Article

The GIFT program is the firs step in an ongoing study to impact the serious health problems facing this nation due to weight issues. For those consulting hypnotists unable to be at the convention in August, there are ongoing discussions of offering this program at different times and locations. This information will be announced by NGH when it is finalized. (Please note that the GIFT program has been designed to assist consulting hypnotists who work with individuals as well as groups, but only the data collected from groups can be used in the research study).

The GIFT program focuses on internal motivation, imagery and self-talk. This article will define internal and external motivation and its significance toward success.

Internal motivation is seen when an individual undertakes ad activity for is own sake without any sort of external motivation can result from our feelings (e.g., happiness, anger, and sadness), Thoughts (e.g., “I had better lose weight soon”), behaviors, values, and goals.

External motivation is evident when someone behaves a particular way for reason external to, or out side of, the person, such as money. External motivation may come from parents a boss, a friend, siblings, Weight Watchers or other diet program, etc. It is most frequently thought of in terms of praise and/or punishment.

Understanding motivation has to do with the underlying intention of the motivation. Motivation occurs on a spectrum ranging from negative to positive. Positive motivation is seen when an individual engages in an activity that has a virtuous end, such as volunteering, athletics, or art.

Negative motivation is evident when individuals act in a manner that is unethical or self-destructive, such as overeating. Negative motivation occurs when individuals us destructive emotions, such as guilt and shame, very often seen in people with weight problems.

Positive internal motivation begins with a sense of purpose, knowing why you are doing (e.g., “Why am I eating the foods I eat?). Having a clear idea of your personal core values will help you immensely in answering the question. “Why am I doing this?” The amazing advantage of truly knowing your values is that you will experience a tremendous clarity and focus which you can us to make consistently wise choices and take decisive action. So, the main reason for becoming aware of your top values, especially as it pertains to weight management, is to improve your eating habits in a way that will be most meaningful to you.

Acting in accordance with your values is only one way to tap into the power of positive internal motivation. Another way is lay out your top five short-tern and long-term goals and work toward them. Remember, as you are in the process of achieving your goal , the enjoyment comes from the doing, not the attaining. It is important to fine contentment in the act of pursuing the goal, wile placing less weight on the actual fulfillment of the goal itself. We now know that once we attain a goal, we become accustomed to it, Once we become accustomed to it, we grow bored with it. Then, it provides no additional pleasure or motivation. So focus on the pleasure inherent in the task itself. Apply this thinking to the work you do with your clients and teach them to think in this manner. They will then look for opportunities where they can use positive, internal motivation and will perform better, be more productive, and feel happier.

Become Your Own Internal Motivation Coach

We all have a voice inside our head that we hear when we think. Self-talk suggest that if we learn to control this inner voice we can control our self-talk to increase your motivation. First, develop and write down instructions for your self that are designed to motivate you to complete your tasks. Secondly, rehearse these instruction so that you own them. Thirdly, allow your internal coach. Repeat this sequence over and over.

The Goal Image Focusing Technique (GIFT) program offers a plan for all consulting hypnotists to use with all their clients for most problems brought to hypnotists. It is an imagery based program that affords the CH a specific number of sessions ( four to six) in which to see their clients and allows for the client a wonderful opportunity to design his or her own treatment plan and to take responsibility for its success or failure. The consulting hypnotist becomes a coach/facilitator and monitors the implementation of the plan by the client.