Why Avoidance Trumps Resistance in Building Lasting Change

In the realm of habit formation, James Clear's groundbreaking book, "Atomic Habits," has emerged as a guiding light for those seeking to transform their lives. As a hypnotherapist, I have delved into the intricacies of human behavior, and Clear's insights resonate profoundly with the principles of subconscious reprogramming.

Clear's central thesis revolves around the notion that small, incremental changes lead to remarkable transformations over time. He introduces the concept of "atomic habits," emphasizing the significance of tiny, consistent actions in reshaping our behaviors. I find this concept particularly compelling, as it aligns with the gradual, subconscious shifts that individuals undergo during hypnotherapy sessions.

When it comes to overcoming temptation, the power of avoidance becomes evident. Instead of relying solely on willpower to resist unhealthy cravings or unproductive behaviours, the path of least resistance often lies in circumventing situations that trigger these impulses. This aligns with the process of creating a mental environment that fosters positive change, steering clear of potential pitfalls.

Hypnotherapy, at its core, involves reprogramming the subconscious mind to cultivate desired habits and responses. Similarly, "Atomic Habits" encourages the cultivation of an environment that supports positive behavioral changes. Avoidance, in this context, serves as a proactive strategy to design an atmosphere conducive to the growth of healthy habits.

In the realm of hypnotherapy, we often explore the roots of negative habits, unraveling the subconscious associations that drive certain behaviors. Clear's emphasis on breaking bad habits by identifying and altering the cues that trigger them echoes the hypnotic approach of uncovering and transforming deep-seated beliefs. By avoiding situations that act as triggers, individuals create space for the subconscious mind to adapt to a new, more positive routine.

Let’s look at some examples:

• You want to take more vitamins? You keep them in plain view, perhaps next to something you use every day, like the kettle.

• You’d like to quit vaping, but you always automatically reach for the vape whenever you’re in the car? You move it, and replace it in the short term with a herbal tea or some chewing gum.

You see, we can use this system to not only break bad habits, but develop healthy ones.

Consider the analogy of a garden: to cultivate healthy habits, a one must weed out the negative influences that hinder growth, and ‘water’ the seeds of positive change. Avoidance, in this context, acts as a protective barrier against the invasive weeds of temptation.

In conclusion, the synergy between hypnotherapy and the principles of "Atomic Habits" illuminates the brilliance of avoiding temptation rather than solely relying on willpower to resist it. You make it easy to do desired actions, and inconvenient to do unwanted ones!

I’ve started using this in my own life, and it’s quite cool. For example, I pack my healthy lunch in the evening, because mornings are too rushed. I have started making shopping lists, to avoid extra trips to the shops for things I forgot. I’m sure there’s more I can do, but the beauty is it’s all about starting small and manageable.

By embracing the idea of incremental, atomic changes and intentionally creating environments that support positive habits, individuals can harness the transformative power of their subconscious minds. I invite you to reflect on the connection between avoidance, subconscious reprogramming, and the journey toward lasting change and what you may notice about your own routines.

Drop me a message to discuss, I’d love to hear what you think of this, and whether you think easy changes can produce big results.