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Blog Post – Sunday 11^th January 2026

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How to Create and Implement Your Most Important Resolution for 2026 

Applying the Six Thinking Hats and Six Action Shoes to Your Health Goals 

By Jim Byrne, Doctor of Counselling

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Summary

This blog post explores effective strategies for creating and implementing meaningful New Year’s resolutions in 2026, particularly focusing on health-related goals (as an illustration of the recommended process).

Drawing on the Six Thinking Hats and Six Action Shoes frameworks, the author, Jim Byrne, offers practical insights to help readers elevate their self-development journey.

The approach encourages structured reflection and action, supporting individuals in turning their resolutions into lasting, positive changes.

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Introduction

On the 8^th of January, I wrote a blog post with the following title: Thoughts related to New Year Resolutions:

The quest for wisdom and self-development is like the creation of a forest floor…in some respects…

Today, I want to move up a gear.

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The Problem

I want to address the problem of why most people struggle to set and pursue and achieve their New Year Resolutions, and more general goals.

The two main problems that I have identified, which block people from achieving their goals, are as follows:

(1). Most people do not know how to “think” effectively. (Dr Edward de Bono argued that this is because most people try to do Six different elements of “thinking” at the same time, which is ineffective.)

(2). And most people are “contemplators”, who think and plan, but do not take action. (James Prochaska and his colleagues argue that the states of change are as follows: Pre-contemplation; Contemplation; Determination; Action; and Maintenance of changed behaviour. You have to know two things: Which stage in this process are you at? And what do you need to do to move to the next stage?)

In this blog post, I will attempt to help individuals who struggle to achieve their goals to make definite progress this year: by using two of Dr de Bono’s strategies. One to improve your “thinking”; and one to improve your management of action.

For convenience, and simplicity, I will use the example of focusing on improving your health; but in practice, you can use the guidance in this blog post to create New Year Goals – or year-round goals – in any area of your life!

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Background and context

As we settle into the new year, many of us are eager to set resolutions that will truly make a difference. But how do you determine which resolution should take priority?

For most people, health stands out as the foundation upon which everything else – wealth, happiness, relationships – depends.

Without good health, all other ambitions are put at risk. (Or, as Jim Rohn says: “If the car breaks down, the journey ends!”)

In this blog post, I want to guide you through a practical, structured approach to selecting and achieving your most important resolution for 2026 – using Edward de Bono’s two powerful models:

• the Six Thinking Hats
• and the Six Action Shoes.

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Step 1: Thoughtful Resolution Creation Using the Six Thinking Hats 

Before you commit to a health goal, take time to explore it from multiple perspectives. De Bono’s Six Thinking Hats model encourages you to examine the issue in a full spectrum of ways. As a quick introduction to this model of “thinking”, we can say that De Bono’s six elements of the thinking process are as follows: Collecting information (which he calls “White Hat Thinking”.)

Let me briefly introduce the Six Thinking Hats model: Imagine you put on a white hat, and get a white sheet of paper, and begin to write down the information that you need to collect; the information you already have; the sources of information that you might need to tap into, etc.

You might then take off your White Hat and put on your Yellow Hat. Imagine the yellow sun shining down on your Yellow Hat (as a reminder that the yellow hat is for looking at the positive aspects of the material or question under review.

On the basis of this brief introduction, let us now proceed to look at creating your New Year Resolution to improve your health:

• White Hat (Facts & Information): Ask yourself, “What do I know about my current health? What facts or data do I have – recent check-ups, fitness levels, sleep patterns, stress markers?” Gather all the relevant information before you decide.

• Yellow Hat (Optimism): Focus on the benefits. How could improving your health enhance other areas of your life? Picture the positive outcomes – more energy, a longer life, greater happiness.

• Red Hat (Feelings): Tune in to your emotions about your health. Are you feeling anxious, hopeful, frustrated, or determined? Emotional awareness can help you identify what truly matters most and what you’re ready to change. (Under the Red Hat, you should also consider your own values, and the values of your nearest and dearest, if they are affected!)

• Green Hat (Creativity): Brainstorm creative ways to reach your health goal. What new approaches could you try – different exercise routines, dietary changes, relaxation techniques?

• Blue Hat (Process): Step back and organize your thinking. What’s the overall plan? How will you structure your journey and keep track of your progress? (Sometimes it’s best to begin with the Blue Hat, rather than the White!)
• Black Hat (Caution): Consider the risks or challenges. What obstacles might stand in your way- habits, time pressures, lack of motivation? Be honest about what could go wrong, so you can plan accordingly. (I normally use the Black Hat in final position, because it is the hat that cautions, “Look before you leap! Could this go wrong?”)

Take notes as you work through each “hat,” and use your insights to define a health resolution that feels both meaningful and achievable.

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Step 2: Planning Your Action Phase with the Six Action Shoes 

Once you’ve clarified your health goal, it’s time to move from thinking to doing.

Edward de Bono’s Six Action Shoes model can help you craft a concrete plan for implementation. Each “shoe” represents a different style of action, as shown next. (The procedure is this: Imagine your are putting on one of the six types of shoes shown below. Then ask yourself: ”Given the ‘shoes’ that I am wearing, what action should I take regarding my resolution or goal?”)

• Grey Sneakers: Investigative, exploratory action – useful for learning about new health strategies, trying out different workouts, or gathering more information by “moving around”.
• Purple Riding Boots: Authoritative, leadership actions – taking charge; taking responsibility; setting boundaries; or advocating for your own health needs.

• Navy Formal Shoes: Structured, disciplined action – ideal for sticking to a specific exercise or medication routine.

• Brown Brogues: Practical, everyday actions – small, consistent steps like drinking more water, walking daily, or improving sleep hygiene.

• Pink Slippers: Caring, nurturing actions – self-care practices such as relaxation, meditation, or gentle movement.

• Orange Wellington (Gum) Boots: Emergency or urgent action – responding quickly if a health issue arises or correcting course when needed.

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Identify which “shoes” are most relevant for your health goal. Imagine you put on a sequence of relevant shoes; and outline specific actions you’ll take in each style.

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The coloured hats and shoes are mnemonics to remind you of the various elements of thinking and acting; and they are “attention directors”, keeping you focusing on one “thinking task”, or “action task”, at a time!

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Putting It All Together 

By combining thoughtful reflection (Six Thinking Hats) with practical action (Six Action Shoes), you’ll be well-equipped to create and carry out a resolution that truly matters. Remember: resolving to prioritize your health is the first step; but turning that decision into daily, meaningful action is what brings real transformation. (Moving from Contemplation to Determination to Action!)

As you embark on your journey, keep reviewing and adjusting your approach. Celebrate small wins, learn from setbacks, and stay committed to your vision of a healthier, happier you in 2026.

Your future self will thank you! 

Wishing you clarity, courage, and steady progress on your resolutions this year.

Best wishes,

Jim

Jim Byrne, Doctor of Counselling 

ABC Counselling and Psychotherapy Service

Hebden Bridge and Worldwide

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