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Blog post – 12th January 2026
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More guidance on how to identify and pursue your New Year Resolutions in 2026:
How to Change Your Life: Brian Tracy’s Approach
By Jim Byrne, Doctor of Counselling
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Summary

This blog post explores how to identify and pursue effective New Year’s resolutions for 2026, drawing on the teachings of Brian Tracy.
The introduction, written by Dr Jim Byrne, highlights the importance of clarity and commitment in personal change. It recommends reflecting on the key areas of life – such as
career, finances,
health, relationships,
spirituality and daily happiness – before setting clear, specific, and measurable goals for meaningful transformation.
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Introduction
Personal change begins with clarity and commitment. Brian Tracy teaches that the first step toward meaningful transformation is to decide exactly what you want. Take time to reflect on your life and identify the key areas that matter most to you—whether it’s advancing your career, increasing your financial stability, improving your health, nurturing relationships, deepening your spirituality, or simply experiencing more joy day to day. Be specific, and write down your goals in clear, measurable terms.
Once you’ve defined your targets, Tracy recommends asking yourself four powerful questions:
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Focus Questions:
Here are some those helpful questions, in my own words:
(1). What obstacles are holding me back right now?
(a). Identify the beliefs, habits, or external barriers standing in your way. Tracy emphasizes that awareness is the first step toward overcoming resistance and taking control of your future.
(2). What will my life look like in six months or a year if I don’t make these changes?
(a). Visualize the consequences of inaction. Tracy suggests that honestly assessing the cost of staying the same can be a strong motivator for change.
(3). How will I feel if nothing changes?
(a). Acknowledge your emotions – whether it’s frustration, disappointment, or regret. Tracy encourages you to use those feelings as fuel to propel you forward, rather than letting them hold you back.
(4). How motivated am I to make this change now?
(a), Tap into your desire for a better future. According to Tracy, motivation increases when you connect your goals to your deepest values and visualize the benefits of success.
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Brian Tracy often says, “Your life only gets better when you get better.”
Take responsibility for your results and commit to ongoing learning and personal growth.
Break big goals into actionable steps, develop new skills, and track your progress regularly.
Remember, change is not a single event but a continuous process of improvement.
By applying these principles, you’ll build momentum, overcome challenges, and create the life you truly want.
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That’s the end of my third blog post on New Year resolutions.
There may be one or two more.
Best wishes for a better year in 2026, and take care.
Jim
Jim Byrne, Doctor of Counselling
ABC Counselling and Psychotherapy Services
Hebden Bridge and Worldwide.
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Postscript: The example of your health goals…for 2026
If your goal for 2026 is to improve your health, start by clearly defining what “better health” means for you. For example, you might decide to aim for a daily walk, a balanced diet, or regular sleep and rest. Be as specific and measurable as possible.
Next, take a moment to identify what’s been holding you back in the past. Are there habits, such as skipping breakfast or spending too much time sitting, that you want to change?
Or are there beliefs like “I’ll never stick to an exercise routine” that need to be challenged?
Bringing these obstacles into the open is the first step toward overcoming them and setting yourself up for success in the new year.
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