excerpt from: How Do People Change? Determination to Change      Every January 1st, many of us make resolutions. There is something symbolic about a new year that represents the possibility of a fresh start. Transitions inspire change. We also have bursts of determination to change connected to:    •        Birthdays •        New jobs •        Reunions •        Deaths •        “Hitting Bottom” •        Surviving danger •        New relationships •        Relocations •        Divorces •        Weddings              Wanting to change something about yourself (your weight, personality, habits or drive, for example) is a communication from within that some needs are not being met. Acknowledging that there may be improvements to be made can be a healthy, growing experience.  Some of the time. Other times it reflects self- criticism, doubt, shame, and fear of the disapproval of others.              Change will happen when the benefits of the change effort outweigh the discomfort of it. Some people call that motivation. The tricky thing is there may be hidden benefits of remaining the same, or hidden disadvantages of changing. There may be unresolved feelings surrounding the change that are not in our awareness.              This can be why some changes occur naturally while others feel stuck. When change keeps on being sabotaged from within, there is always an unconscious conflict going on.              Change means giving something up, whether it is a belief or something tangible. What will that belief, or food, or cigarette, or behavior be replaced with? What will that experience be like? The unknown is uncomfortable. Fear of the unknown becomes another barrier to change. Sabotaging Change...      In the Pasadena area, please call if you'd like the full text of this publication mailed to you