Bicycling along Washington Boulevard recently, I was pulled over by a motorcycle policeman because I was on the sidewalk in a commercial area. The policeman told me this was illegal and gave me a minor infraction ticket.

The first thing I did when he pulled me over was to ask the officer. After accepting that what I had done was wrong, I took responsibility.

While we were talking, he said my reaction was unusual. Most people will not accept responsibility. 

I explained I was a hypnotist. I dealt with clients who refuse to accept their involvement in difficult situations.

Stepping back and smiling, he asked me not to hypnotize him since he was on duty. We both laughed.

I told the officer that to gain the changes he wants from life, he must do the necessary work.

One of the worst self-talk errors is not saying “want to” but “have to.” I encourage clients to make the change from “have to” to “want to.”

Why?

 “I have to go to work today” implies unless I go to work something negative may occur.

“Want to” is far more effective. Saying this, you accept responsibility for what you want. “Want” is more of a desire. Who will be more successful? Not the person who wakes up in the morning and says, “I have to go to work today.”

I tell clients hypnosis never can occur if they do not want to be hypnotized. A willingness must exist. If a client quickly follows my suggestions without thinking too much, he will enjoy a successful hypno-therapeutic session.

I encourage clients to only focus on the positive. It is a natural to concentrate on what we do not want to happen.

Let go of such thoughts.

Most importantly, accept responsibility for yourself and your actions.

Do not hesitate to contact me by telephone, 310.204.3321, or by email at nickpollak@hypnotherapy4you.net. See my website at www.hypnotherapy4you.net