W5–What Will You Do Differently?

So here we are at the end of this journey. What will you do differently?

Because if you truly want to achieve your goal, something must change. That’s the nature of progress—it doesn’t come from wishful thinking or waiting for the right moment. It comes from action.

This is where commitment comes in. Without it, a goal remains hypothetical—an idea rather than a reality. That’s why time is built into our SMART goal framework. The moment you commit to change, unless you stop, change direction, or give up, you will be making progress.

One of the biggest barriers to change is the belief that progress has to be dramatic or immediate. It doesn’t. We tend to think of big changes as requiring huge, life-altering actions, but real progress happens in small, consistent steps.

That’s why breaking down goals into achievable tasks is essential. If we create tasks that you actively want to complete, you build momentum. Over time, making progress becomes a habit, and once progress is habitual, reaching your goal becomes inevitable.

Change Creates More Change

But there’s something even more powerful about this process. By committing to one goal, you make it easier to commit to others. You start to see growth as a natural part of life. Instead of questioning whether you’re capable of change, you simply start making it happen.

This is something I see time and time again with my clients. Someone comes to me for help with fear of flying, for example, and months later, they realise they’re no longer afraid of going to the dentist either. Why? Because the process of changing one belief or behaviour strengthens the ability to change others.

This isn’t just about action—it’s about identity. Every time you take a step toward your goal, you reinforce the belief that you are someone who takes action and follows through.

And this is where hypnotherapy makes such a difference.

Why Hypnotherapy Works

In cognitive behavioural hypnotherapy, we work with both thoughts and actions. Because changing what you do changes how you think and feel, we can reshape patterns of behaviour that hold you back.

This process isn’t just about taking action—it’s about understanding the connection between emotions, thoughts, and behaviours. One of the key models we use to explore this interaction is the ABC Model.

How Change Works: The ABC Model

In cognitive behavioural hypnotherapy, we often use the ABC model to explain how emotions, thoughts, and behaviours interact:

• Affect (Emotions) – How you feel in response to a situation.
• Behaviour (Actions) – What you do in response to that feeling.
• Cognition (Thoughts) – The beliefs and assumptions influencing your emotions and actions.

This creates a cycle—your actions reinforce your thoughts, which shape your emotions, which in turn influence your actions again.

By making deliberate changes in behaviour, we can shift our thoughts and emotions, breaking unhelpful patterns and creating lasting change. This process happens in a loop such that our thoughts affect our behaviour, which in turn affects our emotions and so on.

In cognitive behavioural hypnotherapy, we work with both thoughts and actions. Because changing what you do changes how you think and feel.

This is the foundation of so many self-improvement ideas:

• “Fake it till you make it”—Act as if you are the person you want to be, and you’ll eventually become them.
• “Feel the fear and do it anyway”—Courage doesn’t mean not feeling fear; it means moving forward despite it.

The point is, real change comes from doing, not just thinking about doing.

That’s why, when we work together, each session includes an action plan. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of what you need to do next—not just vague ideas, but concrete steps.

My Goal Is for You to No Longer Need Me

The ultimate aim of working with me isn’t dependency—it’s self-sufficiency.

I want you to reach a point where you no longer need my help because you’ve developed the tools to keep progressing on your own. If you ever get stuck or face new challenges, I’ll be here, but my goal is to help you build the skills and confidence to navigate those moments yourself.

The W5 Framework in Action

Over the past few posts, we’ve explored the W5 framework, breaking it down step by step:

✅ What do you want? – Getting clear on your goal.

✅ Why do you want it? – Making sure the goal truly matters to you.

✅ What’s stopping you? – Identifying the internal and external barriers.

✅ What needs to change? – Understanding the shifts that must happen.

✅ What will you do differently? – Committing to action.

Now, as we reach the final step, I hope you can see how powerful this framework is.

So, I’ll ask you again:

What will you do differently?

I started this journey thinking about my old maths teacher and his saying “W5 – Which Was What We Wanted” I hope you’ll agree that following these five steps can help to bring you closer to achieving your goals. If this approach resonates with you, let’s talk.

📅 Book a free 20-minute consultation—we’ll explore your goals, and you can decide if hypnotherapy is the right fit.

📄 Download the W5 worksheet—work through the questions and see where it leads you.

Or if you have questions, leave a comment or send me a message. I usually reply within two days.

I always say the process of change begins when you search for a hypnotherapist. For you, this process has already begun. Where will your journey take you next?

Further Reading & Resources

For more insights and tools to support your journey, explore these resources:

Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy & Psychology

• British Society of Clinical Hypnosis (BSCH) – Information on hypnotherapy standards.
• UK College of Hypnosis & Hypnotherapy – Evidence-based hypnotherapy training.
• NICE Guidelines on Mental Health – Official recommendations on behaviour change and mental health.

Goal Setting & Behavioural Change

• Charles Duhigg – The Power of Habit – Insights on how habits work and how to change them.
• SMART Goals Framework (MindTools) – How to set effective goals.
• James Clear – Atomic Habits – Insights on habit formation.
• Psychology Today – The Science of Motivation – Articles on behaviour change and goal setting.

Fear & Anxiety Management

• Fear of Flying Help (Fear of Flying School) – Resources for overcoming flight anxiety.
• Dental Fear Central – Support for people with dental anxiety.
• NHS Mental Health Support – Official UK guidance on mental well-being.

If you found these resources helpful, let me know which resonated most with you!