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Blog Post – Sunday 11th 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 8th 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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In his blog post dated January 8, 2026, Dr Jim Byrne reflects on personal development and the pursuit of wisdom, emphasizing the interconnectedness of daily experiences and enlightenment. He presents the concept that one’s future is shaped not merely by today’s thoughts, but by cumulative experiences and actions. Drawing parallels between the formation of a forest floor and character development, he argues for the significance of proactive change and self-education. Encouraging readers to blend intention with action, he stresses that understanding alone is not enough; intelligent action is essential for meaningful transformation. He concludes with wishes for a successful New Year; and some notes of guidance on how best to create and pursue your reslutions for 2026.
Do you want to know my latest insight into the journey of personal development? If yes, please read on…
My latest insight into the journey of personal development arose in a slightly obscure, and bizarre manner, two mornings ago. Indulge me if you will:
Where did this “intuitive conviction” have come from? The only explanation I could come up with was this: The process of meditating, about five nights every week, for decades, has somehow crystalized; combined with all the Zen and related readings that Renata and I have done, night after night, year after year.
My next thought was this: Personality and character formation are like a sedimented forest floor, laid down by years and years of deposition and accumulation. But in the case of a person, the deposition and accumulation are not organic matter, but rather “cumulative, interpretive experiences”, and the results of all of our actions in the world, including our perceiving-feeling-thinking.
I was now very clear that my life of tomorrow will be determined by all of my cumulative, interpretive experiences; my actions in the world, including my perceiving-feeling-thinking processes and responses to stimuli (- plus the objective environment that I encounter tomorrow; and how I manage my lifestyle between now and tomorrow!)
This is not a new idea. It overlaps the NLP idea that, “If you continue to do what you have always done, then the result you will get is the result that you always have got in the past, and the present!”
But Aristotle had argued that our character formation (and he did not exclude personality) is a result of our childhood training!
And then I remembered that I had been a member of the International Foundation for Action Learning for a few years, about twenty years ago. And the fundamental proposition of the IFAL is this:
And that is where today’s action comes in. What self-educating action can I take today to move me towards the kind of future that I would like to live tomorrow; and tomorrow?
Don’t be discouraged by setbacks; instead, treat them as opportunities for learning and growth. Surround yourself with supportive people who encourage your journey. And most importantly, focus on forming new habits rather than relying solely on willpower—true transformation comes from persistent, mindful practice. 
ABC Counselling and Psychotherapy, Hebden Bridge 