New Year's Resolutions: Think Small and Steady

Do you have a New Year's resolution? If you're like me, and like most people, chances are that you will break your resolution. In fact, four out of five people break their New Year’s resolutions—and a third of people break them by February. 

I finally found a technique that helped me create a positive new habit without too much difficulty. I hope this blog post will equip you to make small but steady positive changes that can help you overcome the negative effects of hyperhidrosis.

The technique I mentioned comes from Dr. B.J. Fogg, a Stanford researcher specializing in behavior change. He sponsors an ongoing experiment called 3 Tiny Habits.  

3 Tiny Habits promises behavior change without relying on willpower or motivation. His goal is to help people learn how habits work. He believes that people can create new habits by changing their environment (your surroundings) and taking baby steps.

The behavior should be

• ·      Easy
• ·      Quick
• ·      Specific
• ·      Scheduled at a certain time each day or prompted by a trigger

      Once you accomplish a small change, you can build on it to accomplish slightly larger changes. For example, instead of setting the resolution to "lose weight," you could set the more attainable goal of "brushing your teeth every night immediately after dinner" to prevent evening snacking. This action is easy, quick, specific, and prompted by a trigger (finishing dinner.)

What would be a small change to help with the social anxiety that results from hyperhidrosis? The change, to be successful, needs to come from inside you rather than from someone else. But I can suggest the kinds of behavior changes that have worked for me in hopes of inspiring you to come up with your own.

One of the negative effects of hyperhidrosis is hyper-focus on oneself. This impedes one's ability to socialize and build relationships and rapport with other. One tiny habit that might help would be when you meet someone new to notice their eye color. This would help you focus on them rather than your own anxiety. Another tiny habit that could help would be when you meet someone to say "Nice to meet you (repeat their name)." This would help you focus on and remember their name. 

One of the most successful changes I have been able to make is, as my head touches my pillow at bedtime, to say three things I'm grateful for. This helps me focus on what is most important in life and to better appreciate the people around me. It doesn't cure hyperhidrosis, but it is an attitude shift that helps one live better with the condition.

What tiny changes will you make in 2014? Whatever they are and whoever you are, I hope you have a great year.

Love,

Tiara

A free and amazingly gratifying way to feel better about yourself (and maybe even your sweaty hands, too!)

Source: http://joettles.com/the-power-of-gratitude/

I just received a kind and inspiring letter from a young woman in Canada. She found my blog when she was 12. She is now 16. Her letter came at a time when I was feeling frustrated at work, wondering if I am living a life with meaning and purpose. I am so grateful to her for sharing with me how my work on the blog has helped her. In turn, she has given me a gift.

Today's challenge: Tell someone today that you appreciate them -- and give a specific example of why. It will give the other person a big boost...perhaps help them know they are appreciated and what it is that they can give to others that is needed more in this world. In turn, you are treating your hyperhidrosis. One of the best ways to overcome the negative emotions that come with hyperhidrosis is to give to others. It's so easy to fall into self-obession and self-doubt. Focusing on others and appreciating them does everyone good.

Love,
Tiara

P.S.: For all you overachievers, check out this article: Why Living a Life of Gratitude Can Make You Happier.

P.P.S.: Here the note sent by the 16-year-old Canadian that inspired me so:

Hi Tiara

I came across your "Sweaty Palm Diaries" when I was just 12 years old. I am now 16. Looking back..my life has completely changed. I know we haven't met and probably live miles apart (I live in Canada) but I just wanted to let you know that you are such an inspiration that I hope to be one day. 4 years ago I was a sweaty 12 year old that was completely lost. I was confused and upset and worse of it all: I was upset with God. "Why me, God?" I would plead but not get an answer. Then I came across your forum and wow..the positivity you put into your life..keep goin' because wow it does help others like myself ;) One of your best posts was a sweaty hands poem and I cried so hard. I cried because at least so many good things can come from sweaty hands. But one of the most treasurable gifts you have passed onto me was Matthew 5:14 and to this day I try to live by it day by day. I know God gave me sweaty hands for a reason: he knew I could handle it. Also I just finished a presentation yesterday and like you I want to improve on my public speaking (I'm a very talkative person and it's a shame HH has takien a tole on me but I fight it with courage and taking on more challenges day by day! :)) We only live once and I know the most important is living freely and honouring God. Thank you so much Tiara, from a sweaty comrade. Keep inspiring millions of people because we need more people like you. I hope to carry your positivity with me throughout my whole life. I really hope to meet you one day. God Bless.