and working togethr, I will help you identify the strtegy that works best for you.
Breaking It Down:
- External Change: Finding practical solutions. in the case of a carer, perhaps another family member can step in for a few hours, or a community support group can help.
- Internal Change: Shifting the belief from “I must do everything myself” to “I am allowed to ask for help.”
Now let’s apply this thinking to some other common challenges:
- Fear of failure: Instead of thinking “I’ll never be able to do this,” shift to “What’s one small step I can take today?”
- Lack of confidence: Instead of “I’m not good enough,” work towards “I can improve with practice.”
- Changing career: Instead of “I don’t have enough skills,” focus on “What’s the first skill I can develop?”
How We Tackle Change Together
A big part of our work together is identifying both the practical and internal barriers that are keeping you stuck. Often, when we feel overwhelmed, it’s because we’re trying to tackle everything at once.
That’s why we break challenges into smaller, doable steps. “This idea of making small, consistent changes aligns with research on habit formation. James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, explains how tiny improvements made consistently over time lead to profound transformation.”
The Michelangelo Approach
This concept applies to personal change as well—Michelangelo, faced with a 17-foot block of marble, said he could already see the statue inside. His job was simply to chip away at the excess, bit by bit, day by day, until the rough form emerged that could then be refined and finally polished.
That’s how we approach change.
Too often, we convince ourselves that our goal is too big or too difficult so we give up without even making an attempt. But progress doesn’t happen in one leap—it happens through small, consistent actions. And lasting change happens by continuing to make small changes until change itself becomes a habit.
One of the biggest mindset shifts that must happen is moving away from “I can’t do this” and replacing it with “I can start with one step.” Psychologist Carol Dweck’s research on Growth Mindset shows that shifting from a fixed mindset (‘I’m not good at this’) to a growth mindset (‘I can improve with practice’) is crucial for long-term success.
How Cognitive Behavoural Hypnotherapy Helps Shift Beliefs
This is where hypnotherapy becomes a powerful tool for change.
Your mind is full of ingrained patterns—beliefs that were formed by past experiences, cultural messaging, or even childhood conditioning. Hypnotherapy helps by:
- Identifying limiting beliefs – We bring them to the surface so they can be examined.
- Reframing thoughts – Instead of “I’m stuck,” we shift towards “I have options.”
- Using powerful language – The words we use shape our reality. Hypnosis works with the subconscious, using language that resonates deeply to create new patterns of thinking.
For example, in the case of being a carer, the shift isn’t about choosing between responsibility and personal goals. It’s about finding flexibility and saying:
“I am good enough. I can make space for myself. And with that mindset, I can move forward.”
Final Thoughts: What’s Your First Step?
If you’ve been feeling stuck, ask yourself:
- What’s one external change that could free up some space in my life?
- What’s one internal belief that might be holding me back?
- What’s one small step I can take today?
Your goals don’t have to feel impossible. By making small, manageable changes, you can create momentum—and before you know it, you’ll be well on your way.
Think back to the obstacles we discussed—both external and internal. How might shifting just one belief or making one small adjustment start to clear the path forward?
How would it be if you could take that first step today? Take a moment to think—what’s one belief you can challenge right now? If you’re ready to start shifting your obstacles and making real changes, why not book an exploratory call with me? Let’s see if hypnotherapy can help you get what you truly want from life.
