Self-sabotage.

A couple of listeners have asked for an episode on this topic, so here we go. I think we all probably wrestle with some version

of self-sabotage, whether we actively get in our own way or just simply slow down our own

growth or our own expansion. We may experience self-sabotage as a form of protection.

It protects us from disappointment or increased responsibility or the risk of failure.

But as I've been thinking about this topic for the purposes of a hypnosis script,

it occurred to me that the reasons that I may hold myself back don't actually matter.

I mean, understanding the causes may be enlightening to some extent and perhaps even

satisfying, but the reasons why don't actually bring about any change. They don't change my wiring or move me in the opposite direction. In the opposite direction, the movement away from self-sabotage is achievement of one's goals, whether that's winning, getting what you

want, or simply feeling better. It's letting yourself hit the target that you're not letting

yourself hit. And this brings us to a very important principle in hypnosis. You see, the subconscious mind

reinforces whatever you offer it or show it. So focusing on problems just compounds the problems.

It reinforces them. Even if you're saying to yourself, but I don't want that problem anymore, I don't like that problem. Still, all the subconscious mind sees is the problem. So in order to change, you have to focus on what you do want, not what you don't want.

You need to see the new direction, the solution, engage the subconscious mind in the solution,

and move toward it with confidence.

And then, as with any new behavior, you rinse and repeat, stepping into the solution again and again,

feeling all the sensations and emotions that come with it, developing the new wiring and strengthening

it. So tonight, we'll be using some imagery that evokes a sense of achievement in almost everyone's

subconscious mind. We're going to imagine hitting a bullseye of a target. Because bullseyes are

pretty universal symbols. We've seen them on TV, in movies, cartoons, read about them in books.

We may have even played games that involve bullseys or even

shot actual arrows ourselves. To aim an arrow at a target and shoot it in the bullseye is to

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