December 30, 2006
Okay, perhaps the title to this email is not your usual New Year greeting but I think it’s more realistic don’t’ you? Because let’s face it, how long do you stick to your resolution? I used to manage about one week, but since learning The Alexander Technique I can now last for almost a whole month! But at least now I know the real reason why I fail :0)So let’s be a bit more pragmatic in this issue and look at the possible reasons for success or failure in achieving our goals.
Also in this issue I finally launch my running program for beginners at a 50% discount to you. If you are thinking about starting running in the New Year this could be very useful.
Roy Palmer
In this issue
1. A Change For The Better?
2. The Moment of Truth?
3. Reaction or Response?
4. Special Launch Offer!
1. A Change For The Better?
This is the time of year most of us make a promise to ourselves to become something more than what we are now. By the end of 2007 we hope to be somewhere or someone different. Whether it’s healthier, fitter, wealthier or more popular, it will require some effort on your part to achieve.However, whilst we may have the wish to change, do we have the means? The mistake most make in my opinion is in trying to change behaviour without changing ourselves.
What do I mean by this? See breaking a habit
2. The Moment of Truth?
Back in the 1980s whilst investigated voluntary muscle actions, Prof. Benjamin Libet discovered something quite extraordinary. He found that our muscles are ready to move before we are conscious of our decision to act. A shot in the arm for free will?It’s also appears to be bad news for those of us who want to get rid of a bad habit. How can we influence our behaviour if the body is making the decisions before we are aware of them? Libet came up with the marvellous phrase ‘free won’t’, that is, we are presented with a predetermined outcome but we can still choose not to act.
For example, that last chocolate in the box may have your name on it, but you can still stop yourself at the last second from picking it up. In the laboratory Libet found we have one third of a second to intervene and prevent acting on impulse. I call this the ‘moment of truth’ and found if you move a little slower toward the chocolate box you have longer to stop yourself – if you wish.
For a slightly more serious look at the physiology of habits and actions see Habits, health and performance
3. Reaction or Response?
Staying with the theme of habit breaking it is useful to recognise that you have a number of options open to you at every moment. Let’s return to the last chocolate in the box situation – although this could be transferred to any area.1. If you pick it up and eat it on impulse this is a reaction to the stimulus of the chocolate, in other words the strong connections in the brain associated with the look and smell of the chocolate have fired the hand to mouth action. This is a reaction because there is no time for thought or reason to intervene – i.e. I’m not hungry and don’t need it.
2. If you do not act immediately on seeing the chocolate but instead spend a few moments to decide whether you would like it or not, this is a response. You have applied some conscious thought to the situation and acted upon your final decision. If you do decide to eat it the outcome is the same as (1) but the process is a conscious one – a response.
3. The third possible outcome is that you see the chocolate but stay conscious of yourself sitting looking at it but do not let it have any impact on you whatsoever. This is still a response – you have chosen not to act.
4. The last option is that decide to give it to your partner because on reflection you realise it is better to give than receive! This is a response, and one that will go down well with your partner.
The most valuable skill when looking to change or break a habit is not will power, it is the ability to ‘be in the moment’! Sports people call it The Zone, artists refer to it as ‘The Flow’. In everyday life it’s just as valuable and desirable as it allows you to be in full control of every action. When you are not in the moment you remain a slave to your subconscious habits.
Not surprisingly, my new book contains a number of procedures to practise this very skill! Remember you have a number of options for this next decision to whether you are going to click here to read about it or not.
4. New Running Program Released This Week!
Finally, I managed to finish my new program The Complete Beginners’ Guide To Running. It’s taken quite a while but I think it’s worth it. In addition to 80 pages packed with advice and practical techniques, I have included video and podcast instructions! But this is just the start – once you have downloaded the program you will have access to dedicated pages on my website that will include more videos and techniques as I find new ways to improve your running.This program will cost $97 from February 2007 but until then I am offering it to you for just $47! Even at this price I will include the online support and one video analysis of your running style.
To make the most of this offer and get your New Year of to a kick start see Beginners’ Running Program
So Happy New Year to you and may you achieve your ambitions what ever they are. See you next month
regards
Roy